Making a left turn at an intersection without a dedicated left turn signal is tricky. This is especially true in cases where a lot of people don't understand the laws surrounding these left turns.
In most states, the law is pretty straightforward. The driver must wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before making a left turn at an intersection without a dedicated left turn signal. Any driver making a left turn is now at the mercy of approaching vehicles. This can leave a person waiting for a traffic break that might never arrive given how congested streets can be. This means that traffic laws state that approaching traffic has the right of way. So, if you cause an accident, who is at fault? Would it be you?
This is a topic we will discuss further below. However, if you've been in a left turn accident and suffered injuries, your first step should be to seek medical attention, after which, you want to consult a qualified car accident lawyer to help you with your case.
The team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has worked with countless car accident victims, helping them obtain compensation for their losses.
Left Turn Accidents Are Very Common
Turning left is one of the main contributors to car accidents in the U.S., according to a number of studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). In a study that examined crashes that happened as a person was turning or crossing an intersection, left turns accounted for 61% of the crashes, compared to right turns, which accounted for just over 3%. Over 20% of all crashes nationwide, according to a different NHTSA study, involved a driver attempting to make a left turn at an intersection.
Determining Fault in a Left Turn Accident
It is not always easy to determine who was at fault in an accident where a left turn was made. Sometimes, the driver of the car you struck may have been driving carelessly, running a red light, or both. This could mean that even though you might have contributed to the collision by turning left when you shouldn't have, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver for whatever degree of negligence that person may have contributed to the collision.
Turning Left While The Light Is Yellow
A vehicle turning left at an intersection must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic that has a green light unless the turning vehicle has a green arrow. Therefore, if you make a left turn and cause a car accident, you will usually be held responsible unless another driver was careless or operated their car in an inappropriate or illegal way.
Even at a yellow light, you should yield to oncoming traffic.
Damages in a Left Turn Accident
Depending on the state you reside, damages will vary. In some states, such as "no fault" states, regardless of who caused your accident, your own insurance covers your losses. In other states, they may follow a comparative fault system, where if another driver was negligent and that negligence contributed to your injuries and damages, you can recover compensation from them.
Under comparative fault laws, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault you carry. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages, but found to be 20% at fault for the accident, you will instead receive $80,000, which is 20% less than the $100,000 award.
Involved in a Left Turn Car Accident, Call Brandon J. Broderick Today
Our skilled car accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick have decades of experience in representing clients such as yourself. We will fight for fair compensation and are not afraid of a challenge.
Contact us today for a free consultation if you were hurt as a result of someone else's negligence.