Left-hand turns can be tricky, especially at busy intersections where multiple cars, pedestrians, and cyclists are moving in different directions. Unfortunately, left-turn accidents are common and can lead to serious injuries and damage. This type of car accident typically happens when a vehicle turning left collides with a vehicle going straight through an intersection. But who is at fault in a left-turn accident?
Who Has the Right of Way When Making a Left Turn?
Who is at fault in a left-hand turn car accident depends on who had the right of way at the time of the accident. In general, vehicles going straight through an intersection have the right of way over those making a left turn. However, there are some instances in which those turning left do have the right of way over those who are going straight.
Here’s a quick breakdown of who has the right of way in left turn intersection rules:
- At green lights: If you’re making a left turn at a green light without a protected arrow, you must yield to oncoming traffic.
- At protected arrows: A green left-turn arrow means you have the right of way, but you still need to watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
- At stop signs and uncontrolled intersections: When making a left turn at a stop sign or uncontrolled intersection, you must yield to any traffic going straight or turning right.
The person considered at fault in a left-turn accident is most likely the person who didn’t have the right of way at the time the accident occurred. Most often, this is the driver who was turning left.
When Is the Left-Turning Driver at Fault?
In most cases, the driver making the left turn is found at fault for a left-turn accident. This is because the law requires drivers to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. However, there are exceptions where the left-turning driver may not be fully or partially at fault:
- The left-turning driver had the right of way (green arrow)
- The oncoming driver was speeding
- The oncoming driver changed lanes suddenly
- The oncoming driver ran a red light
- The oncoming driver was distracted
- The oncoming driver was driving recklessly
Shared Fault in Left-Turn Accidents
Sometimes, both drivers share responsibility for a left-turn accident. For example, if the left-turning driver failed to yield, but the oncoming driver was also speeding, the fault may be split. In states that follow comparative negligence laws, such as Florida, each driver’s degree of fault affects how much compensation they can recover.
If you were injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, Farah & Farah is here for you. We’ve relentlessly fought for the right to compensation for our clients and their families since 1979.
What Makes a Left Turn Across Traffic Dangerous?
Many drivers don’t realize just how risky a left-hand turn can be. The following are reasons why making a left turn across traffic can be dangerous:
- Multiple points of conflict: When making a left turn, you’re crossing at least one lane of oncoming traffic and potentially more if there are multiple lanes.
- Limited visibility: Oncoming vehicles may be difficult to see due to parked cars, large trucks, or poor weather conditions.
- Judgment of speed: Drivers often misjudge the speed of oncoming vehicles, leading to miscalculations.
- Pedestrian and cyclist crossings: Many intersections have crosswalks, making it essential to watch for people crossing.
- Driver errors: Distractions, impatience, and failing to follow left-turn intersection rules can lead to accidents.
Left Turn Intersection Rules
To avoid being involved in a left-turn accident, it’s important to follow left-turn intersection rules:
- Yield to oncoming traffic: Always yield to vehicles going straight unless you have a protected green arrow.
- Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists: Check crosswalks and bike lanes before turning.
- Use your turn signal: Signal your intent to turn at least 100 feet before the intersection.
- Don’t rush the turn: Wait until you have a clear gap in traffic rather than trying to “squeeze in.”
- Obey traffic signals: Follow the light signals carefully and don’t assume other drivers will follow the rules.
What To Do After a Left-Turn Accident
If you’ve been involved in any kind of car accident, make sure to get to safety and assess injuries before doing anything else, even before calling the police. Your health and safety are the most important thing.
- Check for injuries: Ensure everyone involved is safe and call for medical help if needed.
- Call the police: Report the accident to law enforcement so there is an official record.
- Exchange information: Get the contact and insurance information of the other driver, as well as contact details for any witnesses.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, damage, intersection, and any traffic signs or signals.
- Contact your insurance company: Report the accident and provide the necessary information.
- Consult an attorney: If you’re unsure about who is at fault or if you’re facing challenges with your insurance claim, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney.
A car accident attorney can help you secure evidence of the other driver’s liability in the car accident as well as prove to your insurance company the true costs of car repairs and medical bills.
Farah & Farah Wants To Help You
If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving a driver making a left turn, we’re here for you. You deserve to have someone on your side who won’t rest until all of the evidence for your case is uncovered. After a car accident can be the worst time of your life and we are available to our clients at any time of day or night. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
