Who Is At Fault in a Left Turn Accident? 

If you live in California, you probably have experienced the frustration of making a left hand turn. This maneuver can be tricky and result in dangerous left turn crashes involving other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Deciding who is at fault in a left turn accident will require a thorough investigation into the specifics of the crash. Having an experienced car accident lawyer can make the difference between a lowball settlement from the insurance and maximum compensation that will cover all of your losses. 

Why Are Left Turns So Dangerous?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), left turn car accidents account for nearly 22.2% of all crashes at intersections. Left turn accidents are very common, especially at intersections in busy urban areas like Los Angeles. They can result in serious injuries and fatalities to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. 

One of the main reasons why making a left turn is dangerous is that it requires significantly more mental energy and focus. A left turning driver must consider several factors, such as how fast oncoming traffic is going, in a short amount of time. These are more reasons why a left turn is dangerous:

Crossing oncoming traffic

When making a left hand turn, drivers must cross the path of oncoming vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. Drivers have to judge the speed and distance from the other driver and decide when it is safe to turn. This can be difficult, especially in heavy traffic or poor visibility conditions. If drivers fail to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles, they may cause a head-on or side-impact auto accident. 

Obstructed view

Sometimes, drivers do not have a clear view of the intersection or the oncoming traffic when turning left. This can happen if there are large vehicles like trucks and buses blocking their sight. Drivers may also have blind spots in their mirrors or windows that prevent them from seeing other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. If drivers turn without checking their surroundings, they may be hit by the other driver.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is a major cause of many traffic accidents, including left turn car accidents. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, or doing anything else that takes their attention away from the road may not see the traffic signals, signs, or other vehicles. They may also make a sudden or improper left hand turn without signaling or yielding. Like impaired driving, distracted driving can interfere with a drivers’ judgment and reaction time.

Speeding

Speeding is another common cause of left turn accidents. Drivers who go over the speed limit may not have enough time or space to slow down or stop before making a left hand turn. They may also underestimate the speed of the oncoming vehicles or overestimate their own ability to turn safely. Speeding always increases the impact and severity of a collision. 

Improper or illegal left turns

Some drivers may make an improper or illegal left hand turn that violates California traffic laws. For example, when a driver makes a turn from the wrong lane, turns at a red light, turns without signaling, or turns against a “no left turn” sign. These actions endanger other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists who have the right of way.

Elderly and inexperienced drivers

Turning left is difficult, even for the most experienced drivers. Elderly drivers may have a slower reaction time and be visually impaired, both which increase the likelihood of an accident. Inexperienced drivers, such as teen drivers, may not fully grasp the riskiness of this maneuver and may end up making an illegal left turn into the path of an oncoming driver. 

Is the Driver Turning Left Always At Fault?

Fault in a left turn accident depends on who was negligent and caused the crash. In a vast majority of cases, the driver turning left is at fault. This is because they have a duty to yield to oncoming traffic and follow the traffic lights before turning.

However, there are cases where the left turning driver is not entirely at fault. For example, if the left turning driver had a green arrow that gave them the right of way (also known as a protected left turn), and the other driver did not have a green light, then the oncoming driver would be liable. Similarly, if the oncoming driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent and contributed to the accident, they may share some or all of the responsibility. 

Comparative Negligence

California is a “pure comparative negligence” state. Under this statute, accident victims can recover compensation even if they were 99% at fault. However, their recovery will be reduced based on the percentage of their fault. Therefore, if they were 70% at fault, they would only be able to recover 30% in damages.

Having an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential to seek maximum compensation. A lawyer will help you collect evidence to establish liability, such as police reports, witness statements, accident reconstruction reports, and traffic cameras. Your lawyer will submit an insurance claim reflecting the full extent of your damages and negotiate on your behalf. 

How to Prevent Left Turn Accidents

Fortunately, there are several ways that drivers can prevent or avoid a left turn accident. Some of them are:

1. Pay attention to traffic lights and stop signs

Be alert and follow traffic signals carefully, especially when making a left turn. Make sure to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians who have the right of way. Do not turn on a red light or against a “no left turn” sign. Do not assume that other drivers will stop or yield for you.

2. Check your surroundings

A left turn driver should always check their mirrors, blind spots, and windows for any vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists that may be approaching or crossing their path. Look both ways and make eye contact with other road users if possible. Do not turn if you are not sure that it is safe.

3. Use your turn signal

Always use your turn signal to indicate your intention to turn. Signal well in advance and make sure that other drivers can see your signal. Do not change your mind or direction abruptly. Turn signals can help you communicate with other drivers and avoid confusion.

4. Slow down and stop if necessary

Reduce your speed as you approach the intersection and be prepared to stop if the traffic or the signal changes. Be careful not to rush or force your way through the intersection. Do not turn from a stopped position unless you have a green arrow or a clear view of the traffic. Wait until you have enough time and space to make a safe turn. 

5. Avoid distractions

Do not text, talk, eat, drink, or do anything else that may distract you from driving. Focus on the traffic and the signals and anticipate any potential hazards. Distracted driving can result in serious left hand turn collisions. 

6. Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary left turns

If possible, plan your route in advance and avoid intersections or roads that require left turns. Use alternative routes or roads that have less traffic or better visibility. You can also use right turns instead of left turns to reach your destination. For example, you can make three right turns instead of one left turn at an intersection. This may take longer, but it can reduce the risk of a left turn car accident.

Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer Today 

If you were hit by a driver turning left in California, you may be able to recover compensation in a car accident claim. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is one of Orange County’s top-rated car accident law firms with over $300 million recovered for injured auto accident victims. 

We offer a free case evaluation with absolutely ZERO upfront legal fees. Contact our experienced personal injury attorney today at (800) 719-9779 or by filling out this online form.