Left-Hand Turn Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can happen for an array of reasons. Unfortunately, there are times when people are in a hurry to get to their destinations so much that they ignore others on the roadways around them. Drivers are in so much of a hurry to turn at intersections and out of parking lots that they ignore that fact that other people coming have the right-of-way. Drivers who turn too quickly without looking for oncoming traffic cause left-hand turn accidents quite regularly in our state.
Drivers who cause left-hand turn accidents are often cited for “failure to yield” in Utah. These individuals who recklessly make left-hand turns can cause life-altering injuries for victims injured in car accidents they cause. Without a doubt, car accidents can cause serious damages, including overwhelming emotional distress, excruciating pain, and mounting financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Victims of these horrific accidents deserve to be fairly compensated. Attorneys at Siegfried & Jensen offer legal representation to those who have been injured by negligent or reckless drivers in left-hand turn accidents throughout Utah. If you were injured in a left-hand turn car accident, it is crucial for you to contact our law office to learn what legal options are available for you.

Left Hand Turns And The Right Of Way

When making a left turn, drivers who are given the left turn arrow at the intersection have the right of way to make the turn and do not have to yield to others. If there is no left turn arrow visible on the traffic control device, those who wish to make a left turn at a green light must wait until there is no pedestrians, cyclists, or nearby oncoming traffic before doing so.
If there is no traffic control device at the intersection where a driver wants to make a left turn, they are still able to do so. However, the driver must give the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic, which includes pedestrians and cyclists. If a driver wishes to make a left turn at a four-way stop, they must give the right of way to the first person who stops at the intersection.
Drivers who attempt to make a left turn in unsafe conditions are more likely to cause an accident. Left-turn accidents often result in serious injuries and damages. The fact that many left-hand turns occur when drivers turning left are typically supposed to yield to oncoming traffic makes them more likely to be held liable for accidents which occur. Although many left-hand turn accidents are caused by drivers who make the left turn, it is not always the case. If you were injured in an accident with a left-hand turn driver, it is crucial to hire a personal injury attorney to help you with your case.

When Are Left Turn Drivers Not At Fault For Accidents?

Although very rare, there are some scenarios in which a driver making a left-hand turn may not be held liable for an accident. These scenarios include:
When A Driver Ran A Red Light Or A Stop Sign: Drivers who run red lights or pass through stop signs are almost always considered to be at fault in car accidents. This holds true even when a person making a left-hand turn has a green arrow, which allows him or her to turn while oncoming traffic continues to have a red light. A person who turns left after stopping at a stop sign may not be considered at fault if he or she is hit by someone who runs a stop sign or passes a traffic light in these cases.
Unforeseen Hazards: In some cases, an unforeseen hazard causes a car accident to occur. An example of an unforeseen hazard is when a car runs a red light or instances where a large tree branch fell in the road. These hazards can force left-hand turning drivers to slow down or stop, which can lead to an oncoming car hitting them. In some of these cases, oncoming vehicles who crash into the left-turning driver may be held liable for accidents.
The Oncoming Vehicle Was Traveling At Reckless Speeds: Although it can be quite difficult to prove without witnesses, a person who is making a left-hand turn may not be held liable for an accident if the oncoming traffic is traveling at a significant speed. In these cases, having witnesses or surveillance cameras capturing the speeding drivers can be extremely beneficial for drivers trying to prove they are innocent and not at fault.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a left-turn driver, it is imperative to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for damages and injuries you sustained in the accident.

Damages Available To Accident Victims

Individuals who are injured in car accidents caused by left-hand turn drivers are able to collect compensation for various damages sustained in their accidents. Victims can get compensation for:

• Medical expenses;
• Lost wages;
• Lost earnings (in cases where victims are unable to return to work indefinitely);
• Pain and suffering;
• Loss of consortium;
• Property damages; and
• Punitive damages.

Working with an experienced attorney will ensure you are able to collect the maximum amount of compensation for your claims from at-fault drivers.

Hire A Utah Personal Injury Attorney To Help With Your Claim

If you were injured in a car accident, by no fault of your own, it is imperative to contact a personal injury attorney from Siegfried & Jensen as soon as possible. Our skilled attorneys have over 30-years of experience helping accident victims obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries. Our dedication to helping accident victims has enabled us to help over 35,000 victims collect over $850 million in damages. Contact our law firm today at (801) 845-9000 to schedule a free consultation at one of our conveniently located offices to see what legal options are available for you.