Who is at Fault for Left-Hand Turn Accidents in Illinois?

Left-hand turn accidents are a common type of car accident in Illinois. In many cases, it is difficult to determine who is at fault for a left-hand turn accident because there may be multiple contributing factors. However, Illinois law dictates that the left-hand turning driver making the turn into a lane of traffic must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before completing the maneuver.

If a driver making a left-hand turn collides with an oncoming vehicle that has the right of way, they are typically considered at fault for the accident. For legal consultation after a left-turn accident t-bone collision, consider contacting the experienced personal injury attorneys at Ktenas Injury Lawyers at 312-300-2515 to discuss your case.

Guidelines for Handling a Left Turn Accident Case

Left-turn car crashes can be traumatic and cause catastrophic injuries. The causes of these accidents include common traffic violations such as distracted driving, fast-moving oncoming traffic, crossing traffic lights on red, or reckless illegal maneuvers.

Immediately after the accident, it's important to establish the at-fault driver by filing a police report and taking photos and footage at the scene. Collect the insurance information from both parties and seek medical attention if necessary.

Obtaining guidance from an experienced accident claims law firm, such as Ktenas Injury Lawyers, can prove beneficial for accident victims and individuals involved in left-turn accident cases.

Personal injury lawyers can provide clarification on common misconceptions and ensure that your legal rights are properly represented. Dealing with insurance companies after a left turn crash can be daunting, and having a motor vehicle accident lawyer by your side for auto injury claims can offer valuable assistance.

When Is the Left-Hand Turn Driver Not at Fault in an Accident?

In most cases, a driver making a left-hand turn is considered to be at fault for any automobile accident that takes place. This means that they will usually be responsible for the property damage and any injuries caused by the crash. However, there are a few exceptions when the left-turn driver is not held accountable.

One of the primary instances in which this is true is when they make the turn due to following directions given by a licensed traffic control device or law enforcement officer. In these scenarios, it can generally be assumed that they reasonably believed they were turning at a safe interval and not putting themselves or others in harm’s way.

Additionally, if an unexpected event arises on their part — such as swerving out of the way to avoid hitting an animal or object — then they should also be free from liability for any resulting accidents. Furthermore, if their vehicle was struck from behind while waiting to make the turn, then it is likely that those behind them will bear responsibility for any potential outcomes of rear-end accident.

The Other Driver Was Speeding

Making a left-hand turn at an intersection can be a stressful task for a driver. When faced with oncoming traffic, it is important to err on the side of caution to avoid any potential catastrophic accidents. While making a left-hand turn does assume some responsibility for traffic safety, there is still the possibility that an intersection accident could have been caused by the other motor vehicle driver, such as if the other driver was driving above the speed limit or crossed when it was not a green light.

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In this situation, the driver turning left cannot be deemed responsible for the reckless behavior of another driver. To establish their innocence and the unforeseen nature of the auto accident, it is necessary to provide evidence of the oncoming driver's speed upon entering the intersection.

This can often be accomplished by an accident reconstruction specialist through information gathered from traffic cameras, witness statements, skid marks, intersection cameras, or other available forms of documentation. However, proving that the other vehicle exceeded the speed limit and is the driver at fault in a collision can be challenging without sufficient evidence and expert witness reports.

The Approaching Car Violated a Traffic Signal

A stop sign or traffic signal is one of the most important aspects of driving. It is essential for all drivers to follow these laws, as failure to do so can lead to serious accidents and fatalities on the road.

When an oncoming vehicle fails to obey traffic laws by yielding at a stop sign or traffic signal, the left-turning driver will assume that the other vehicle will yield, leading to possible left-turn collisions when it does not. In such cases, the other driver is usually held liable for placing the left-turn driver in a dangerous situation and causing the subsequent collision.

Running a stop sign or red light is a serious offense. It indicates that a driver has ignored legal barriers and other road users. Drivers who are caught doing so can face penalties such as traffic violations, fines, and license suspensions. It is crucial for non-turning drivers to adhere to basic traffic rules for safety on the roads and to prevent potential accidents.

Establishing Liability in a Left-Hand Turn Accident

Left turns can place drivers in hazardous situations, and understanding the rules of the road is crucial to avoiding an accident. Generally speaking, if a driver attempting to make a left turn does not have a green arrow and oncoming traffic is still present, they must wait before turning.

As such, if there is an accident while they are trying to make their turn, they are typically deemed as the negligent party. In these cases, the liability may fall on them regardless of any potential issues with the other driver or vehicle involved in the crash.

However, there are some potential exceptions to this general rule for left-turn accident case liability. If the other car was speeding or ran a red light to get where it was going, then liability may potentially fall on them instead. Also, if either driver had particularly reckless behavior that caused or contributed to a catastrophic car accident – such as drinking and driving or excessive speed – then it’s possible that both drivers would be held liable.

Ultimately, each situation must be assessed on its own merits to determine which party is ultimately responsible for a left-turn car accident case.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help With a Left-Turn Accident Case

Getting legal advice from a skilled auto accident attorney after a left-turn accident is important. Accident lawyers can help protect your legal rights and navigate the compensation process. They know insurance laws and can negotiate with the other party's insurance company. A lawyer can investigate the accident's cause, assist in avoiding fault without evidence, handle paperwork, file a claim for damages, and enable you to concentrate on recovery.

Seeking advice from an experienced left-turn accident lawyer is recommended. Ktenas Injury Lawyers is a reputable legal team with many satisfied clients.

For potential clients, Ktenas Injury Lawyers can help you through the personal injury claims process and ensure your legal rights are protected. our experienced accident lawyers can also make sure you receive the maximum compensation for any injuries, medical bills, or losses caused by the at-fault driver's negligence. Any information shared with a left-turn accident attorney will be kept confidential and protected. To learn how we can help call us today at 312-300-2515.