According to the California Highway Patrol, approximately 38,000 accidents are associated with left turns in the state of California every year. Left-turn accidents happen when a vehicle making a left-turn collides with a vehicle driving straight, usually in the opposite direction.
But there are many times when left-turn drivers are not responsible for accidents and T-bone crashes. The most common types of accidents happen when the oncoming driver runs a red light or stop sign, or is speeding and driving recklessly.
If you were injured in a left-turn accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, property damage and your pain and suffering. Insurance companies will determine who is at fault, so you need an advocate on your side. Call the Law Offices of Robert F. Brennan today and make sure that getting in a car accident doesn’t ruin your life.
How to determine who is at fault
Even though oncoming drivers have the right of way, there are many situations in which they can be held liable for a crash. The most common left-turn accidents happen when the oncoming driver has run a red light or stop sign. In those cases, the driver is at fault because they ignored left-turn accident rules. Other scenarios where left-turn drivers are not at fault include:
- The oncoming driver is talking, texting or otherwise distracted.
- The oncoming driver is driving illegally, recklessly or under the influence.
- The oncoming driver was speeding at the time of the accident.
Insurance companies will determine damages based on evidence including police reports, witnesses, and dashcam footage. Even if fault is assigned to multiple parties, you can still collect partial compensation as stated in California’s pure comparative negligence law.
Were you hurt in the accident?
Left-turn accidents can result in serious injuries and medical expenses, property damages, and missed work. If you were the victim of a left-turn accident or injured in a car accident, you need experienced legal help to prove the cause of the accident was drugs, alcohol, reckless driving, or other circumstances.
With over 30 years of experience, Robert F. Brennen, APC, is an aggressive truck accident attorney who specializes in litigating serious personal injury cases and cases related to violations of consumer protection laws. Call today for your free consultation.