Why Are Left-Turn Crashes So Common and Who is Usually at Fault?

Aug 24, 2020 | Auto Accidents

Left turns are some of the most dangerous traffic maneuvers you can make. You are cutting across traffic heading in the opposite direction. When you are turning right you can speed up and potentially prevent being hit from behind. However, when you are turning left, speeding up may still not get you out of the way of a potential collision.

If you hit a car that was turning left or were hit while turning left, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages. As fault is complicated, it is important to contact a licensed lawyer if you think the accident was the other driver’s fault.

Left-Turn Crash Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), left turns occur in approximately 22.2 percent of collisions. A study by CNN found left turns are three times as likely to kill pedestrians than right turns.

Research like this emphasizes the need to be extra cautious when making a left turn. In fact, if there is a way to avoid the left turn, or at least turn at an intersection with a green arrow instead of a green light, you may want to do it. If you are unsure if you have enough time to make it through the intersection before the approaching vehicles, maybe wait for traffic to clear more.

Fault for a Left-Turn Collision

There are some general rules that apply to liability for a left-turn crash. First and foremost, traffic heading in the other direction has the right of way. You must wait for traffic to clear before making the turn. This means the driver turning left is generally at fault for the collision.

Virginia state law says drivers turning left in an intersection, alley, private road, or driveway must yield to vehicles approaching from the other direction if they are so close as to constitute a hazard.

However, there may be exceptions to this general rule. For example, if you had a green arrow and approaching traffic had a red light, you had the right of way. If a collision occurs, it is likely to be the other driver’s fault.

If you can prove the other driver was speeding, he or she may be partially at fault for the crash, and our Richmond car accident lawyers may be able to pursue compensation on your behalf. However, partial fault would not help your claim, as Virginia follows a harsh contributory negligence rule. If you are at fault for the accident in any way, you are barred from seeking compensation. Even if the accident was entirely the fault of the other driver, you would need to prove he or she was speeding.

Although rare, it is possible an animal could dart out into the road. If this happens, you may delay the turn, causing a collision with an approaching vehicle. In these situations, the other driver may be at fault. However, in Virginia, you cannot obtain compensation unless the other driver is 100 percent at fault.

Fault for a Left-Turn Crash with a Pedestrian

Under Virginia law, you have a duty to yield to pedestrians who are in crosswalks, whether they are marked or not. That said, pedestrians are prohibited from interfering with the orderly passage of vehicles in a way that is malicious or careless. Pedestrians must be responsible when crossing the street.

If you were turning left and a pedestrian ran out into the road in your path, the pedestrian may be at fault for the crash. That said, always keep watch for pedestrians to prevent an accident, as these accidents often cause severe injuries or even death. If you are even slightly to blame for a pedestrian crash, you will be ineligible for compensation, whether from the insurance company or a lawsuit.

Need Legal Help? Call Today to Discuss Your Claim

Geoff McDonald and Associates has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of personal injury victims. The initial consultation comes with no obligation to take legal action and there are no upfront fees for hiring our firm.

If you think you may have a valid case, call our firm today to schedule your free legal consultation. We are here to answer your questions and determine if we may be able to help you.

Our CEO and President Attorney Geoff McDonald is a member of The National Trial Lawyers Association: Top 100.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Trucking Safety Regulations May Influence Your Case in Virginia

    Virginia truck drivers and commercial trucking company owners must observe certain state and federal safety rules. As an accident victim, showing that the liable party violated one of these laws can reinforce your case and help you claim compensation. Let’s examine a...

    Why Drinking, Drugs and Driving are a Dangerous Combination

    Do you want to be the cause of a senseless tragedy? Each year, countless lives are lost because people decide to drink or drug and drive. It’s an irresponsible act that recklessly endangers not only your life, but also those of innocent bystanders. Whether you’re a...

    What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Richmond, Virginia?

    According to Virginia’s car crash map, over 5,700 vehicle accidents occurred in Richmond, VA, in 2022. While a car accident can happen anywhere, some intersections in Richmond are notorious for their high number of crashes. So which intersections in Richmond pose the...

    What Is the Statute of Limitations After a Virginia Truck Accident?

    Did you suffer injuries in a Virginia truck accident? You may be able to sue the truck driver or the trucking company, but you must file your claim within a specified time limit called the statute of limitations. Virginia courts enforce this deadline very strictly and...

    Do Tractor Trailers Have a Black Box?

    One of the first orders or business after a truck crash is to request access to the tractor trailer’s black box. Black boxes often contain critical evidence that can help establish the facts of the accident and support your claim. However, the law requires trucking...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald