The Dangers of Left-Hand Turn Accidents

Left-hand turn car collisions often cause severe injuries. These accidents occur when one driver is traveling through an intersection and another motorist is turning left. Many motorists think that the driver making the left-hand turn is always at fault, but that’s not always the case. A driver traveling through the intersection may also be found at fault. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely possible to prevent this type of serious accident, however, there are some tips you can follow that can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a left-hand turn collision. 

How to Avoid Car Accidents When Turning Left

The best way to avoid a left-turn accident is to practice good driving habits and remain vigilant at all times. 

Other ways you can reduce your risk of being involved in this type of collision include: 

• When a driver is making a left-hand turn, misjudging how fast another vehicle approaches or how far away they are is very common. A smaller vehicle can also easily fit into a blind spot, making it difficult for oncoming traffic to be aware of their presence until it’s too late. Because of this, you must be especially cautious when you’re making a left-hand turn at an intersection. 
• Drivers are only guaranteed the right-of-way when there’s a green arrow. Apart from that, an oncoming driver has the right-of-way, so the motorist attempting to turn left must yield, waiting for a safe opportunity. 
• Before turning, drivers should always engage their turn signals, alerting other motorists of their intention to turn. 
• Drivers should also check for any obstruction in their view of approaching traffic, especially in the event that foliage, hills, or construction is obscuring their view. 
• Patience and caution are very important as a driver waits for their turn. Avoiding taking any unnecessary risks can also reduce a driver’s risk of an accident. If you’re not sure you’ll fit or you’re not able to gauge how far away a vehicle is, always wait longer for an opening. 
• Always follow traffic laws and pay attention to posted signs and the flow of traffic. Never try to turn left in areas where it’s illegal. 
• Keep in mind that all cyclists and pedestrians have the right of way. You must wait for a cyclist or pedestrian to safely make it through the crosswalk before turning. 

Fault in Left-Turn Accidents 

In most cases, with these types of crashes, the driver that is making the left turn is at fault. Vehicles that make left turns are usually found responsible for causing an accident with a vehicle that is traveling in a straight path from the other direction. 

Vehicles making left turns must wait to make a turn safely before entering an area of oncoming traffic. To be at fault for an accident, a motorist must be found in violation of applicable traffic law or found careless. With left turn collisions, fault is usually automatically established since traffic laws require the left-turning motorist to yield to traffic that’s approaching and then turn only when it’s safe to do so. 

However, there are many exceptions to this default rule that attaches liability to the left-hand turning driver, such as:

• The oncoming vehicle was traveling at a high speed and sped through the traffic light, exceeding the speed limit. 
• The other motorist ran a red light. 
• The left-turning driver started to turn when it was safe, but an unexpected event occurred that made the vehicle stop or slow its turning maneuver. 
• If you were involved in a collision and were hit by a vehicle making a left turn right in front of you, the other driver will most likely be found liable. 

Compensation in Left-Hand Turn Collisions

In some cases, even if an accident victim is found partially at fault for the motor vehicle accident, they may still be able to pursue compensation if they were not found more than 50% responsible for the accident. 

Compensation in auto accident claims can include: 

• Past and future medical bills to cover the cost of accident injuries 
• Pain and suffering 
• Lost wages 
• Property damage
• Emotional distress 
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium, 

Accident attorneys can guide you through this complex insurance claims process and advise you of your rights and legal options.

A personal injury lawyer will also conduct an in-depth investigation, file the appropriate paperwork, and take over all interactions with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on what matters the most-getting well. 

Contact the Amaro Law Firm Today to Schedule a Free Case Review Session 

If you were injured in a left-hand turn accident, contact the Amaro Law Firm today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an accident lawyer. We will meet with you to go over your case, discuss your legal options, and answer all of your questions. If you decide to work with us, we will begin an investigation right away. 

Our legal team has the experience, skills, and resources necessary to investigate this type of complex accident and gather and analyze the evidence that can prove your claim for compensation. We will work tirelessly to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their negligence and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.