Causes for Left Turn Car Crashes
Left-turn car accidents frequently happen at intersections, stop signs, or onto side streets. These collisions don’t involve simply passengers in oncoming vehicles.
Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists might also become victims who suffer catastrophic injuries or death. In many cases, the motorist turning left is liable for compensation.
Common Causes of Left-Turn Vehicles Crashes
A driver turning left at an intersection only has the right-of-way if he’s following a left green arrow. In other situations, this person must yield to oncoming traffic driving straight through the intersection; and others, such as pedestrians in a crosswalk. He must also yield right-of-way to motorists on the right at a stop sign, and to any approaching traffic when turning left onto a street.
Some of the negligent behaviors that lead to left-turn accidents include:
- Speeding
- Traveling too fast for weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or bright sum
- Turning when there is an obstructed view
- Misjudging an oncoming vehicle’s speed
- Miscalculating of the distance across the intersection or the time it will take to turn
- Failing to use turn signals
- Not yielding the right-of-way
- Engaging in distracted driving
Who’s Liable in a Left-Turn Crash Case?
In most cases, the driver making the left turn is presumed to be negligent in causing the accident. As previously stated, he’s required to yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists.
If a collision occurs, it’s assumed he breached this duty of care.
However, as with many rules, there are exceptions. For example, responsibility might be with a motorist who ran a stoplight or stop sign in front of another driver making a legal left turn.
Have You Been Involved In A Motor Vehicle Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident you need to speak with an experienced accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Kansas City
office directly at 816-471-5111 to schedule your free consultation.
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