Introduction

Left turn accidents are among the most common and dangerous intersection collisions. The driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic, and failure to do so frequently results in devastating T-bone crashes. If you've been injured in a left turn accident, understanding the liability rules and how to prove the turning driver's negligence is essential for your claim.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about left turn right-of-way rules, exceptions where the straight-traveling driver may share fault, proving the turning driver's negligence, and maximizing your compensation.

Left turn accidents often seem straightforward, but insurance companies still dispute liability. We'll help you understand the rules and build a strong case.

Left Turn Right-of-Way Rules

Drivers making left turns must yield to all oncoming traffic. This fundamental rule places the burden on the turning driver to ensure the turn can be completed safely. A driver who turns into the path of oncoming traffic is almost always at fault for the resulting collision.

The turning driver must judge the distance and speed of oncoming vehicles and determine whether there's sufficient time and space to complete the turn. Misjudging this gap is negligence. The turning driver cannot assume oncoming traffic will slow down.

At signalized intersections, a green light does not give the turning driver right-of-way over oncoming traffic. The green light permits the turn when safe, but the duty to yield to oncoming vehicles remains. Only a protected left turn signal (green arrow) gives the turning driver priority.

Unprotected left turns, where drivers must wait for a gap in traffic, are the most dangerous maneuvers in everyday driving. Many municipalities are redesigning intersections to eliminate or reduce unprotected left turns due to their high crash rate.

When the Straight Driver May Share Fault

While the turning driver is usually at fault, certain circumstances can shift some liability to the straight-traveling driver. These exceptions are narrow and require specific evidence.

If the straight driver was speeding significantly, the turning driver may not have been able to judge the closing distance accurately. A driver traveling 20 mph over the limit closes gaps much faster than expected, potentially contributing to the collision.

Running a red light eliminates the straight driver's right-of-way. If the turning driver had a protected green arrow and the straight driver ran their red light, liability reverses entirely.

Distracted driving by the straight driver, if it prevented them from avoiding an avoidable collision, may support comparative fault arguments. However, the primary fault still rests with the driver who violated the right-of-way.

Comparative negligence rules in most states allow recovery even if you share some fault, though your damages will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Proving the Turning Driver's Fault

Vehicle damage patterns provide strong evidence of fault. Damage to the front of one vehicle and the side of another indicates a left turn collision and shows which vehicle was crossing the other's path.

Witness testimony from other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians can establish that the turning driver pulled into oncoming traffic. Collect contact information at the scene and ask witnesses specifically about vehicle movements.

Traffic camera footage may show the turning driver initiating the turn into your path. Request preservation of this footage immediately, as it may be deleted within days.

The police report should document the officer's assessment of fault. If the turning driver was cited for failure to yield, this citation is strong evidence of negligence in your injury claim.

Skid marks and debris patterns at the scene indicate where the collision occurred and may show that you were in your travel lane when struck by the turning vehicle.

Common Defenses and How to Counter Them

Turning drivers often claim the straight driver was speeding. Counter this with evidence of the speed limit, any traffic camera footage showing your approach, and testimony about your driving. Even if you were slightly over the limit, the turning driver still violated your right-of-way.

Some turning drivers claim they had a protected left turn arrow. Traffic signal timing records can prove the actual signal status at the time of the collision, disproving false claims about protected turns.

Insurance companies may argue you could have avoided the collision by braking or swerving. However, drivers proceeding through a green light have no duty to anticipate that a turning driver will violate their right-of-way.

If the turning driver claims you ran a red light, the burden is on them to prove it. Your position in the intersection, damage patterns, and witness testimony should establish that you were lawfully proceeding.

Building Your Case

Photograph the intersection, traffic signals, and both vehicles immediately. Document the point of impact, damage patterns, and your lane position. These photos help prove the turning driver crossed into your path.

Get contact information from all witnesses before they leave the scene. Witnesses who saw the turning driver pull out in front of you provide crucial testimony.

Obtain the police report and review the officer's fault assessment. If the report is inaccurate, work with your attorney to supplement the record with additional evidence.

Document all injuries with immediate medical care. Left turn accidents often cause serious harm due to the T-bone impact angle. Follow all treatment recommendations and keep records of all medical expenses.

Keep a journal documenting how your injuries affect your daily life, work, and activities. This supports pain and suffering damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the left-turning driver always at fault?
Usually, but not always. The left-turning driver has a duty to yield to oncoming traffic and is typically at fault. However, exceptions exist if the oncoming driver ran a red light, was speeding excessively, or violated other traffic laws. Both drivers may share fault in some cases.
What if I was making a protected left turn on a green arrow?
If you had a green arrow (protected left turn), you had right-of-way and the oncoming driver should have had a red light. If they struck you, they likely ran the red light and bear full fault. Document that you had a green arrow with witnesses, photos, or traffic camera footage.
Can the oncoming driver be at fault in a left turn accident?
Yes, if they were speeding excessively, ran a red light, were driving recklessly, or violated other traffic laws. Even if you were turning left, an oncoming driver going 20+ mph over the speed limit may share or bear majority fault for making your judgment of safe gap impossible.
What if both drivers claim they had the right-of-way?
Evidence determines fault. Witnesses, traffic camera footage, signal timing records, skid marks indicating speed, and accident reconstruction can establish who actually had right-of-way. An attorney can gather and present this evidence to overcome the other driver's false claims.
How does speed of the oncoming vehicle affect fault?
Excessive speed can shift fault to the oncoming driver. While the turner must yield, the oncoming driver must travel at reasonable speeds. If you judged the gap as safe based on speed limit but the oncoming driver was going 20+ mph over, they may bear primary fault for making avoidance impossible.
What evidence do I need for a left turn accident claim?
Important evidence includes witness statements about signal colors and vehicle speeds, photos of the intersection and sight obstructions, police report and fault determination, traffic camera footage, skid mark measurements indicating speeds, signal timing records, and expert reconstruction analysis. Your attorney will know what evidence to gather.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Left turn drivers who fail to yield bear liability for resulting collisions. The duty to yield is clear, and violations create strong negligence claims. Evidence preservation is essential for countering any attempts to shift blame to you.

The most important steps you can take right now are: photograph the scene and vehicle damage, get witness contact information, note whether the turning driver had a protected signal, obtain the police report, and seek immediate medical attention.

If you've been injured by a driver who turned left in front of you, contact a qualified car accident attorney for a free case evaluation. An experienced attorney can gather evidence, counter any defenses, and pursue full compensation for your injuries and damages.