Left-Turn Accidents in California: Why They’re More Dangerous Than You Think
The decision to make a left turn happens before you’ve even consciously thought about it. Your mind looks at the oncoming traffic, estimates how much time you have left on the green light, and how long it will take you to get through the intersection. Unfortunately, it’s very easy to misjudge this calculation and turn when it’s unsafe to do so. Left-turn accidents are among the most dangerous types of collisions in Southern California, often leaving victims with serious or even fatal injuries.
The Pasadena car accident attorneys at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP have helped many victims just like you work through the aftermath of a left-turn accident. Our partner attorneys have decades of experience in personal injury law, and we know what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable. If you’ve been injured by a careless driver, call our car accident law firm at 855-WINNING (946-6464) to schedule a consultation now.
The Law on Left Turns in California
Left turns are covered under California Vehicle Code 21801. When a driver is planning on turning left or completing a U-turn, they must yield to all drivers coming from the opposite direction who are close enough to be considered a hazard at any point during the turn. They must continue to yield until they can complete the turn in a reasonably safe manner.
The issue, of course, is how far away a car must be to be considered “hazardous” at any point during the turn. There’s no cut-and-dry answer here; it depends on how long it takes to clear the intersection, which lane the other driver is in, how fast they are driving, and other factors. Generally, if a driver would have to brake or swerve to avoid hitting you during your left turn, that means you should not have turned. Although fault is often fairly clear-cut, it’s always worth discussing the matter with a car accident attorney.
Why Left-Turn Accidents Are So Dangerous
Left-turn accidents are so dangerous because of the speed at which they occur and the type of collisions they cause. Consider, for example, rear-end accidents. While these accidents have the potential to be catastrophic or dangerous, they are generally relatively minor and result in minimal damage. In comparison, left-turn accidents generally result in T-bone or head-on collisions. These types of accidents are far more likely to result in catastrophic damage. They transfer the full force of the crash to the driver and passengers, putting the body under enormous stress. A number of factors contribute to the dangers of these crashes:
- Speed differences: While the driver going straight is often traveling at full speed, the turning car is often much slower, putting them at significant danger of absorbing an enormous amount of force.
- Angle of impact: T-bone collisions strike a car right at the side, where there tends to be less protection—and where one or more occupants are directly in harm’s way.
- Limited visibility: It’s not uncommon for someone turning left to have limited visibility. This may be due to sun glare, obstructed intersections, and parked cars.
- Other road users: If there are multiple vehicles coming from the opposite direction, they may also worsen the outcome of a left-turn accident. Additionally, you have to consider that bicyclists and pedestrians may be crossing, further worsening the situation.
Determining Fault and the Role of Comparative Negligence
In most cases, the left-turn driver is primarily at fault for a left-turn accident, although they may not be the only party with some liability. Your car accident lawyer may analyze a wide range of evidence types to determine how liability is split. Left-turn drivers are expected to yield until they can safely clear, and if they don’t safely clear the intersection, that’s a pretty good sign that they didn’t take reasonable steps to keep other road users safe.
Of course, there are exceptions. If the oncoming driver was speeding or ran a red light, they may be partially or fully to blame. For example, a left-turn driver may assume that they have space to clear based on a driver’s current speed. If the oncoming driver then starts speeding and hits the other driver, they would clearly be at least partially to blame.
Because California is a pure comparative negligence state, drivers may still be able to recover compensation even if they are partially to blame. If a driver is found to be 30% at fault and they have $100,000 in damages, their jury award would be reduced 30% to $70,000.
Protect Your Rights With Our Car Accident Lawyers in California
At our car accident law firm, we work hard to give our clients a fair shot at full compensation. Let’s discuss your next steps. Call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) or contact us online.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
