We’ve all been there – you’re driving along and suddenly the car in front of you turns without warning. Or maybe you’re about to change lanes when someone cuts you off without signaling. These scenarios aren’t just annoying; they can lead to serious accidents. Let’s dive into the world of turn signal negligence and explore who might be at fault in these situations.
The Importance of Turn Signals
Turn signals are more than just blinking lights – they’re a crucial form of communication on the road. Here are some key situations where using your turn signal is a must:
- Making a turn
- Changing lanes
- Merging onto a road or highway
- Entering or exiting a parking lot
- Before pulling out of a parallel parking spot
By using your turn signal, you’re giving other drivers a heads-up about your intentions. This simple action can prevent various types of collisions, from sideswipes on the highway to T-bone crashes at intersections.
New Mexico Laws on Turn Signals
In New Mexico, as in many states, the law requires drivers to use their turn signals before changing direction. While the specific distance may vary, it’s generally a good practice to signal for at least 100 feet before making your move. Failing to do so isn’t just inconsiderate – it could result in a traffic ticket or, worse, an accident.
Types of Crashes Caused by Turn Signal Negligence
When drivers fail to use their turn signals, several types of accidents can occur:
- Rear-end collisions: If a driver turns suddenly without signaling, the car behind might not have time to stop.
- Sideswipe collisions: These often happen when a driver changes lanes without signaling, surprising the driver in the adjacent lane.
- T-bone collisions: These can occur when a driver turns across traffic without signaling, catching oncoming drivers off guard.
Who’s at Fault?
In most cases, the driver who failed to use their turn signal would be considered at fault for the accident. Their negligence in not following traffic laws and failing to communicate their intentions to other drivers directly contributed to the crash.
However, fault isn’t always clear-cut. For example, if a driver ran a red light and hit someone who failed to signal their turn, the red light runner might still bear most of the blame. In New Mexico, we use a “comparative negligence” system, which means fault can be shared between parties.
Proving Fault in a Turn Signal Accident
If you’ve been in an accident where turn signal use (or lack thereof) was a factor, here are some types of evidence that can help establish fault:
- Witness testimony: Did anyone see the other driver fail to signal?
- Video footage: Dashcam or surveillance videos can provide clear evidence of a driver’s actions.
- Police reports: These often include officer observations and statements from involved parties.
Were You Injured in a Turn Signal-Related Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by someone’s failure to use their turn signal, you may be entitled to compensation. At Roadrunner Law Firm, we’re committed to helping accident victims in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico get the justice they deserve.
Our experienced car accident lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. We work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Don’t let someone else’s negligence derail your life. Contact Roadrunner Law Firm today at 505-444-4321 for a free consultation. Let us help you get back on track.
Get in touch with us now to discuss your case.
