Left-Turn Accidents

Legally, a left-turn is the most dangerous driving maneuver because the left-turning vehicle must enter the lane of traffic meant for other cars. In fact, federal statistics show that a left turn is the most dangerous maneuver a motorist may execute, and thus great caution must always be undertaken.  Motorcyclists are particularly at risk, with about 42 percent of injury accidents occurring when a car is turning left, and the motorcycle is going straight.

California requires that the left-turning motorist signal the intent to make a left turn at least 100 feet before reaching an intersection. Even after providing the proper signal, the driver must determine by the observation that the turn could be made without endangering a passing vehicle.  The burden placed upon a left-turning motorist is not discharged by merely signaling an intention to turn. The giving of a signal is immaterial if, at the time, the driver of the turning vehicle did not have the opportunity to make the turn in safely.

The left-turning motorist also has the duty to yield to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are within the intersection or so close to it as to constitute an immediate hazard.  The left-turning motorist must also keep a proper lookout for pedestrians crossing the roadway. Left-turn accidents account for sixty percent of pedestrian injuries.

If the evidence supports that the turning motorist was attempting a left turn when the accident occurred, the burden of proof shifts to the motorist to prove him or herself of liability. In other words, there’s a presumption of negligence if the driver executed a left-hand turn and crossed the mid-line at the time of the impact. If the left-turn lane is controlled by a green arrow left-turn signal, the left-turner must prove that the left turn was made while the arrow was green. Exceptions to the rule are difficult to prove, but they will occur if a vehicle going straight was going well above the speed limit, the car going straight went through a red light, or the left-turning vehicle began its turn when it had been safe, but something unexpected made it slow down or stop.  The left-turning motorist’s duty to yield is inapplicable, where the intersection is controlled by defective traffic signals. A motorist must utilize a high degree of caution approaching an intersection.

Once the evidence establishes that the turning motorist was attempting to create a left turn when the accident occurred, the burden of proof shifts to the motorist to absolve himself of liability. In other words, there’s a presumption of negligence when it’s proved that the motive force executed a left-hand turn and crossed the middle line at the time of the impact. If the left-turning motorist is faced with a green arrow left-turn signal, he must prove that he was making such a turn while the arrow was green, or that he had pre-empted the intersection.

Exceptions to the present rule are difficult to prove, but they will occur if the car going straight was going run out of the ordinance, the car going straight went through a red light, or the left-turning car began its turn when it had been safe, but something unexpected made some time down or stop. The left-turning motorist’s duty to yield is inapplicable, where the intersection is controlled by an inoperative traffic light. Any motorist approaching such an intersection must utilize a high degree of caution.

You need an attorney well versed in left-turn accidents who will get you the right medical personnel to get you the care you need and a settlement commensurate with your injury today and the consequences

tomorrow.

FOCUSING ON COMPENSATION

Arthur Liberty has the experience and knowledge needed when encountering any left-turn accidents. With over three decades of experience, Arthur Liberty has the resources and is the dedicated Santa Monica left-turn accident lawyer you need to follow through with your claim.

Arthur Liberty will thoroughly investigate the facts of the accident or incident in order to determine the legal strategy to take in your particular situation. During your initial consultation, we will thoroughly discuss your case, including potential sources of information not readily apparent, including potential witnesses, video and audio recordings, which must be acquired quickly before they are recorded over, law enforcement reports, and investigation whose initial conclusions can be altered if quickly dealt with early on. Arthur Liberty will try to answer all of your questions. The firm is committed to providing you with personal attention throughout the course of your claim and will pursue every possible means of compensation on your behalf. Whether you have medical costs, lost wages, emotional pain and suffering, our efforts will be towards maximizing your potential settlement.

Getting through a difficult situation where you suffer a left-turn accident is never easy. We strive to provide caring and compassionate representation.  Our goal is simple: resolve your claim fairly, effortlessly, and as quickly as possible.  If your case requires that a lawsuit be pursued, rest assured that as an experienced and successful attorney, Arthur Liberty will still have the same goal.

Contact Arthur Liberty to discuss your left-turn accident claim.