Making a left turn on the road is one of the most common driving maneuvers, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. Even if you take every precaution, things can go wrong.
In this post, we’ll explore the causes of left-turn accidents, discuss who is at fault when these accidents happen, and explain how you can recover compensation if another driver caused your crash in West Virginia.
Understanding Left Turn Accidents: An Overview
Left-turn accidents are more common than you might think. They occur when a driver makes a left turn across oncoming traffic, typically at an intersection or on busy roads.
These accidents can lead to severe damage and injury because they often involve vehicles colliding at high speeds or from vulnerable angles.
Why Are Left Turns Dangerous?
Making a left turn is riskier than making a right turn because it requires you to cross over oncoming traffic.
When you make a right-hand turn, you simply merge into the traffic lane. But with a left-hand turn, you’re cutting across lanes of traffic, which introduces the possibility of a collision.
For instance, when you’re sitting at an intersection, waiting to turn left, you must wait for a gap in oncoming traffic. You may feel rushed, especially if other vehicles behind you are waiting.
In that moment of pressure, you may misjudge how much time or space you have to complete the turn, leading to a serious accident.
Left Turn Accident Statistics
According to data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), left-hand turns are responsible for 61% of all intersection-related crashes.
Left turns also account for around 22% of all vehicle accidents on the road. These numbers highlight how dangerous left turns can be if not done cautiously.
Common Causes of Left Turn Accidents in West Virginia
Several factors can contribute to left-turn accidents, and understanding these causes can help you prevent them.
Driver Misjudgment
One of the leading causes of left-turn accidents is driver misjudgment. If you incorrectly estimate the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, you may end up turning into oncoming traffic, resulting in a crash.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Drivers turning left are legally required to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. Failing to do so can cause a severe collision. In many cases, left-turn accidents happen because drivers believe they can “beat” the oncoming vehicle when, in fact, they cannot.
Impaired or Distracted Drivers
Drivers who are impaired by drugs, alcohol, or even fatigue are less likely to make good decisions while turning left. Distracted drivers, particularly those using cell phones or other devices, may not see a car making a left turn and cause a collision.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Left Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents can result in serious injuries due to the angle of impact and the high speeds involved.
T-Bone Collisions and Injury Severity
One of the most common types of accidents involving a left turn is a T-bone collision, where one car’s front end crashes into the side of another vehicle.
These accidents often cause severe injuries because the sides of vehicles provide less protection than the front or rear.
Serious Injuries Resulting from Left-Turn Accidents
Common injuries from left-turn accidents include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even amputations. The force of the collision can also cause significant internal injuries and severe cuts from shattered glass.
Determining Fault in a Left Turn Accident
When it comes to determining fault in a left-turn accident, the law typically presumes that the driver making the left-hand turn is at fault. However, this is not always the case.
The General Rule: Left-Turn Drivers Are Typically at Fault
In West Virginia, drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. If they turn and cause a crash, they are generally considered at fault. This is because the law expects left-turn drivers to wait until it is safe to complete their turn.
However, simply being involved in a left-turn accident doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be blamed. Certain circumstances may shift fault to the other driver.
Exceptions to the Rule: When the Oncoming Driver is at Fault
There are situations where the oncoming driver may be partially or fully at fault. For instance, if the oncoming driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired by drugs or alcohol, they may share responsibility for the accident.
The Role of Traffic Signals and Road Signs
Traffic signals play an important role in determining fault. For example, if you were making a left turn on a green arrow, and an oncoming vehicle ran a red light, that driver would likely be at fault for the accident.
On the other hand, if you turned left on a green light without an arrow and failed to yield, you might be at fault.
How to Prove Fault in a Left Turn Accident
Proving fault in a left-turn accident requires evidence, and gathering this evidence soon after the accident can significantly strengthen your case.
Evidence to Collect After a Left Turn Accident
Key evidence includes photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries. Eyewitness statements can also be valuable, especially if the other driver was speeding or ran a red light.
The Role of Expert Witnesses in Accident Reconstruction
Sometimes, accident reconstruction experts are needed to analyze the details of a crash. These experts can determine the speed of vehicles, the angle of impact, and whether the accident could have been avoided. Their testimony can be crucial in proving who was at fault.
Recovering Compensation After a Left Turn Accident
If you were injured in a left-turn accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover
- Medical Expenses: This includes doctor’s visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: Serious injuries often result in long-term physical pain and emotional distress, for which you can seek additional compensation.
How an Attorney Can Help You After a Left Turn Accident?
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. They will advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Left-turn accidents can have life-changing consequences, but knowing your rights and understanding how to determine fault can help you protect yourself.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a left-turn accident, Manchin Ferretti Injury Law is here to help. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on the road to recovery.
