One of the common causes of car collisions is when a driver is taking a left-hand turn. Car accident lawyers have found that as one of the top causes of collision. Depending on the severity of the collision, the driver of the at-fault driver as well as the victim can be at the receiving end of serious injuries.
What is the rule for taking a left turn while driving?
As per the rule, while making a left-hand turn, the driver has to yield to other vehicles, unless the vehicle taking the turn has the right of way (green arrow). Moreover, as standard practice, the driver should always ensure that there is no oncoming traffic, or there is enough distance between their vehicle and the oncoming traffic to make a turn safely. While waiting for oncoming traffic to slow down, the driver should also ensure that there are no pedestrians or cyclists.
What are the common causes of collision while taking a left-hand turn?
The most common cause of collision while taking a left-hand turn is to not wait for the oncoming traffic to slow down or thin out. In such a case, it is a high-risk maneuver and leads to accidents. Moreover, if the vehicle is already in speed, they may not have time to slow down before they notice a pedestrian or a cyclist. Additionally, collisions are more common on turns where there are no stop signs. The onus of taking the precautions lies with the driver taking the turn.
Who is at fault in a collision involving a left-hand turn?
More often than not, it is the driver taking the turn who is usually at fault. However, there are instances when the other party is responsible.
When is the driver taking the left-hand turn not liable for the collision?
A few instances where the driver taking the left-hand turn may not be liable is when they have the right of way (signal is green). Moreover, it is possible that the oncoming driver may be negligent which led to the accident such as they were texting and driving, driving under influence, or speeding. Similarly, it could so happen that a pedestrian or a cyclist unpredictably came in the way of the vehicle taking the turn, not giving it enough time to slow down.
How does one determine fault in an accident involving a left-hand turn?
If you’ve been involved in an accident due to someone’s negligence while taking a left-hand turn or due to a collision with them, you deserve a settlement. The best way to determine the fault is to produce relevant evidence such as CCTV footage, photographs, medical reports, witnesses, etc. It doesn’t matter which side of the table you’re on, if you’re a victim of an accident, work with a car accident attorney and get the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, you need the best car accident lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.