Liability if Failing to Signal a Turn or Lane Change Causes a Crash

September 30, 2021

Turn signals are designed to alert others that a driver is about to turn or change lanes. When used properly, this simple but effective device could prevent hundreds of thousands of senseless collisions. Unfortunately, many drivers who fail to use their turn signal may cause serious harm to others in a lane change crash. Whatever drivers may or may not feel about using turn signals, it is the law in Nevada. Therefore, if you were injured in a crash caused by a driver’s failure to signal, you may be eligible to seek compensation. Our Las Vegas automobile crash lawyers are prepared to help victims injured by another’s negligence. Learn more in the free initial consultation we offer. There is no risk to find out what legal options may be available to you.

Are Las Vegas Drivers Required to Use Turn Signals?

In Nevada, using a turn signal is required when turning or changing lanes, as well as for:

• Exiting a roundabout
• Turning into a parking space
• Pulling out of a parking lot or driveway
• Parallel parking
• Passing vehicles or merging

When turning or changing lanes in a residential or business district, drivers are required to start signaling from a minimum of 100 feet away. If turning from an open highway, however, drivers must turn on their blinker much further back – from a minimum of 300 feet away. If there are pedestrians nearby or in the path of the vehicle, drivers are required to also honk their horn as a warning. Additionally:

• Be sure you are in the correct lane for turning
• Check for other vehicles around you (including in your blind spots)
• Yield the right of way to other traffic, including pedestrians
• Slow down to make the turn – however, not until your blinker is on
• Be sure your turn signal is off as you re-enter the flow of traffic

It is important to note that turning on your signal at the last second does not adequately warn other drivers that you are about to turn and could result in a serious lane change crash.

Determining Liability When a Crash is Caused by a Failure to Signal

Failing to use a turn signal in Nevada is a misdemeanor that includes both a fine and one demerit point against the driver’s license. However, if a driver does not get a ticket, proving liability for the purpose of an insurance claim is not often straightforward. Therefore, liability for crashes involving turn signals will typically need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you are lucky, there is evidence that the at-fault driver failed to signal, such as being issued a traffic ticket or footage from a nearby traffic camera. In that type of situation, the driver may be assessed with full liability – or at least a greater portion of it. However, there are other situations when fault could be shared. For example, if a driver turns without signaling and the driver in back rear-ends him or her, both parties could be assessed with some degree of fault. Even though the driver in front violated a traffic law, the driver in back may have been following too closely. Other common examples of crashes involving turn signals include:

• Turning left at an intersection without signaling and then getting T-boned by an oncoming vehicle
• Signaling to go in one direction, but then turning in the opposite direction
• Signaling to turn, but then not turning at all
• Making a turn without ever signaling
• Turning on the blinker and starting to turn at the same time

If you were involved in a crash with a driver who failed to signal, it is important to seek legal help immediately. These claims can be challenging to prove, and victims may greatly benefit from the knowledge and experience of a qualified attorney.

Injured in a Lane Change Crash Caused By a Driver Who Failed to Signal?

If you suffered harm in a traffic accident because of another driver’s failure to signal, we are prepared to help. Set up a free case review to discuss your situation with one of our qualified attorneys today. There is no obligation to hire our firm. At High Stakes Injury Law, we are dedicated to our clients. For partners Jack Bernstein and Scott Poisson, this means being personally involved in every case our firm handles. We have a strong and proven track record, and we are ready to fight tirelessly on your behalf to obtain the maximum amount of compensation possible. If we represent you, there is nothing to pay up front, because we do not get paid until your case concludes – and only if we win.