Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Left-turn accidents are a significant concern in traffic safety, with a large percentage of crashes occurring at intersections. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, making it crucial for drivers to understand why they happen and how to reduce the risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), intersections are a high-risk area, and left turns are one of the most dangerous maneuvers. Misjudging oncoming traffic, failing to yield the right-of-way, and obstructed views are just a few common causes of these accidents.
In this blog post, we will explore the primary causes of left-turn accidents, why they are so common, and how you can minimize the risk of being involved in one. We’ll also discuss the legal aspects surrounding left-turn accidents, including common defenses and evidence that could help if you’re involved in a crash. Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, understanding these factors is essential for staying safe on the road.
Left-turn accidents happen when a vehicle making a left turn at an intersection collides with another car, pedestrian, or object. These accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often due to poor judgment or failure to follow traffic laws. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a significant portion of all auto accidents occur at intersections, with left turns being one of the highest-risk maneuvers.
The risk of left-turn accidents is high because these turns typically involve crossing the path of oncoming traffic. In many cases, the driver making the left turn is at fault, but there are scenarios where the other driver may share the blame. Understanding the causes of these accidents can help prevent them and ensure that all drivers stay safe on the road.
Several factors contribute to left-turn accidents. The most common causes include:
36% of all auto accidents happen at intersections, and over 480,000 of these involve left-turning vehicles, making it one of the highest-risk driving maneuvers. – National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
In most cases, the driver making the left turn is presumed to be at fault, as they are responsible for ensuring the intersection is clear before completing the maneuver. However, the turning driver may not always be at fault. For example, if the other driver was speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence, they may share responsibility for the crash.
Left-turning drivers can present evidence to show they were not at fault in certain situations.
Some common defenses include:
These defenses can be supported by evidence such as eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and accident reports.
The driver making a left turn is typically presumed to be at fault, but this burden can be shifted through evidence like traffic camera footage or proof of the other driver’s negligence
To reduce the risk of left-turn accidents, it is essential to follow some best practices when making left turns:
Studies show that left-turn accidents are often among the most deadly, contributing significantly to fatal intersection accidents.
Cause of Accident | Explanation |
| Misjudgment of Speed | Underestimating the speed of oncoming traffic. |
| Obstructed View | Poor visibility due to traffic, parked cars, or other obstructions. |
| Failure to Yield | Left-turning drivers not yielding to oncoming traffic or pedestrians. |
| Aggressive Driving | Speeding through a yellow or red light to make the turn. |
| Inadequate Surveillance | Not checking for vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists before turning. |
Left-turn accidents are common due to misjudging the speed of oncoming vehicles, obstructed views, or failure to yield. These factors increase the risk of collisions when drivers make left turns at intersections.
If you’re involved in a left-turn accident, assemble evidence, including traffic records and witness accounts. To find out about your legal options and to pursue any compensation you may be entitled to, consult with an experienced lawyer.
In most cases, the left-turning driver is presumed to be at fault. However, if the other driver was speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence, they may share the responsibility for the accident
Yes, you can fight a left-turn accident claim if you have evidence showing that the other driver was at fault, such as running a red light or failing to obey traffic laws.
To prevent a left-turn accident, always use your turn signal, ensure your view is clear, wait for a safe gap in traffic, and yield to oncoming vehicles.
Left-turn accidents are a significant cause of collisions at intersections, but they can often be avoided with safe driving practices. If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident, having the proper legal support is essential to help you navigate the claims process.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we are here to provide the guidance and representation you need. If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. We’re committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
