Left-hand turns at busy intersections in Sarasota present significant risks for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Unlike other traffic maneuvers, left turns require motorists to judge the speed of oncoming traffic, anticipate lane changes, and react quickly to sudden movements from other vehicles. A single moment of hesitation, a miscalculation of distance, or a failure to yield can result in devastating collisions, often leading to severe injuries and significant property damage.
At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, we have represented numerous victims of left-turn accidents in Sarasota and have witnessed firsthand how these crashes can change lives. Determining liability in left-turn accidents can be complex, especially when factors like speeding, distracted driving, or failing to obey traffic signals are involved. Our firm understands the challenges victims face, and we are committed to helping those injured in the Sarasota area from left-hand turn accidents recover the compensation they deserve.
Certain intersections in Sarasota are especially hazardous for left-hand turns due to high traffic volume, multiple merging lanes, and frequent driver errors. Some of the most dangerous intersections include:
- U.S. 41 and Bee Ridge Road
- Fruitville Road and Beneva Road
- Stickney Point Road and South Tamiami Trail
- University Parkway and U.S. 301
- Clark Road and Honore Avenue
- Washington Boulevard (U.S. 301) and 17th Street
- Fruitville Road and U.S. 41
- Honore Avenue and Palmer Boulevard
- I-75 and University Parkway Interchange
- Gulf Gate Drive and South Tamiami Trail
Other Notable Dangerous Intersections for Left-Hand Turns:
- U.S. 41 and Myrtle Street
- U.S. 301 and University Parkway
- Bee Ridge Road and Honore Avenue
- Tuttle Avenue and Bahia Vista Street
- Fruitville Road and Tuttle Avenue
This intersection is one of Sarasota’s busiest, with high congestion from both local traffic and commuters traveling between downtown Sarasota and surrounding areas. The presence of multiple shopping centers and businesses in the area leads to heavy pedestrian crossings, increasing the risk of left-turn accidents. Drivers attempting left-hand turns often struggle to find a clear gap in oncoming traffic, leading to rushed turns or collisions with fast-moving vehicles. Additionally, frequent lane changes by drivers trying to negotiate congested roads increase the risk of side-impact crashes.
Fruitville Road and Beneva Road – Multiple Lanes and Complex Left Turns
This intersection experiences high traffic volume throughout the day, particularly during rush hours and tourist seasons. With multiple lanes in each direction, drivers making left turns must carefully judge the speed and movement of several oncoming vehicles. Misjudged left turns here often result in T-bone accidents, as oncoming drivers may be accelerating through the light while left-turning vehicles attempt to cross multiple lanes of traffic. Additionally, sudden stops due to unexpected pedestrian crossings or merging vehicles can contribute to rear-end accidents.
Stickney Point Road and South Tamiami Trail – Heavy Tourist and Commuter Traffic
This intersection is particularly problematic due to its location near Siesta Key, attracting a mix of local commuters and out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with the traffic patterns. Left-turn accidents here often occur when drivers fail to yield properly due to poor judgment or distraction, especially as oncoming traffic speeds up after leaving the nearby bridge. Tourists, who may be unfamiliar with Florida’s left-turn laws, sometimes hesitate or miscalculate their turns, leading to crashes. Sudden stops for pedestrians or cyclists also increase rear-end accident risks in this area.
University Parkway and U.S. 301 – Heavy Commercial Traffic and Frequent Lane Changes
This major interchange sees a mix of large commercial trucks, local traffic, and high-speed commuters, making left-hand turns particularly dangerous. The heavy volume of vehicles results in congested turning lanes, and drivers often become impatient, attempting left turns in small gaps in traffic. Additionally, lane-changing maneuvers by vehicles trying to merge onto University Parkway or U.S. 301 create unexpected movement patterns, increasing the risk of side-impact or head-on collisions for left-turning drivers.
Clark Road and Honore Avenue – High Speeds and Limited Left-Turn Visibility
At this intersection, speeding is a significant factor in left-turn accidents, as many drivers on Clark Road approach at high speeds, making it difficult for left-turning vehicles to safely gauge their turning windows. Additionally, obstructed views from large commercial trucks, landscaping, or nearby businesses can make it hard for drivers to see oncoming traffic clearly. Many accidents at this location involve misjudged left turns into fast-moving oncoming traffic, leading to severe collisions.
Washington Boulevard (U.S. 301) and 17th Street – Impatient Drivers and Obstructed Views
This intersection sees frequent left-turn accidents due to a combination of driver impatience and limited visibility. Washington Boulevard (U.S. 301) is a major north-south route with continuous traffic flow, and left-turning drivers often try to force turns during small gaps in oncoming traffic. Additionally, the angle of the intersection and parked vehicles near the roadway can obstruct a driver’s view, leading to collisions with approaching cars that were not fully visible.
Fruitville Road and U.S. 41 – High Speeds and Risky Left Turns
Located near downtown Sarasota, this intersection combines high-speed traffic with frequent lane changes. Drivers making left turns must cross multiple lanes of fast-moving vehicles, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Many left-turn crashes here occur when a driver miscalculates the distance of oncoming cars or turns on a yellow light, leading to a collision with vehicles accelerating to beat the red light. Additionally, pedestrian activity in this area adds another layer of risk, as left-turning drivers must also account for people crossing the street.
Honore Avenue and Palmer Boulevard – Residential Traffic and Misjudged Left Turns
This intersection is frequently used by local residents traveling between neighborhoods, leading to a mix of cautious and aggressive drivers. Left-turn accidents here commonly happen when drivers misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic, especially during peak commuting hours when congestion causes unpredictable stop-and-go movement. Additionally, poor lighting in certain areas at night increases the risk of miscalculations and collisions.
I-75 and University Parkway Interchange – High-Speed Traffic and Multi-Lane Challenges
This interchange is one of Sarasota’s busiest and most accident-prone areas due to the complex roadway design and high-speed traffic exiting and entering I-75. Left-turn accidents here often occur when drivers attempting to cross multiple lanes fail to account for fast-moving vehicles coming off the interstate. Additionally, last-minute lane changes by drivers unfamiliar with the exit ramps create sudden obstacles for left-turning vehicles, leading to severe crashes.
Gulf Gate Drive and South Tamiami Trail – Unpredictable Driver Behavior and Frequent Crashes
This intersection is well-known for its unpredictable traffic flow, as it serves both local businesses and a major roadway. Left-turn accidents here are often caused by drivers attempting quick turns without proper visibility, either due to other vehicles blocking their view or misjudging oncoming traffic speed. Additionally, heavy pedestrian and cyclist activity in the area forces drivers to make split-second decisions, sometimes resulting in sudden stops that lead to rear-end collisions.
These intersections frequently experience left-turn accidents due to fast-moving vehicles, limited visibility, and driver impatience. If you or a loved one has been injured in a left-turn accident in Sarasota, understanding your legal options is essential. The attorneys at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh are here to fight for your rights, ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries, and hold negligent drivers accountable.
What Happens in a Left-Hand Turn Accident?
Left-turn accidents commonly occur when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. These crashes often lead to T-bone or side-impact collisions, which are particularly dangerous due to the limited protection offered by a vehicle’s side panels. Other types of left-turn crashes include head-on collisions, where the turning driver miscalculates the gap and moves directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle, and rear-end accidents, which occur when a driver suddenly stops mid-turn, causing another vehicle to crash into them.
Several factors contribute to left-turn accidents in Sarasota, including:
- Failure to yield – Turning drivers misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles.
- Obstructed views – Large vehicles, signage, or road curves block a driver’s ability to see approaching traffic.
- Distracted driving – Either the turning driver or an oncoming driver may be using a phone or otherwise not paying attention.
- Sudden lane changes – Oncoming drivers may shift lanes unpredictably, creating an unexpected hazard.
While the left-turning driver is usually presumed at fault, exceptions exist. If the oncoming driver was speeding, ran a red light, or was driving recklessly, they may be found partially or entirely liable for the crash.
Common Injuries from Left-Turn Accidents
At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, we have helped numerous clients recover after suffering serious injuries from left-turn accidents. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries – The sudden jolt from an impact can cause severe strain on the neck and spine.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Head trauma from a collision can result in concussions or long-term cognitive issues.
- Broken Bones – Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis due to the force of impact.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Severe crashes can cause nerve damage, herniated discs, or even paralysis.
- Internal Injuries – Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding from the force of the crash.
- Lacerations and Soft Tissue Damage – Shattered glass and crumpled metal often lead to deep cuts, bruising, and torn ligaments.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a left-turn accident in Sarasota, seeking immediate medical attention is critical—even if you don’t feel injured right away. Some injuries, like whiplash and internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can have long-term health effects.
How Our Law Firm Can Maximize Your Compensation
If you’ve been injured in a left-turn accident in Sarasota, securing skilled legal representation is crucial to proving fault and maximizing your compensation. At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, we understand the complexities of these cases and how insurance companies try to minimize payouts. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case, gathering key evidence such as:
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Police accident reports
- Accident reconstruction analysis
We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation possible, including:
Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care expenses.
Lost wages – Compensation for time missed at work and reduced future earning potential.
Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property damage – Vehicle repair or replacement costs.
Florida’s Right-of-Way Laws for Left Turns
Florida law is clear when it comes to left-hand turns: the driver making the turn must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a protected green arrow. At intersections with standard green lights, stop signs, or no traffic signals, the left-turning driver must ensure a safe gap before proceeding.
However, determining liability isn’t always straightforward. If an oncoming driver was speeding, distracted, or ran a red light, they may share fault for the accident. Under Florida’s comparative negligence law, even if you were partially responsible, you may still be entitled to compensation.
Steps to Take After a Left-Turn Accident in Sarasota
If you are involved in a left-turn accident, take these critical steps to protect your case:
Ensure Safety – Check yourself and others for injuries and move to a safe area if possible.
Call Authorities – Report the accident to Sarasota police or the Florida Highway Patrol and request an official accident report.
Exchange Information – Collect driver contact details, insurance information, and vehicle descriptions.
Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signals.
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries like concussions or whiplash may appear later.
Contact a Sarasota Car Accident Attorney – Speak with Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh before discussing the accident with insurance companies.
Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh: Your Sarasota Car Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a left-turn accident in Sarasota, don’t navigate the legal process alone. The attorneys at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh have extensive experience handling these types of cases and know how to build strong claims to maximize compensation. Call us today for a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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