Using your turn signal might seem like a small thing, but not doing it can cause serious crashes. Whether you’re turning at a busy intersection or changing lanes on the highway, forgetting to signal can put lives at risk.
In Nevada, signaling isn’t just a polite habit — it’s the law. Many drivers either forget or choose not to use their signals, but doing so could cost you a ticket, a fine, or worse, cause someone to get hurt.
Car Accidents Caused by Not Signaling
Between 2011 and 2015, Nevada saw more than 300 deaths and almost 2,400 serious injuries caused by crashes at intersections. A large number of these accidents were caused by drivers who didn’t signal before turning or changing lanes.
When you don’t let other drivers know what you’re planning to do, it can catch them off guard. That’s how rear-end crashes, T-bone collisions, and sideswipes happen. Imagine someone suddenly turning left in front of you without any warning. You wouldn’t have time to react.
Failing to signal also puts pedestrians and cyclists in danger. They rely on turn signals to know when it’s safe to cross the street or pass a vehicle.
Nevada’s Rules for Signaling
Nevada traffic laws are clear about when and how to use turn signals. If your vehicle’s lights work, you must use them every time you:
- Make a turn
- Change lanes
- Merge into traffic
- Exit or enter a freeway
If your lights are broken, you are still required to use hand signals. Drivers are supposed to signal:
- At least 100 feet before a turn or lane change on city streets
- At least 300 feet before a turn or lane change on highways
Those distances matter. A late signal gives other drivers no time to respond. Early signals help avoid confusion and keep everyone safer.
Legal Penalties in Nevada
In Henderson and throughout the state, failing to signal is considered a moving violation. If you’re pulled over for not signaling, you can expect:
- A fine of around $205 for a first offense
- One demerit point on your driving record
If you collect 12 demerit points within a 12-month period, your driver’s license can be suspended. That could mean losing your job if you drive for work, or needing to rely on others just to get around.
Insurance companies may also raise your rates after a moving violation. Even one ticket can cost you more in the long run.
Common Reasons Drivers Don’t Signal
Some people forget. Others just don’t think it matters. Here are a few reasons drivers give for not signaling:
- “I didn’t see anyone around me.”
- “I changed my mind last minute.”
- “I was in a hurry.”
- “My signal light is broken.”
None of these are good excuses. Other drivers may be in your blind spot or farther behind. Even if the road looks empty, that can change fast. And keeping your car in good shape — including fixing broken signal lights — is part of being a responsible driver.
Preventing Accidents with Better Driving Habits
Using your turn signal is one of the easiest ways to stay safe on the road. It takes less than a second to flip the switch, and it can prevent serious injuries or deaths. Here are a few simple tips:
- Always use your turn signal — even in parking lots or when turning into a driveway
- Signal early to give others time to react
- Turn off your signal after the move so it doesn’t confuse others
- Check your signal lights regularly to make sure they’re working
- Practice hand signals if your lights ever stop working
These habits help everyone on the road understand your intentions. It creates a smoother flow of traffic and reduces stress for drivers around you.
How Not Signaling Affects Liability After a Crash
If you’re in a crash and didn’t signal, you could be held at fault. That means you or your insurance might have to pay for injuries, property damage, and other costs. In Nevada, fault matters. Insurance companies and courts will look at what each driver did right — and what they did wrong.
Failing to signal is often seen as careless driving. Even if the other driver made a mistake too, not signaling could reduce or even cancel your chance of getting compensation.
What to Do If You’re Hurt by a Driver Who Didn’t Signal
If you or someone you love gets hurt in a crash where another driver failed to use their signal, you may have a case. That driver’s failure to follow the law could make them responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
It helps to gather evidence as soon as possible. Take photos of the scene, talk to witnesses, and file a police report. Then, speak to a personal injury lawyer who can guide you through your next steps.
Call Us If You’ve Been in a Crash in Henderson
If another driver didn’t signal and caused your accident, you deserve answers. You may be dealing with doctor visits, car repairs, time off work, and a lot of stress.
Friedman Injury Law helps people in Henderson who’ve been hurt in crashes like these. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call (702) 970-4222 for a free consultation. Let’s talk about how we can help you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
