There is a certain degree of risk associated with left hand turns. For starters, left hand turns involve crossing one or more lanes of oncoming traffic. In addition, vehicles approaching an intersection may be speeding. As a result, left hand turn car accidents can be serious and deadly.
Drivers in the Walnut Creek, CA area must remain alert to what is happening on the road. If you were injured in a left-hand turn car accident, the attorneys at Bowles & Verna can determine if the other driver is liable and secure compensation for your injury.
California Law Regarding Left Hand Turns
In the state of California, the driver of a vehicle preparing to turn left must yield to any vehicle approaching from the other direction that is close enough to pose a hazard. The vehicle preparing to make a left-hand turn must wait until the turn can be completed without incident.
Determining Who Is at Fault in a Left-hand Turn Car Accident
More often than not, a driver making a left-hand turn will be at fault in a collision. It is that driver’s responsibility to ensure the coast is clear before maneuvering.
However, there are exceptions to the rule, including:
- The other driver was speeding
- The other driver ignored a stop sign or red light
- The other driver was intoxicated
- The other driver was distracted (i.e., texting or talking on the phone)
- The other driver was driving on a suspended or revoked a license, or did not have a license to drive
- The other driver failed to yield when the turning driver had a green turn signal
California is a comparative liability state, meaning that fault for a collision may be proportional. For example, two drivers may be 25 percent and 75 percent at fault, respectively. A settlement of $20,000 would leave the driver who is 25 percent at fault with $15,000 in damages, or 75 percent of the total compensation awarded.
Proving Fault in a Left-hand Turn Auto Accident
Proving fault in a motor vehicle accident requires a thorough investigation. Our team of car accident attorneys will take a series of steps in evaluating your case, including:
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Evaluate witness statements, accident diagrams, and citations
- Interview witnesses to the crash
- Obtain traffic camera video surveillance
- Record photo evidence of vehicle damage
If you are involved in a left-hand turn accident, it is important to seek consultation from an auto accident attorney. Our team of car accident lawyers understand how to evaluate the facts and prove the other driver had a high degree of fault. We can secure compensation to cover your medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Auto accidents can have a lasting effect from an emotional and financial standpoint. If you suffered an injury in a left-hand turn accident, contact the car accident attorneys at Bowles & Verna. Schedule a free consultation online or by calling (925) 935-3300 today.