A 56-year-old woman from Palmetto, Florida, was killed in an accident the evening of June 16. At the time of the crash, she was a passenger in a 1998 Jeep Cherokee, which collided with another vehicle. Charges in the case were pending as the Florida Highway Patrol investigated whether or not alcohol was a factor in the crash.
The driver of the Jeep was a 38-year-old man from Palmetto, who was heading south on U.S. 41 just north of 35th Street West in the left turn lane. At the same time, a 19-year-old woman from Bradenton was driving a 2000 Ford Excursion north on U.S. 41, also just north of 35th Street, in the center lane.
When the driver of the Jeep attempted to turn left, he moved directly into the path of the Excursion, violating its right of way. The front of the Jeep slammed into the right side of the Excursion and was pushed into a private yard. The driver of the Jeep suffered only minor injuries, but the passenger’s injuries were fatal.
Right-of-way accidents common
These types of accidents are unfortunately common, and by their very nature can be extremely dangerous. A person attempting to make a left turn while oncoming traffic is too close exposes the front and passenger sides of the vehicle to direct impact.
Drivers are expected to wait to make left turns until the way is clear for them to do so. Violating this rule could make them liable for any potential injuries or deaths resulting from their negligence.
To learn more about your legal options if you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, contact a respected Bradenton personal injury attorney with Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh today.