Modern vehicles come with many enhanced safety features, from backup cameras to auto braking to prevent you from rear-ending the car in front of you. Even turn signals are more sophisticated than ever, using technology to alert you if another vehicle is close. Yet, when drivers fail to understand the importance of using turn signals to avoid an auto crash, the results can be life-altering injuries or death.
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident, no turn signal, you may be eligible for compensation. Our Houston car accident lawyers explain when you should use a signal and what legal options you may have if you’ve been hurt.
When Should You Be Using a Turn Signal to Avoid A Car Accident In Texas?
Recently, car companies have begun emphasizing new crash avoidance features on passenger vehicles to prevent accidents. At the same time, many motorists are forgetting to use the basic safety tools their vehicles provide. One of these is the turn signal, which can be vital to preventing a wreck—yet many drivers are not using their turn signals on a regular basis.
Turn indicators are an important means of communicating with others on the road to let them know where a car will be going. Failing to use turn signals causes many preventable accidents, with unsuspecting victims who do not realize that a driver is merging into a lane, turning onto a street, or entering a parking lot.
When Are You Required to Use a Turn Signal In Texas?
Using a turn signal is mandatory under Texas Transportation Code § 545.104. Drivers who don’t follow this law could be pulled over by police and receive a citation. Fines for this violation within the City of Houston are $180, although they can be higher in other Texas counties. Specifically, the following rules apply:
- Drivers must use their signals to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parked position.
- A driver intending to turn must use his left or right turn signal continuously for 100 feet of movement before the vehicle turns.
- Drivers must use turn signals before they begin a change of position, not just during the maneuver.
Common Accidents That Result From Failing to Use a Turn Signal
If a driver isn’t in the habit of using their blinker, they may get away with it for a long time before someone gets hurt. It’s vital for motorists to always use your signal any time it’s legally required and many times when it makes good safety sense to do so. Otherwise, you could get hurt in accidents like these:
- A driver fails to signal a lane change, cutting you off and forcing you to brake hard to avoid a crash. However, this sudden deceleration on a Houston highway could mean the car behind you rear-ends your vehicle.
- A driver doesn’t look or use their signal before changing lanes, sideswiping you, or forcing you to sideswipe another vehicle on your other side.
- A driver doesn’t signal their left turn at a four-way stop when you both arrive at the same time, and you drive forward because you think they are going straight. They turn left into you, causing a T-bone accident and seriously injuring you.
- A driver fails to signal when they are beginning to parallel park, and a car behind them doesn’t stop in time to avoid a crash.
These kinds of accidents can leave you with broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and other conditions that keep you out of work and unable to pay your bills. On top of that, you may struggle to handle the medical costs associated with your injuries and repair your vehicle.
By working with an aggressive car accident lawyer in Houston, you can let them handle the legal details while you focus on getting better.
Your attorney can help you develop a full calculation of all your expenses, including your pain and suffering. They will speak with the insurance company on your behalf, negotiate with the other driver’s lawyer, and prepare your case for trial when necessary. They will also collaborate with medical specialists and other experts to tailor your case to your specific circumstances, always fighting hard to protect your interests and maximize your compensation.
Tips for Using Your Turn Signal Safely
Using a turn signal is essential to warn other motorists of your intentions. It is especially dangerous not to use a turn signal on a highway where vehicles are traveling at a faster speed. In addition, failing to signal a lane change or turn when large commercial trucks are traveling in other lanes could lead to devastating injuries or death in a truck accident.
Follow these safety tips on using your turn signal:
- Changing lanes: Put your turn signal on before changing lanes to give drivers around you time to slow down and prepare for your lane change. Be certain to check that you have sufficient space to merge into the lane before doing so. Once you have switched lanes, shut off your turn signal—something many people forget to do—so you don’t confuse other motorists of your intentions.
- Turning onto a street: Putting on your turn signal as required under Texas law is essential to warn drivers around you that you will be turning onto a street. If you fail to do so, another motorist may think that you are slowing down after speeding instead of dramatically reducing your speed to make a turn safely.
- Turning at a stoplight: You should always use a turn signal at a stoplight to warn other drivers of your intentions. It is especially critical to use your turn signal if the intersection does not have turn-only lanes so other drivers know that you are turning and not going straight.
- Waiting to park: Although it’s not required by law, it’s smart to use your turn signal to show drivers behind you that you’re waiting to enter a parking space, whether you’re driving into an angled space in a parking lot or beginning a parallel parking maneuver.
- Exiting a parallel parking space: Before leaving your parking space, turn on your signal and look carefully for oncoming cars. When the lane is clear, enter traffic and turn off your signal.
Although there are many jokes about how Texas drivers never use turn signals, the truth is it’s illegal and could be used to show fault in a crash. In Texas, all drivers are required to carry liability auto insurance to pay for any injuries and damage they cause in an accident. The key to successfully obtaining an insurance settlement is demonstrating how the other driver is at fault.
Using Turn Signal Violations Against a Negligent Driver in a Car Accident Case
After a crash, you should first make sure you and others are physically okay. Call 911 to bring police and medical responders to the scene, then exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver, which is required under Texas law. After that, share your story with the police and gather evidence such as photographs, witness names, and anything else that could support your case.
Once you’re safe and receive any medical treatment you need, it’s time to file an insurance claim against the other driver’s auto insurance. Doing so can be challenging without guidance from a skilled car accident attorney since insurance providers will usually deny their policyholder is at fault. This is where working with a lawyer is beneficial since they can request the police crash report and other material to show how the other driver was at fault.
By showing photos, videos, and other documentation, your attorney can demonstrate how the other driver failed to follow the law, breaching their duty to drive safely. Next, they will negotiate with the insurance provider to show how the negligent driver directly caused your injuries and is financially responsible for your bills.
What if the Insurance Company Doesn’t Want to Pay My Damages?
Sometimes, the insurance representative may make a low offer that doesn’t cover your losses, or the policy limits aren’t enough to compensate you for everything you need. That is when your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit. You’ll need to do this soon after your accident since the Texas statute of limitations is only two years from the day you get hurt.
Going to court gives you a stronger chance of getting every dollar you deserve and allows your lawyer to build a powerful case on your behalf.
Contact Steve Lee to Learn More
Did a negligent driver’s failure to use a turn signal cause your car accident? You need an experienced car accident lawyer to file your claim with his insurance company and negotiate your settlement. Attorney Steve Lee offers no-cost case reviews with no obligation, and if we take your case, you do not pay us unless we secure a settlement for you.
We listen to your situation and give you our best legal advice, then get to work investigating your case and negotiating for the compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our trusted Houston car accident attorneys can help you.