Who Is Liable for a Left-Turn Car Accident?

November 21, 2024

Left-turn car accidents are common and often involve unclear liability, depending on the circumstances. Determining who is at fault in these accidents can be complex, as it involves factors that must be carefully researched. Once the evidence alleging liability is gathered, you might have a compelling case.

What Factors Determine Liability in a Left-Turn Car Accident?

Liability in a left-turn car accident depends on factors like traffic laws, driver behavior, and vehicle positions. To start, the driver making the left turn must yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. If they fail to yield or misjudge their turn, they may be at fault. However, the other driver’s actions, such as speeding, distraction, or law violations, can also contribute to the accident.

Can a Left-Turn Accident Be Caused by Poor Road Conditions?

Wet pavement, construction zones, or other poor road conditions may influence liability, but they do not automatically shift liability from the driver making the turn. In some cases, local governments or maintenance authorities could be partially liable for unsafe road conditions. However, drivers are still responsible for exercising caution in less-than-ideal conditions.

What Happens if a Left-Turn Accident Involves a Stop Sign or Traffic Light?

When a left turn is made at an intersection with a stop sign or traffic light, traffic control devices help determine liability. If the driver making the left turn ignores a red light or fails to stop at a stop sign, they are typically at fault because they must yield to traffic with the right of way. However, if the driver goes straight and runs a red light or disobeys a signal, they may share responsibility.

Can a Left-Turn Accident Involve Both Drivers Sharing Liability?

In many cases, both drivers may share liability for a left-turn accident. This can happen when both parties engage in risky driving behavior, like speeding, failing to yield, or running a red light.

In situations like this, insurance companies and courts typically determine the percentage of liability each driver holds. The distribution of fault can impact the outcome of any claims or lawsuits arising from the accident.

What Should I Do After a Left-Turn Accident?

After a left-turn accident, prioritize safety by moving your vehicle out of the way of traffic and calling 911. It is also important to gather as much information from the scene as possible. This includes exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver, taking photographs of injuries and property damage, the intersection, and visible road signs or traffic signals.

If there are witnesses, their statements can be helpful in establishing what happened. Finally, ask the responding police officers about obtaining a copy of the report.

How Can a Lawyer Help in a Left-Turn Car Accident Case?

A lawyer can investigate the circumstances of a left-turn car accident and help determine who is at fault. By reviewing traffic laws, accident reports, and witness statements, they can gather the necessary evidence to support your case. If you are the one making the left turn and believe the other driver was at fault, a lawyer can also help prove your claims.

Additionally, an attorney can fight for fair compensation for injuries, vehicle damage, and other costs resulting from the accident. Legal professionals can also assist with negotiating settlements and can represent you in court.

The Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Look Forward to Helping You

The experienced Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can assist with determining liability and pursuing compensation for damages in left-turn car accidents. For a free initial consultation, contact us online or call our New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware, offices at 302-656-5445. We gladly serve clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.