Florida roundabout laws require drivers to reduce their speed and yield the right of way to road users when appropriate. Upon entering, they drive with the flow of traffic. If their failure to do so causes an accident, roundabout accident liability Florida will fall to the driver who failed to yield. However, the fault for the accident could be ascribed to both drivers involved in the accident under the state’s comparative negligence laws.
Identifying negligence and comparative negligence can be challenging. It can also be challenging to ensure negligence is fairly and accurately apportioned since its distribution directly affects your financial recovery. A Florida car accident lawyer can help you navigate the financial recovery process. You could receive a free consultation and representation on a contingency fee basis.
What Florida Traffic Laws Say About Safely Navigating Roundabouts
A roundabout is an optional means of controlling an intersection without the need for a traffic light or four-way stops. It is a circular intersection designed to slow traffic flow, enhancing safety and efficiency. Drivers entering and exiting roundabouts must slow their speed and yield the right of way to others already in the roundabout. According to U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines, they can also reduce conflict points among drivers and decrease serious and fatal accidents.
At the local level, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) specifies the following roundabout traffic rules:
- Reduce speed to 10-15 mph upon approach
- Remain alert and attentive to other traffic
- Yield the right of way to vehicles already inside
- Do not stop or pass while inside the roundabout
- Signal your intent to exit the roundabout
- Remain in your marked lane at all times
- Allow emergency vehicles to pass you
- Accommodate pedestrians in crosswalks
- Yield to large trucks and trailers when turning
A driver who fails to follow these guidelines could bear roundabout accident liability Florida. Since the state relies on comparative negligence laws to apportion liability, getting it right is critical to recovering damages.
Florida Roundabout Accident Laws Could Affect Your Compensation Request
Comparative negligence distributes negligence among drivers in an accident by a degree of fault. The actions of each driver in a roundabout collision will be carefully evaluated in the event of a motor vehicle accident.
According to Florida Statutes § 768.81, you can recover damages from the other involved party as long as 50% or less at fault for causing the accident in the roundabout.
Any compensation awarded to you for a violation of roundabout accident rules Florida will be reduced by the same percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, a $1,000,000 settlement or verdict will be reduced to $750,000 if you are 25% at fault in your roundabout accident liability Florida.
A car accident attorney in your area can help you fight for an accurate distribution of financial liability. They can help you avoid losing compensation altogether or receiving a smaller settlement than you deserve.
Commonly Reported Causes of Roundabout Accidents in Florida
Roundabouts are designed with no stop signs or stoplights to create a continuous stream of traffic. This system does not mean drivers can drive without regard for others on the roadway. All drivers must remain aware of and be on the lookout for pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency vehicles.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) identifies the following four commonly reported causes of roundabout accidents:
- Run-off-road
- Rear-end
- Sideswipe
- Entering- and exiting-circulating
Multi-lane roundabouts can pose additional challenges and lead to sideswiping, merging, and lane-change accidents. Drivers who fail to yield appropriately can be held accountable for their negligence and compelled to compensate the plaintiff in an accident.
Evidence of Florida Roundabout Accident Laws Violations
Car accident cases that involve distributing negligence among multiple drivers rely on a comprehensive collection of objective evidence. Your case file can include the following types of evidence:
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Accident scene photos
- Expert testimonials
- First responder reports
- Injury photos
- Medical records
- Police report
- Proof of income
- Vehicle inspection
- Witness statements
- Written prognosis
Pulling all the evidence you need together can be a time-consuming process. A personal injury lawyer can help you collect all the evidence you need. They may even have an easier time accessing some evidence, like roundabout blueprints, designs, and other official city records and reports.
Financial Compensation for Roundabout Accident Claims in Florida
If another driver’s negligence led to your accident, you could be entitled to financial compensation. A lawyer in your area can help you recover the following non-economic or economic damages:
- Disability or disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Loss of future earning ability
- Property damage or destruction
- Diminished property value
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
A car accident lawyer can also help you document all the compensation you are entitled to recover, including hidden damages you might otherwise overlook. Their familiarity with cases like yours means you can avoid having your roundabout accident claim undervalued or underpaid.
Filing Deadlines That Affect Your Roundabout Car Accident Lawsuit
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have a two-year window to file a personal injury lawsuit. The wrongful death statute of limitations is also generally two years, according to the same statute.
If the filing deadline is not met, you could be barred from filing your lawsuit, and the insurance company could refuse to negotiate a settlement. You can avoid these costly consequences by filing your lawsuit within the allotted time.
Your personal injury attorney will ensure that all deadlines in your case are met, including any exceptions that may apply. They will keep you updated on changes in your case and advise you on your legal options.
Call (954) 633-8270 for a Free Review of Your Roundabout Accident Claim
If you or someone you love was injured in a roundabout accident, our personal injury lawyers can help you build a strong case for compensation. Our legal team will investigate your accident and deal with the insurance company so that you do not have to under a contingency fee agreement. You pay nothing unless we win.
Start exploring your compensation options right now. Contact one of our consultation team members at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today.
