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January 14, 2025

Who Is at Fault in a Left-Hand Turn Car Accident?

a left turn arrow and a straight arrow on a traffic light

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:

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:

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.

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:

Left Turn Intersection Rules

To avoid being involved in a left-turn accident, it’s important to follow left-turn intersection 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.

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.

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