When is it legal to pass a vehicle on a Florida road?

Largo, FL—A large percentage of the car crashes that occur in the U.S. happen as a result of illegal passing. Florida drivers are only permitted to overtake and pass a vehicle when the law allows for it. Passing can be a risky maneuver to make and should only be done with caution, and of course, when it is legal.

If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident in Largo, FL with a driver who made an illegal pass or attempted to pass you when it wasn’t clear for them to do so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Florida’s law on overtaking and passing

Under Florida law, drivers are prohibited from overtaking and passing the vehicle in front of them if there is a solid yellow line to the right of a broken yellow line unless they are making a left turn. Drivers are also restricted from overtaking and passing in no-pass zones, which are typically roads with only two lanes of travel with traffic moving in opposite directions. If neither circumstance applies, a driver may then be able to pass the vehicle in front of them.

Drivers who are legally permitted to overtake and pass another motorist must first do the following before completing the maneuver:

Give the appropriate signal.
Pass to the left only when it is safe to do so.

If a motorist is overtaking and passing a bicycle, nonmotorized vehicle, or an electric bicycle, they must only do so when they are at least three feet ahead of the other driver.

How much compensation can I collect after an accident caused by an illegal pass?

If a driver attempted an illegal pass and caused an accident as a result, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses by filing an insurance claim. If you were carrying the minimum amount of insurance Florida law requires, then you may be able to collect up to $10,000 by filing a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim with your insurer.

If your insurance policy limits aren’t enough to cover your losses, you may then be able to file a claim with the other driver’s insurer. Insurance companies do have certain deadlines they expect you to adhere to, so you’ll want to familiarize yourself with what these are.

If you would like assistance with recovering compensation from the insurance company or aren’t sure your claim is being fairly valued, the Largo, FL car accident attorneys at Trevena | James, Attorneys At Law can help you through the claims process. Getting your life back on track following a collision can be difficult which is why it is best you get all the support you can, starting with hiring a Largo, FL car accident lawyer who will help you fight for the maximum amount of compensation you are due.

With its office based in Largo Florida, Trevena | James, Attorneys At Law primarily practices in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco County, and throughout the state of Florida.

Trevena | James, Attorneys At Law is located at:

801 W Bay Drive, Suite 509

Largo, FL 33770

Phone: 727-581-5813

Website: www.trevenajames.com