When a Left-Turning Driver is At-Fault in Santa Rosa
Being involved in a left turn accident can be confusing, frustrating, and scary, especially if you believed you were following all traffic laws. Left turn accidents often happen quickly, and the aftermath can leave drivers seriously injured and unsure about who was really at fault. Understanding how liability is determined and recognizing the various factors that contribute to left turn accidents is important for drivers. Whether you were the driver making the turn or traveling straight through the intersection when someone took an illegal left turn, knowing your rights and how to protect them is key to pursuing compensation.
When a left-turn car accident occurs in an intersection involving a left-hand turn, determining liability can be complex. In California, the driver making the left turn is often presumed to be at fault, but that is not always the case. At King Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we help clients understand their rights and options when they’ve been injured in left-turn accidents. Understanding how fault is established is an important part of protecting your claim and ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries.
What Are Some Common Mistakes When Making Left Turns?
Left turns are much more risky than right-hand turns because they require crossing oncoming traffic. Even minor errors in judging the speed of an oncoming car or timing can result in devastating collisions. Some of the most common driver mistakes that lead to left turn accidents include:
Misjudging The Speed Of Oncoming Traffic – Drivers may believe they have enough time to make a left turn, but fail to accurately determine how quickly another vehicle is approaching.
Failing To Yield The Right-Of-Way – California law requires left-turning drivers to yield to all oncoming vehicles unless they have a green arrow or protected turn signal giving them the right of way.
Turning Without Checking Blind Spots – Some accidents occur when drivers fail to notice motorcycles, bicycles, or smaller vehicles traveling straight through the intersection.
Distracted Or Impaired Driving – A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol or who is distracted by their phone is more likely to make a poor decision while turning left.
Mistakes like these can result in high-impact T-bone collisions, which often cause serious injuries. Recognizing what went wrong is an important step toward identifying who is at fault in a left-turn accident.
What Is the Law on Left Turns in California?
California Vehicle Code Section 21801 addresses left turn responsibilities for drivers throughout the state. California law states that a driver intending to turn left or make a U-turn must yield to all oncoming traffic that is close enough to be considered a hazard. The driver may only proceed when the turn can be made with reasonable safety. If the driver yields and begins the turn legally, but an oncoming vehicle is speeding or fails to stop at a red light, the left-turning driver may not be held liable for the accident.
This left-turn law also provides some protection for left-turning drivers. If the left turn has already been initiated lawfully and the oncoming driver suddenly accelerates or ignores a yellow or red light signal, fault may shift to the other party. Each case is different, and the nuances of California traffic laws require careful legal analysis to determine fault.
How to Win a Left Turn Accident in Santa Rosa?
Winning a left turn accident case in California means demonstrating that the other party was negligent and that their negligence is what directly caused the accident and your injuries. This often involves proving:
You had the right of way, or the other driver failed to yield.
The other driver acted negligently, such as driving distracted, impaired, or too fast for conditions.
Your damages were a direct result of the accident.
You also need to provide evidence that documents your losses, including:
Medical expenses
Lost income
Pain and suffering
The stronger your evidence, the more likely you are to recover the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame or minimize payouts for left-turn accident claims. That’s why it’s important to work with a local Santa Rosa attorney who is experienced in fighting for injured victims. At King Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we take aggressive steps to build compelling claims that hold negligent drivers accountable.
How Do You Prove Who Is At Fault In A Left Turn Accident
Although the driver turning left is often blamed for the cause of a left turn accident, there are situations where the driver turning left is not at fault. Proving you were not at fault involves collecting strong pieces of evidence and presenting a clear account of what happened. This is where a skilled Santa Rosa personal injury attorney can make a major difference.
Key forms of evidence that prove who is at fault in a left turn accident include:
Dashcam Or Surveillance Footage – Video evidence from dashcams, traffic cameras, or nearby businesses can show the sequence of events leading to the collision.
Witness Testimony – Statements from neutral witnesses can verify your version of events and contradict false claims from the other party.
Police Report – The responding officer’s assessment, diagrams, and notes will be compiled into a Santa Rosa accident report, which can provide useful support for your case.
Traffic Signal Data – In cases involving disputes over right-of-way, evidence of the light cycle or turn signal status may be key.
A prime example of this is if you were going straight through an intersection and the left-turning driver believed you were far enough away and proceeded through the intersection, thus causing an accident. Their misjudgment would place them at fault. However, on the other hand, if an oncoming driver was speeding or ran a red light, which caused them to hit a driver that was making a legal left turn, that driver could be liable for causing the accident even though they had the right of way.
Need Help Determining Who Is At Fault In A Left Turn Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a left turn collision, it’s important to not immediately assume you are automatically at fault. Determining who is at fault in a left turn accident requires a careful review of the facts, and fault may lie with the other driver. At King Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we investigate thoroughly, gather key evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue the maximum recovery for our clients.
Let our experienced team guide you through the legal process and fight for your right to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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