How to Prove Fault in a Left Turn Accident

Published on: 03/26/24 — In 

In a left turn accident, the driver making the left turn is usually at fault. The left-turning driver has to yield to oncoming traffic and ensure it's safe to turn.

Negligence is proven with evidence. The police report serves as the initial evidence, containing information about the scene, witnesses, and officer findings. More evidence may be needed if the fault is unclear. This can include eyewitness testimony and accident scene photos. Speed and distractions matter too. If injured, file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company. To prove left-turn crash fault, exchange insurance info, take photos, and gather eyewitness testimony.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a left turn car accident Ktenas Injury Attorneys can help. Call us at (312) 300-2515 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney.

Types of Left-Hand Turn Accidents

Left-hand turn accidents, also known as left-turn collisions, are some of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents. These occur when a driver turning left fails to yield the right of way and collides with an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian. In these types of incidents, it may be difficult to prove fault since both drivers typically claim that they had the right of way.

Understanding Traffic Laws and Regulations

Determining fault in left-hand turn accidents can be difficult. To prove fault, understand traffic laws. The driver making the left turn must yield to oncoming traffic. They must wait until it is clear before proceeding. Even if they have the right of way, they may still be held liable for damages or injuries caused by negligence.  If the driver was speeding, failed to use their turn signal, or if an unforeseen circumstance occurred, they could be held responsible for the accident.

a left turn arrow on a traffic light
  • Speed Limit
  • Traffic Lights/Signals
  • Right of Way Laws
  • Green Arrows and Green Lights

Documenting the Scene of the Accident

When proving fault in a left turn accident case, documenting the scene is crucial. This involves taking photos of the property damage, gathering witness testimonies, and measuring physical evidence like skid marks.

Photos should capture the entire scene, including the accident location and any relevant traffic signs. Witnesses should be asked for statements, including their contact information. Measurements of skid marks or debris can provide insight into vehicle speed and direction.

Remember to collect the following after a car accident:

  • Witness Statements
  • Police Report
  • Photos/Videos/Other Physical Evidence

Establishing Fault in a Left-Turn Accident

Left-turn accidents happen when the at-fault driver turns left in front of an oncoming vehicle. Figuring out who is at fault can be challenging because both drivers may claim they had the right-of-way.

To determine fault, collect evidence from the accident scene and identify which driver acted negligently. Factors like speed limits, traffic lights, right-of-way laws, and green arrows or lights can help establish fault. Witness statements and a police report are also helpful. Take photos and videos of the scene to show how fast the vehicles were going. Gathering all this evidence can prove fault in a left-turn accident.

Determining Who Had the Right of Way

In a left-hand turn accident, determining who had the right of way is essential to prove fault. The driver who had the right of way in the oncoming lane is not necessarily at fault, but rather the driver who violated the right of way. To determine which driver had the right of way, several factors must be taken into account.

The first factor to consider is state and local traffic regulations. Different states and cities have different accident laws regarding who has the right of way in a left-hand turn accident. Generally, the oncoming vehicle has the right of way, but this can vary based on location.

Another factor to consider is the speed limit. If one driver was using excessive speed, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid the accident.

In addition, traffic lights and signals must be taken into account. If one driver ran a red light at a traffic signal or failed to use their turn signal in a dangerous maneuver, they may be at fault for the accident. Finally, green arrows and green lights can also determine who had the right of way in certain situations.

By understanding state and local traffic regulations, as well as any other relevant factors, it is possible to determine who had the right of way in a left-hand turn accident and prove fault.

Identifying Oncoming Drivers and Drivers Turning Left

In a T-Bone accident, the party making the left turn is usually at fault. However, there are times when the other driver may be to blame for the traffic accident. To prove fault in such an incident, it is important to first identify which driver was turning left and which one was coming from the opposite direction.

One way of identifying oncoming drivers and drivers turning left is by obtaining a police report. The police officer will have witnessed the accident and should be able to provide an accurate account of which driver turned left and which one was approaching from the opposite direction.

a left turn sign in a car lane

In addition, witness statements can help determine who was turning left and who was coming from the other direction. Witnesses are also useful in providing information about how fast each vehicle was traveling before the accident occurred.

Evaluating Driver Behavior Before the Accident

When determining fault in a left-hand turn accident, driver behavior before the accident can be evaluated to determine liability. To determine the cause of the accident, experts will examine several factors such as whether either driver was distracted or impaired, the speed of both vehicles before impact, and whether either driver failed to yield the right of way.

The first factor that can be used to establish fault is whether either the driver was distracted or impaired at the time of the accident. If either driver was using a cell phone, eating, drinking, or otherwise not paying attention to the road, they may be found liable for the accident. Similarly, if either driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, they may also be liable for any damages caused.

In addition, the speed of both vehicles before impact can be used to determine fault. If one driver was traveling at a higher speed than the other, they may be found liable for any damages caused by the accident. Finally, if either driver failed to yield the right of way or did not use their turn signal when appropriate, they could be held liable.

Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today!

If you were involved in a left-hand turn accident, and you believe that the other party was at fault for the collision, it is essential to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer from Ktenas Injury Attorneys. The experienced lawyers at Ktenas Injury Attorneys have a wealth of experience when it comes to proving fault in a left-hand turn accident.

The first step is to contact Ktenas Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. During the consultation, your accident attorney will review the facts of your case and help you determine if the other party was at fault for the accident.

Your experienced attorney will then work with you to build a strong case that proves fault and ensures you receive full compensation for any damages incurred.

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