In many circumstances, the driver who made the left-hand turn that resulted in a collision is at fault. This is because most states enforce a law that declares that drivers making left-hand turns must yield to oncoming vehicles.

Oncoming vehicles have the right of way if there are no stop signs or traffic lights. However, in some instances, the driver who turned left and was in a collision as a result is not found at fault.

You are viewing: Who Is At Fault In A Left Turn Accident

In this article, we explore:

• Who’s at fault in left-hand turn collisions
• Why left-hand turns are dangerous
• Instances in which a driver making a left-hand turn may not be at fault
• What to do after a left-hand collision

Florin|Roebig is a personal injury law firm with nearly four decades of experience in managing car accident claims. Call us today for a free case review.

What To Know About Fault In Left-Turn Accidents

Most states impose traffic laws that require drivers making left-hand turns to yield to oncoming traffic.

Before making a left-hand turn, drivers must ensure that all roads they cross are free and clear of traffic or other obstacles that could result in a collision.

If there is oncoming traffic, the driver making the left-hand turn must wait until the traffic has passed before completing the turn.

Failing to do so would put the left-hand turning driver at fault for any auto accident that occurs. If you make a left-hand turn and are in a car accident as a result, you will likely be considered responsible for the accident and deemed at fault by the law.

Why Are Left-Hand Turns Dangerous?

Making a left-hand turn while driving can be a highly dangerous maneuver. This type of turn requires several judgment calls that must be made in a brief period of time.

These include how fast oncoming traffic is going, the amount of time left before a red light turns yellow or to a green arrow, and whether other drivers are driving safely and following the rules of the road.

Additional reasons why making left-hand turns can be dangerous include:

• Left-hand turns require more mental energy than right turns, so making a left turn when tired, distracted, or intoxicated can be especially hazardous
• Left-hand turns require drivers to cross at least one lane of traffic
• Making a left-hand turn can disturb the flow of traffic
• Drivers making a left-hand turn may have a blocked or limited view traffic coming from the opposite direction
• Many drivers accelerate when making left turns, so a collision with pedestrians or other vehicles can be more dangerous than right-hand turns
• Left-hand turns require drivers to use their turn signals, which is something that not everyone does
• Left-hand turning requires drivers to be aware of oncoming drivers coming from three different directions

As you can see, making a left-hand turn requires significant mental and physical effort as well as quick judgment when compared to right-hand turns. All of the factors listed above put motorists at risk for left-turn car accidents.

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When Is The Left-Turn Driver Not At Fault?

There are a few situations in which the driver who made the left-hand turn in a car crash would not be considered at fault.

These situations are rare, but they do happen. The following are a few common reasons in which the turning driver may not be considered liable in a left-hand turn accident.

Running Through A Stop Sign Or Traffic Light

The most common reason for a left-turn driver to not be held liable for the collision is when the oncoming vehicle the driver collides with drives through a stop sign or traffic light.

For example, if you make a left-hand turn with the assumption that oncoming traffic is going to yield to a traffic light, and an oncoming vehicle does not yield and hits you as you are making the left-hand turn, you may not be considered at fault for the accident.

Speeding

Another situation in which a left-hand turning driver may not be at fault is when oncoming traffic is moving too fast in the area where the driver is making the turn.

If the vehicle the driver collides with is driving significantly over the speed limit when the accident happens, the driver may not be considered liable. However, proving how fast the oncoming traffic was traveling at the time of the collision can be difficult.

Dangerous Driving

Any other circumstance in which the driver turning left presumed it safe to turn, then is involved in a collision due to the oncoming driver making traffic violations, may deem the left-hand turning driver not the at-fault driver.

Additionally, if the other oncoming driver (not making the left-hand turn) is driving illegally, dangerously, or under the influence, the driver making the left-hand turn may not be held liable.

Unforeseen Circumstances

Another possibility that may result in the other driver being found liable for the collision would be if an unforeseen circumstance occurs while the left-hand driver is turning.

For example, if an animal ran into the road and the car making a left turn had to stop or slow down to avoid hitting the animal, the oncoming vehicle who crashes into the driver could be held liable for the accident.

How To Properly Make A Left Turn

It’s important to know how to safely make a left turn to avoid collisions and other hazardous situations.

Here are the steps to keep in mind when making a left-hand turn:

• Turn on your signal approximately 100 feet before you get to the point where you’ll make the left-hand turn.
• Stop your vehicle behind the limit line (not on or over it).
• Look both ways: Look to the left, right, then to the left one more time when making a complete stop.
• Ensure there is no oncoming traffic or other hazards that may result in an accident when making the turn.
• Do not try to corner cut the lane of oncoming traffic.

Left-Turn Accident FAQs

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If you still have questions about collisions involving left turns, or want to start a left-turn car accident case, browse for answers below.

What Is An Unprotected Left Turn?

Unprotected left turns are turns that you make into an intersection where oncoming cars have the right of way.

This includes turning at a traffic light that only has a green light, not the green arrow meant for left-turning drivers.

How Do You Know Who’s At Fault In A Left-Turn Car Accident?

Fault in a left-turn crash may be determined by a number of factors. Police officers on-scene will likely file police reports. These may serve as evidence to help determine fault if a personal injury claim results from the accident.

Other factors which may be considered to help determine fault in crashes include:

• Traffic violations: Any driver who committed a traffic violation that led to an accident could be considered an at-fault driver.
• Property damage: Damage to vehicles involved in the accident could provide evidence for how the crash occurred, and therefore who is at fault.
• Traffic cameras: Stationed at many intersections, traffic cameras may have captured the crash.
• Eyewitness accounts: While not always reliable, eyewitness statements can offer detailed accounts of car accidents.
• Skid marks: Tire tread marks may point to how a crash occurred.

What Are Your Legal Options If You Were Hit By A Driver Turning Left?

There are options for accident victims who were harmed in a left-turn crash. The surest way to receive compensation for any injuries or property damage to your vehicle is through starting a personal injury case.

A personal injury lawyer can offer you or your loved one a free consultation to discuss the accident you were involved in and whether you could benefit from starting a claim.

Personal injury claims allow you to seek money for damages resulting from the collision, such as payments for medical bills, pain and suffering, and others.

Florin|Roebig car accident lawyers are premier personal injury attorneys in Florida and throughout the United States with years of experience. We can help you seek maximum compensation for your case.

What To Do If You’ve Been In A Left-Turn Car Accident

If you were hit by a driver turning left and they were the at-fault driver, contact Florin|Roebig law firm as soon as possible for a free case evaluation.

Our experienced attorneys are top personal injury lawyers in Florida, backed by numerous testimonials from satisfied clients. We have secured more than $1 billion in case awards to date.

We are considered one of the Best Law Firms in America, according to Newsweek, and we want to put our knowledge and skill set to work on your case.

Reach out to us today for a case review to learn what we can do for you.

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