Every state’s driving rules vary in some ways but there are common-sense rules that are in use just about everyone. For example, if you do not have the right of way then you should be yielding when turning. This is why it is almost always the left-hand drivers fault if there is an accident involving a person driving straight and a person making a left-hand turn.
However, as is true with any hard and fast rule, there are exceptions. Read on to learn about car accidents in which the left-hand driver may not have been at fault. If you have been injured in any type of accident then you can reach out to The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
Drivers turning left must yield to cross-traffic drivers
In almost all cases, if a car is traveling straight across from you when you are turning left, then they have the right away. You must wait to make your left turn until it is safe to do so. This means waiting for vehicles to go through the intersection but also watching for bikes and people to avoid pedestrian accidents.
Cases in which the left-hand driver is not at fault
There are a few instances in which the driver turning left is not at fault. One example is if the left-hand turner has a green arrow and another vehicle goes through a red light. Another example is a four-way stop. If it is the turn of the driver turning left and another car goes anyway, then they may be at fault. These are just a few instances but there can be numerous other similar situations that change up fault.
There are several ways to assess fault in a left-hand turn accident
If an accident involves a left-hand turn, it is often the damage to the vehicles that gives us the police the information they need as to fault. If it is not clear then we can work with expert witnesses who can provide reports or even testify about how the collision likely happened and who was most likely at fault. Of course, any eyewitnesses can be extremely helpful as well.
You need a highly experienced attorney
If you have been involved in a car accident involving a left-hand turn then it is essential you have an experienced attorney on your side. This is the type of accident that the insurance company is going to immediately blame on you. The reality is that you may be partially at fault but in the state of California, even if you are partially to blame you can still sue a party who was also partially negligent or reckless.
If you believe you may have a case then we urge you to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 right now. We will begin with a free legal consultation. If we take your case, it will be on a contingency basis in which you do not pay us a penny unless we win your case.
