If you have been involved in an accident while making a right turn, you are probably wondering who is at fault. If you drive, you are going to make a right turn at an intersection or on a street or road. Making a turn requires attention and caution. You need to understand your right of way, so you can safely turn.
When you make a right-hand turn, you need to properly calculate the speed of oncoming traffic. Sometimes a driver might proceed because they think the oncoming vehicle will stop for the yellow light that is turning red, but the car doesn’t stop, and an accident occurs.
Failure to Yield
A leading cause of right run accidents is failure to yield. When driving, you are supposed to yield right of way to the other vehicle when it is not your turn to go or when it is not safe for you to continue. Cars that are on the road where you are wanting to turn have right of way, except in situations where they have a traffic light, stop sign, or traffic signal that is indicating they must stop. Always yield before you attempt a turn.
Kinds of Damages Suffered in Right Turns
An accident that occurs while you are a making a right turn can lead to serious damages. Usually, several damages result. You must claim all your damages in your personal injury claim, as a second claim cannot be filed later.
You can recover compensation for your medical expenses, both past and future, as well as your lost income and future loss of earnings. Other damages will include property damages, pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, long-term disabilities, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, and more.
Maintain Evidence and Documentation
You will need to maintain evidence and documentation to support your claim and show your damages. Documents that you must keep include the accident report, medical bills, medical records, proof of missed work and lost wages, property damage estimates, proof of missed activities and events, and eyewitness statements.
You should take photos of the damages and injuries. If possible, get photos of the accident scene as well. All this documentation will show what happened and how you were affected by the crash.
Proving Negligence
If you can prove negligence, you can have a successful personal injury claim. Examples of negligence are failure to yield right of way or speeding. Sometimes it might be difficult to prove, but your personal injury attorney can help you by investigating the accident. Often, the accident report will indicate fault. Eyewitness statements can help determine fault or indicate negligence as well.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been involved in a crash during a right turn, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page, so you can get put in touch with a lawyer who will evaluate your claim and help you get it on the right track.
