Drivers attempting a left-hand turn are usually found to be at fault if an accident occurs. This is because Arizona law states that drivers who are attempting a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic and wait until it is safe to go. However, it is possible for the oncoming driver to be held liable as well.
If you or a loved one was injured in a left-turn crash, it is important to protect your claim by hiring an experienced lawyer. Phillips Law Group offers a free, no-cost evaluation of your accident claim. Our Phoenix car accident attorneys have obtained millions in compensation on behalf of crash victims throughout Arizona.
Founding partner Jeffrey Phillips is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association ”“ Top 100 and has served as lead counsel in more than 40 jury trials.
Why Left-Turn Crashes are Often More Dangerous
There are several reasons why left turns are more dangerous than right turns and other traffic maneuvers. Left turns interrupt the flow of traffic, drivers often forget to use their turn signals, oncoming drivers often try to race through an intersection ahead of turning drivers, and drivers who are turning often overestimate how much time they have to make it through the intersection.
Some drivers are impatient, and they try to turn even though they cannot see around cars in the left-turn lane directly opposite theirs.
Common Left-Turn Accidents
Although no two accidents are the same, there are common reasons why drivers get into left-turn accidents, such as if the:
- Oncoming driver drove through a red light and hit a vehicle making a left turn
- Oncoming driver was speeding and crashed into the vehicle attempting a left turn
- Driver of either vehicle was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driver of either vehicle was distracted, such as because of talking on a cellphone or with passengers, texting, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio or GPS
A left-turn crash could also be caused by a wild animal darting out into the road, causing one of the drivers to make an evasive maneuver that results in a crash. Bad weather or dangerous road conditions could also contribute to a crash.
Arizona Right-of-Way Laws
Right of way laws often dictate who is at fault for a crash, particularly in a left-turn or right-turn crash. These laws tell drivers when they can merge into traffic, enter certain types of roads and proceed into an intersection.
Motorists attempting a left turn must always yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. The vehicle which reaches the intersection first has the right of way unless the driver is attempting a left turn. If two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield to the one on the right.
Fault for a Left-Turn Collision
If we validate your claim in a free consultation, a knowledgeable lawyer from our firm is prepared to conduct a thorough investigation, which may include:
- Reviewing any documentation related to the crash including police reports, insurance claims, witness statements, medical reports or other documents
- Examining evidence such as pictures, video footage, vehicle damage, debris from the scene of the accident and any injuries sustained
- Investigating any possible weather or road conditions that may have contributed to the accident
It is important to understand that Arizona has a comparative negligence law, which means that each driver involved in the accident can be held liable for their percentage of fault.
Contact a Licensed Attorney About Your Accident
Recovering from a serious accident could be difficult without the help of an experienced legal professional.
At Phillips Law Group, our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of these claims and have a proven track record of success. We have recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Contact our firm today to schedule your no-cost evaluation. There is no obligation to hire our firm and you will not be charged any lawyer fees unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.
Call Phillips Law Group anytime at 602-222-2222 .