Liability for Crashes Caused by Failing to Use Turn Signals

Turn signals are one of the simplest yet most crucial tools for preventing accidents on the road. However, many drivers fail to use them properly or neglect to signal altogether, leading to confusion, dangerous maneuvers, and serious collisions. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a driver who didn’t use their turn signal, you may be entitled to compensation.

This blog explores New Jersey’s laws regarding turn signals, liability in such accidents, and how a personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights.

Turn Signal Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey has clear laws requiring drivers to use turn signals when changing lanes, merging, or turning. These laws are designed to protect all road users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Turn signals provide critical communication between drivers and ensure smoother traffic flow, reducing the chances of sudden stops, erratic lane changes, and confusion at intersections.

Is Failing to Signal Illegal in New Jersey?

Yes. Under NJ Rev Stat §39:4-126, drivers are legally required to signal their intent to turn or change lanes at least 100 feet before making the maneuver. The purpose of this law is to give surrounding drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians ample time to react appropriately and adjust their driving behaviors to prevent accidents.

Failing to signal is not just a minor oversight—it is considered a traffic violation that can have serious consequences. This law is given out of habit, but negligence in this regard can lead to preventable collisions. This is why law enforcement officers actively issue citations to drivers who fail to signal properly.

Penalties for Not Using a Turn Signal in NJ

If a driver is caught failing to signal, they may face:

• A fine of up to $85
• Two points on these (which can increase insurance rates)
• Potential legal liability if their failure to signal leads to an accident

These penalties serve as a deterrent, but unfortunately, many drivers still fail to use their turn signals consistently. Insurance companies also take traffic violations into account, which means that repeated offenses can lead to higher premiums, making it more expensive to maintain auto insurance coverage.

Establishing Liability in Turn Signal-Related Accidents

All drivers have to exercise reasonable care while considering traffic violations, which means an accident, they may be found negligent under New Jersey law. Establishing liability in these cases requires demonstrating that the lack of signaling directly contributed to the collision.

When is a Driver Liable for Not Using a Turn Signal?

Liability in a turn signal-related accident typically depends on whether the failure to signal directly caused the crash. Here are some common scenarios:

• Rear-end collisions: If a driver suddenly slows down or turns without signaling, the driver behind may not have enough time to react.
• T-bone accidents: A driver making an unannounced left turn at an intersection may get hit by an oncoming vehicle that had the right of way.
• Lane-change collisions: A driver who merges or changes lanes without signaling may sideswipe another vehicle or force them off the road.
• Pedestrian or cyclist accidents: Failing to signal when turning can endanger pedestrians or cyclists who rely on turn signals to gauge safe crossings.

Can Both Drivers Share Liability?

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule (NJ Rev Stat §2A:15-5.1). This means:

• You can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault.
• Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
• If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.

For example, if you were partially responsible (e.g., speeding at the time of the crash), your total compensation may be reduced proportionally to your level of fault. This legal principle ensures that accountability is distributed fairly and considers all contributing factors in the accident.

Compensation Available in Turn Signal-Related Crashes

If you were injured in an accident caused by another driver’s failure to signal, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
  
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working.
  
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
  
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
  
• Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed in such an accident, their family may pursue compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

In addition to these damages, victims may also be eligible for punitive damages in cases of gross negligence, such as if the at-fault driver was driving recklessly, under the influence, or aggressively maneuvering through traffic. While compensatory damages are designed to cover tangible losses, punitive damages serve as a punishment and a deterrent against reckless driving behaviors.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Proving that a driver’s failure to signal directly caused an accident isn’t always straightforward. A personal injury attorney can help by:

• Gathering evidence: Reviewing surveillance footage, dashcam videos, police reports, and witness statements.
  
• Analyzing traffic laws: Demonstrating how the at-fault driver violated New Jersey traffic statutes.
  
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Ensuring you receive fair compensation instead of a lowball settlement.
  
• Representing you in court: If necessary, filing a lawsuit to recover damages.

Injured in a Crash? Get Legal Help Today

If you or a loved one suffered injuries because another driver failed to use their turn signal, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The attorneys at Rosengard Law Group are experienced in handling New Jersey car accident cases and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

We offer personalized legal representation and understand how stressful the aftermath of an accident can be. From medical bills to lost wages, our legal team will help you recover the compensation needed to move forward.

Contact us for a free consultation today. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Call us at (856) 284-6446 or visit Rosengard Law Group to schedule your free case review.