Left-Turn Car Accidents
Trusted Content
Every time you make a left turn in traffic, you are taking a risk. This is because making a left-hand turn involves crossing over lanes of oncoming traffic. Sometimes the vehicles traveling in these lanes are moving at high rates of speed, and a resulting collision can involve serious injuries and property damage. Determining liability in a left-turn car accident can sometimes be a complicated matter.
Why are Left Turns Dangerous?
Left turns can involve a significant amount of danger and require judgment calls regarding the speed of oncoming cars. You also need to judge whether other cars are going to obey lights and traffic signals. In some instances, views of traffic lanes may be obstructed, and a driver may be tempted to make a blind left turn. Left turns require quick thinking and sound decision-making.
The Left Turn Driver is Usually Liable
Unless they have a green arrow, left-turn drivers do not usually have the right of way. As a result, the left-turn driver in an accident is typically at fault for the collision. It is important for left-turn drivers to be aware of their surroundings, properly judge the speed of oncoming traffic, and only turn when it is absolutely safe to do so. It is also critical that drivers avoid making blind left turns. You should only make a left turn if you can see clearly whether another vehicle is coming. You should also not rely on other drivers to wave you through a left-hand turn.
When the Left Turn Driver is Not Liable
There are some circumstances where the driver in oncoming traffic is liable for hitting a left-turn driver. If a left-turn driver has a green arrow and oncoming traffic has a red light, the non-turning driver may be liable for running the red light. This frequently happens when drivers are distracted and not paying attention to their surroundings. In addition, a driver who is speeding may be liable for an accident. This scenario can be difficult to prove without the presence of a credible witness. A driver who runs a stop sign may also be liable for causing a left-turn accident.
Contact a Trusted Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a left-turn car accident, you should consult with an experienced and trusted car accident attorney in Florida. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have been helping Tampa Bay car accident victims for over 30 years. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.