Who Is at Fault in a Left Turn Accident?

In most cases, the driver making the left-hand turn at an intersection is at fault for an accident, but there are always exceptions. Further, determining liability will primarily be based on the available physical evidence. Therefore, it’s best to seek the legal advice of an experienced car accident attorney.

In Florida, drivers can turn to the trusted team at Kogan & DiSalvo. Our veteran attorneys are well-versed in the state’s negligence laws and have a proven track record of outstanding settlements and verdicts for our car accident clients. It is our goal to help clients get their lives back on track with minimal disruption or inconvenience. Free consultations are available.

Why are turning drivers usually the ones to blame for these crashes?

Navigating a left-hand turn at an intersection—or even simply turning left into a driveway—can be dangerous, particularly in high-traffic areas. The driver turning left has a duty of care to other drivers on the road–it’s their responsibility to ensure that they yield to oncoming traffic and only execute the turn when it’s safe. Because of this, it’s often determined that the driver turning left is at fault for these accidents.

However, there are exceptions. If you were injured in a left turn accident—whether you were the driver turning left or not—it’s in your best interests to consult a car accident lawyer at Kogan & DiSalvo. You may have the basis to file a claim to recoup your losses.

When are other drivers to blame for left-turn accidents?

Even if you were the driver executing a left turn, you might not necessarily be at fault for the crash. There are circumstances where the oncoming driver could be found at fault. You’ll recall that the driver making the left turn has a duty of care toward other drivers and must obey all traffic rules and operate the vehicle in a reasonably safe manner.

However, the oncoming driver also owes a duty of care. For example, if they are speeding, it may not be possible for the turning driver to accurately determine whether there is enough time to execute the turn safely. Because of this, the oncoming driver could be liable. Similarly, the oncoming driver might be found at fault if they ran a stoplight or a stop sign. It would have been reasonable for the turning driver to assume that the oncoming traffic would stop and that there would have been plenty of time to safely make the turn.

In some cases, unforeseen circumstances may also play a role in determining fault. For instance, suppose the turning driver would have had plenty of time to execute the turn. However, an animal or a person suddenly ran into the path of the turning driver, forcing them to brake abruptly. The turning driver may not be at fault in these situations.

How is fault determined in a left-turn accident?

Liability for a left turn accident will primarily be based on the available physical evidence. Your lawyer and the police will evaluate the traffic camera footage, if available, as well as the damage to the vehicles. Other evidence may come into play, such as skid marks on the road and photographs of the crash site, which may show items like stoplights or stop signs. The statements of both drivers will also be important for assessing fault.

Which steps should injured victims take next?

Should I call a lawyer? Should I go to the hospital after a car accident? What should I say to the insurance company? After a left turn accident, you may have many questions. Since left turn accidents can be more complex than they appear at first glance, contacting an experienced car accident attorney is in your best interests. At Kogan & DiSalvo, we can offer guidance in the aftermath of a crash. We can also assist you with requesting traffic camera footage to assess liability.

It is also essential to seek medical care, even if you don’t think you’ve suffered significant injuries. The adrenaline from a crash often masks symptoms, and you may be more seriously injured than you think. Plus, it’s essential to establish a medical record as soon as possible after the accident. If you wait too long to seek medical care, the other party may try to claim that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.

Contact us for a free consultation

To learn more about liability for car accidents and find out if you could have the basis for a claim, contact us at Kogan & DiSalvo. Our Florida car accident lawyer will review your case during your free consultation and offer general advice to consider as you decide on the next steps. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation, complimentary consultation at our Florida law firm.