Are Left-Turning Drivers Always to Blame in Tampa?
Drivers must yield to traffic when making left-hand turns. But does this mean that a left-turning driver is always to blame after a crash? What if you were T-boned in Tampa while attempting to make what you thought was a legal maneuver? In this situation, you might want to discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer.
What if the Other Driver Was Speeding?
If you were attempting to make a left-hand turn at an intersection, the speed of the other car could be relevant. If another driver broke the speed limit before T-boning you, they could be to blame for the crash. This is true even though left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic. Officials may determine that you had no time to react due to the speed of the oncoming traffic.
In July of 2026, a Tesla driver was arrested in Tampa for this exact offense. Officials say that he was traveling at over 100 miles per hour when he approached an intersection at the exact moment a Volkswagen driver attempted a left turn. The Tesla then T-boned the Volkswagen with enough force to flip it over.
The driver of the Volkswagen was critically injured by the crash, and first responders had no choice but to pronounce him dead when they arrived at the scene. Police officers then arrested the Tesla driver, charging him with vehicular homicide and speeding.
What if You Had a Green Arrow?
If you had a protected green arrow when you were making your left-hand turn, you had the right of way. As a result, all other traffic (including pedestrians) had to yield to you. This is perhaps the most obvious example of when a left-turning driver is not at fault for their collision.
A Right-Turning Vehicle Veered Into Your Lane
Another example involves a right-turning vehicle at the opposite side of the intersection. While left-turning vehicles must yield to opposite right-turning vehicles, each driver must stay in their respective lanes. If a right-turning vehicle veers into your lane and you rear-end them, you may not be at fault.
Right-turning drivers must stay in the right-hand lanes at all times throughout their maneuvers. If a right-turning driver drifts from the right lane to the inside (left) lane while making their turn, they leave you no room when you turn left across the intersection.
Search for Other Evidence of Negligence
Even if these situations don’t apply to you, the other driver might still be at fault. An experienced lawyer can help you search for other evidence of negligence, such as intoxication, distraction, sleep deprivation, or reckless driving.
Can a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Help After a T-Bone Collision?
If you’re recovering from injuries after a T-bone collision in Tampa, consider speaking with a lawyer about your next steps. While it’s true that drivers must yield when making left-hand turns, this doesn’t mean you are automatically to blame for your T-bone collision. Discuss your situation in more detail by contacting Anderson & Anderson at 813-251-0072 today.
Source:
wfla.com/news/local-news/tesla-driver-arrested-went-over-100-mph-in-tampa-crash-that-killed-volkswagen-driver-police/
