Left Turn Car Accidents in Kansas City

You’re waiting at the light, blinker on, watching the oncoming cars. A quick judgment, a tap of the gas, and then an impact. It’s one of the most jarring and familiar crash scenarios in Kansas City: the dreaded left turn accident.

What makes left turns so risky? And more importantly, who’s at fault when things go wrong? Whether you’ve been t-boned while turning left or you’re the one who couldn’t stop in time, understanding your rights starts with understanding the law.

Why left turn accidents are so common in Kansas City

Kansas City has a unique traffic rhythm. With wide multi-lane intersections, inconsistent left turn signals, and a mix of local and highway traffic, there are plenty of opportunities for confusion and collisions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 22 percent of car crashes in the United States involve a vehicle making a left turn. That number climbs in urban areas with heavy intersections.

Drivers making left turns often have to judge speed, distance, and timing, and misjudging just one can result in a serious accident. Add in distracted driving or weather-related visibility issues, and left turns become a hot zone for side-impact crashes.

T-Boned while turning left: who’s at fault?

Here’s the scenario: you’re turning left, and out of nowhere, another car barrels into your passenger side. It’s called a T-bone collision, and it’s one of the most dangerous car accident types due to the lack of protection on a vehicle’s side.

So, who’s at fault?

In most cases, the driver turning left is presumed to be at fault since the oncoming driver typically has the right of way. However, like all things in law, there are exceptions.

If the other driver ran a red light, was speeding excessively, or was distracted, fault may shift or at least be shared. That’s why evidence like dash cam footage, witness statements, and police reports is vital after a left turn accident in Kansas City.

Understanding Missouri and Kansas left turn laws

Living in Kansas City means navigating two sets of traffic laws, one for Missouri and another for Kansas. While both states follow the fundamental principle that drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic, the nuances matter.

In Missouri, the law under RSMo § 304.351 requires that a vehicle turning left must yield to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is close enough to be an immediate hazard. In Kansas, Statute 8-1524 similarly states that the left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic unless they can complete the turn safely and without interfering with others.

What qualifies as a safe turn is often subjective, which is where lawyers and adjusters start parsing split-second decisions and driver behavior.

Determining fault in a left turn car accident

The blame in a left turn crash often comes down to one question: did the turning driver have enough time and space to complete the maneuver safely?

To figure that out, investigators examine:

• The position of each vehicle before impact
• Whether the driver had a green light or a turn arrow
• Speed estimates from both vehicles
• Skid marks or brake application
• Witness accounts and surveillance footage

Sometimes, both drivers share responsibility. Kansas follows a modified comparative fault rule, while Missouri applies a pure comparative fault system. This means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault—and in Kansas, you may be barred from recovery if you’re found 50% or more responsible.

Common causes of left turn collisions at intersections

If you’ve driven in Kansas City for more than a week, you’ve likely seen at least one near-miss at a busy intersection. Left turn accidents often happen due to:

• Misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming traffic
• Running a yellow or red light mid-turn
• Failing to yield when a green arrow is not present to protect the turn
• Distracted driving, such as texting or checking GPS
• Slippery roads or poor visibility in rain or snow

Intersection design plays a role. Federal Highway Administration data shows nearly 40 percent of all vehicle collisions occur at intersections, with left turns being a leading contributor.

How insurance companies handle left turn accident claims

When you file an insurance claim for a left turn accident, expect questions (lots of them). Adjusters want to know:

• Were you turning on a green arrow or a solid green?
• How far away was the oncoming vehicle when you turned?
• Were there any witnesses or video evidence?
• Did either party admit fault at the scene?

The car insurance company for the at-fault driver will often try to shift partial blame to reduce the payout.

That’s why documenting everything, from photos to injury symptoms, is crucial. If you’re unsure about handling the insurer alone, a personal injury attorney can help you avoid costly missteps.

What to do if you were injured in a left turn accident

If you’ve been injured in a left turn accident, here’s what you need to do immediately after the crash and in the days following:

1. Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed.
2. Seek medical attention for personal injury, even if your pain is minor. Injuries can worsen or appear later.
3. Get photos of vehicle positions, road conditions, and traffic signals.
4. Gather witness information, if possible. Bystander accounts can help clarify what happened.
5. Avoid admitting fault, even casually. Let the evidence and investigators sort it out.
6. Contact a local attorney who understands left turn car accidents in Kansas City.

Too many drivers accept partial or complete blame before understanding their rights. Don’t assume the crash is your fault just because you were turning left. Let an experienced legal team review the facts.

The bottom line

Left turn accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but the impact can last for months or even years. Know your rights, understand the laws, and don’t let an insurance company decide what your recovery is worth.

If you’ve been injured in a left turn car accident, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to understand your options and pursue deserved compensation.