Have you been involved in an accident that involved a vehicle making a left turn? Are you wondering who is at fault? Different accidents have different circumstances. In general, however, the driver who was turning left will be ticketed and put at fault.
In almost every situation, the driver making the left turn is considered at fault because of right of way laws. It is a rare occurrence when the other driver is at fault, and it is even more difficult to place blame on the driver of the other vehicle.
Making a Left Turn
A driver who is turning left has the right of way only when there is a left-turn green arrow. If there is no green arrow, that driver must wait until oncoming traffic is either far enough away for a complete safe turn or non-existent all together. If a driver is turning left, he must wait for any cyclists or pedestrians to safely cross the street.
If there is no light present, the same careful attention must be used. Oncoming traffic has the right of way as usual, and that traffic does not have to slow down or stop to allow the other driver to make a left turn, regardless of whether there is a traffic light or not. That is why almost always the fault of the crash falls on the driver making the left turn.
Maintain Documentation
Depending on the kind of negligence used for personal injury claims in your state, some fault could fall on the other driver. As an example, if the driver of the other vehicle was signaling a right turn and you pull out to turn left in front of him and he does not turn. If you can prove that he or she did signal, you might be able to place some of the blame on those actions. However, either a dash cam or eyewitness statements would be needed to show that the other driver did use a signal.
Damages That Might Result
A left turn crash can lead to serious injuries and severe damages. You may have property damages, medical expenses, lost wages, mental trauma, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment life, loss of future earnings, future medical expenses, loss of consortium, permanent scarring and disfigurement, long-term disabilities, and much more.
Maintain copies of the accident report, medical bills, proof of lost wages, photos of damages and injuries, repair estimates, and other documentation that will support your claim and show what damages you suffered because of this accident.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in a left turn accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. You might be able to pursue a personal injury claim. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have your details shared with a lawyer who can help you get your claim on track. Hurry, as time is of the essence.
