Right Turn Accidents

Making a right turn while driving is such a common maneuver that it is often done without much consideration. Carelessness leads to accidents though and accidents cause injuries, property damage and other long-term consequences that can be difficult to overcome.

If you have been involved in a right turn accident in the Philadelphia area, you could be eligible to receive payment for your damages from the person who caused the collision. Often with these kinds of accidents, you might initially be unsure of who is responsible for the wreck. This is why the help of an experienced right turn accident lawyer, such as those at MyPhillyLawyer, is a valuable asset.

Pennsylvania Right Turn Laws

Drivers at an intersection may turn right at a red light if no signs specifically forbid it and oncoming traffic allows. This is known as a “right on red.” The driver always must first come to a complete stop and check for traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists before pulling out.

Doing this requires sound judgment of how quickly traffic is moving and if the driver attempting to turn right has enough time to do so. Pulling into traffic that is moving in the same direction may seem simple and safe enough, but it still deserves a driver’s full attention.

Who Is at Fault?

Right-hand turn accidents can generate a surprising number of potential fault scenarios. For example, the driver who turned right could have hit a bicyclist or pedestrian because they failed to check for them. They might misjudge the distance of oncoming traffic and pull out in front of a vehicle that is too close. They could be confused about who has the right-of-way and go at the same time as another vehicle accidentally.

Likewise, a car traveling straight at the intersection could be speeding. They could ignore or miss a red light. Either driver could be distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. One small mistake can cause a serious accident.

After an accident, the police who respond to the scene will make a report about what happened which may determine who caused the collision. An attorney or insurance company might also investigate to assign legal responsibility to someone. These findings can become very important later if an injured person decides to take further legal action after an accident.

Car Insurance Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of only a few states that follows a choice no-fault car insurance system. This means that drivers potentially can be paid for medical expenses and other damages through their own car insurance policy after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This ensures coverage of costs but limits an accident victim’s right to pursue compensation from another party who may have caused the accident unless it meets certain criteria.

Drivers are required to carry at least a minimum amount of car insurance but beyond that, they can choose between limited tort coverage or full tort coverage. Limited tort coverage will pay for injuries and damages caused by an accident but does not allow drivers to sue for other damages like pain and suffering unless the accident and injuries are considered “serious.”

Full tort coverage does not limit a driver’s ability to be compensated in an accident, regardless of severity. The policy will pay for injuries and damages just like limited tort policies but also lets the injured party sue for pain and suffering and other nonmonetary damages. Full tort coverage is more expensive but offers more protection to injured motorists and their passengers.

Potential Damages in Right Turn Accidents

Accident victims and their families can recover money for the damages a right turn accident has caused them in the immediate aftermath and the future. These include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical care costs
• Lost wages and benefits
• Lost earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death
• Permanent disability or disfiguration
• Property damages
• Loss of consortium or support

Some of these damages have a set value, such as medical bills. Others are harder to calculate. An experienced attorney can help you value nonmonetary damages like pain and suffering fairly so you are paid what you deserve.

MyPhillyLawyer Can Help

It is important to contact a right-turn accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your best interests and your right to compensation. If you have questions about liability or anything else following a right turn accident in Philadelphia, MyPhillyLawyer can help you find answers and determine your best path forward.

Contact our law office in Philadelphia today for a no-cost consultation to discuss your legal options. Call 215-227-2727.