Contact a California Left Turn Accident Lawyer Near You Today
In California, the driver making the left turn is typically considered at fault unless evidence suggests otherwise. This is because when you’re turning left, it’s your responsibility to wait for the right moment and be careful before crossing the intersection. If a driver breaks this rule and causes an accident while turning left, they can be held responsible for what happened.
Determining fault in left-turn accidents involves various factors, including traffic laws, driver behavior, and the specific circumstances of the collision.
Left-turn accidents in California can occur for any number of reasons, but the nature of these collisions often leave drivers confused about liability and legal responsibilities of the parties involved. Understanding who is at fault when a car turns left in California will help you better navigate the aftermath of such collisions. We at Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers are here to help. Contact us today or call us at (209) 488-5327 if you have questions!
Left Turn Accidents in California: Understanding Liability and Laws
In California, it’s pretty common to see accidents where one car turns left and gets hit by another car going straight. Whether you wound up colliding with a car that is trying to pass, or you were T-boned while turning left, it’s important to understand who is at fault when a car turns left and a crash happens.
These crashes can cause severe injuries and damage to cars and other property. Victims in these types of cases can end up with significant financial stress, in addition to medical expenses and missed time at work, as a result of these accidents.
Knowing and understanding right of way and left turn laws in California will only help you through the process of determining liability, dealing with the insurance companies, and ultimately getting compensated for any injuries and property damage you have experienced as a result of the accident.
Left Turn Laws in California
When determining fault in a motor vehicle accident case, comparative negligence laws may also come into play, especially if multiple factors contribute to the accident.
California Vehicle Code 22100 (b) dictates how drivers should legally make left-hand turns while driving. This code explains the proper way to turn at intersections and ensure safety on the roads.
(b) Left Turns. The approach for a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand edge of the extreme left-hand lane or portion of the roadway lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle and, when turning at an intersection, the left turn shall not be made before entering the intersection. After entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered, except that upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction that terminates at an intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions, the driver of a vehicle in the middle lane may turn left into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
The code section provides three additional rules for left turns in California. These are:
- A driver cannot start a left turn before entering the intersection.
- A left turn can be made into any lane lawfully available.
- If a driver is traveling on a three-lane road that ends at a two-way road, he may turn left from the middle lane into any lane lawfully available.
California Vehicle Code outlines specific regulations regarding left turns to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow. Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians when making left turns, and failure to do so can result in legal consequences such as fines and points on a driver’s record.
Who Is at Fault When a Car Turns Left in California?
California is an “at-fault” or “tort” state. This means the person who is at fault for a car accident is responsible for paying for other people’s injuries and property damage resulting from the accident.
Unlike some other places where everyone relies on their own comprehensive, liability, or collision insurance coverage no matter who’s at fault, in California the person who caused the crash is the person who is considered to be at fault.
In California, when you want to make a left turn in your vehicle, you have to let the cars coming from the opposite direction pass first. You should only turn when it’s safe. Usually, if there’s a crash involving a left turn, the driver turning left is considered responsible. But there are times when this might not be the case.
Here are some of those situations when the driver making the left turn may not be at fault:
- If the car going straight was driving too fast.
- If the car going straight didn’t follow the traffic signals, like running a red light or ignoring a stop sign.
- If the driver making the left turn started turning when it was safe, but something unexpected happened, like having to slow down suddenly.
- If the driver going straight was drunk or on drugs and that contributed to the crash.
- If the driver going straight was distracted, like talking on the phone or texting, and that caused the crash.
- If the driver going straight did something to make the crash more likely.
- If you were hurt in a left-turn accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be able to get money to help pay for your medical bills, fix your car, cover lost wages, and make up for the pain and suffering you went through.
Common Causes of Left Turn Accidents in California
Left turn accidents happen frequently in California’s cities and towns, especially in places such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, where traffic is often heavy. One main reason is the sheer number of vehicles on the road. At intersections, especially ones without specific signals for left turns, cars can pile up while waiting to make their turns. This can tempt some drivers to break the rules and run red lights.
Apart from running red lights, there are other common reasons why left turn accidents occur, here are some of the most common:
- Not giving the right of way
- Driving too fast
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming cars
- Turning when visibility is blocked
- Forgetting to signal for a turn
- Weather conditions
These factors, and more, all contribute to the risk of accidents when making left turns.
Left-turn accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, making a left turn might seem simple, but it’s actually quite tricky and can be risky if not done right. Unfortunately, many drivers break the rules and disobey traffic laws when they turn left, causing dangerous accidents.
Figuring out who’s to blame for a left turn accident means examining exactly what happened in the crash.
Who Is at Fault When Colliding With a Car That Is Trying to Pass?
In situations where a car attempting to make a left turn collides with a vehicle that is trying to pass, determining fault becomes more complex.
Here is what must be kept in mind when determining fault when there is a collision with a car that is trying to pass: Both drivers may share responsibility depending on factors such as signaling intentions, speed, and visibility. Seeking legal guidance is advisable to navigate the legal intricacies of such accidents. This is particularly true if the other driver flees the accident scene. It is illegal to chase someone in a car in California, unless you are a peace officer.
Let’s say you’re turning left and your car collides with a vehicle that is trying to pass on the left. You’ll need evidence like security camera footage, pictures, people who saw it, a police report, and maybe even a recreation of the accident to prove they messed up and caused the crash. It’s like being a detective, gathering all the clues to make your case.
Without the help of an experienced car accident lawyer near you, this can quickly become an overwhelming task. Speak with an experienced California left turn accident attorney today by calling us at (209) 488-5327 or filling out a website form here or on our contact page.
Who Is at Fault if You’re T-Boned While Turning Left?
T-bone accidents, where a vehicle is struck from the side, often occur when making left turns. Here in California, liability for T-bone accidents involving left turns depends on various factors, including whether one driver violated traffic laws or failed to yield the right-of-way. Comparative negligence laws allow for proportional fault assignment based on each party’s contribution to the accident.
These collisions can result in severe injuries and property damage. Establishing liability in T-bone accidents involving left turns requires careful examination of factors such as right-of-way, traffic signals, and driver actions.
In most cases, the car that does not have the right of way will be considered at fault in the T-bone accident. However, the car that had the right of way can also have some fault as well. That’s because the car with the right of way has a duty of care to pay attention to the road ahead and anticipate that a driver may cut across traffic.
Determining liability in T-bone accidents involves collecting evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction reports. Seeking legal representation can help victims navigate the claims process and pursue compensation for damages incurred in T-bone collisions. If you need assistance in obtaining the California Highway Patrol incident report, Stanislaus County police accident report, Modesto, CA police accident report, or Stockton, CA police accident report give us a call at (209) 488-5327. We are always happy to help.
How Do I Win a Left Turn or T-Boned While Turning Left Accident Case in California?
Here is what you need to know when trying to win a t-boned while turning left accident case: Even if you were partly to blame for the crash, you could still get some compensation for injuries and damages to your vehicle, but it’ll be less depending on how much you were at fault.
If a driver violates Vehicle Code 22100, they might cause an accident involving another driver or even a person walking. If someone gets hurt and decides to sue the driver later on, the driver could be found responsible for being negligent.
According to California law, being “negligent” means not being careful enough to avoid harming yourself or others. In cases of car accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents, if a driver is negligent, they’re considered to be at fault for the accident and might have to pay for the damages.
Proving that someone was negligent in a personal injury case can be tricky. But in California, if a driver breaks a law, like a traffic rule, they’re automatically seen as negligent. This legal idea is called “negligence per se.” It assumes that if a driver breaks a rule, they’re automatically considered negligent. For instance, if a driver makes an illegal turn, they’re negligent per se because turning illegally breaks VC 22100.
However, it’s important to know that even if a driver is negligent per se, they might still be able to get money to cover their own damages. This is because of California’s laws about comparing faults.
There’s this rule called “comparative negligence” in California. It’s a fancy way of saying that when there’s an accident, everyone involved might share some blame. So, if you were partly at fault, the amount of money you can get for damages might go down.
Here’s how it works: Let’s say you were in a car crash, and the court decides you were 20% responsible because maybe you were speeding a little. If the other driver was totally to blame, you’d get all your damages covered. But if you were partly to blame, the amount you can get goes down depending on how much the court thinks you contributed to the accident.
Talk with our Top-Rated Left-Turn Accident Lawyers Near You
Left turn accidents and T-bone collisions can have significant consequences for all parties involved.
Understanding liability and legal obligations is essential for drivers to protect their rights and seek appropriate recourse in the event of an accident. By adhering to traffic laws and exercising caution, drivers can contribute to safer roads for everyone.
If you’ve suffered an accident injury or have had a loved one lose their life in a left-turn or T-bone accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options. It’s always a good idea to talk with an injury & accident lawyer who is well-versed in California’s left turn laws.
Here at the Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we’re ready to help you navigate the confusing process of determining fault and other elements of filing a personal injury claim. Whether you are wondering who is at fault when a car turns left, which driver is responsible for colliding with a car that is trying to pass, or you were T-boned while turning left, our team of top-rated car accident attorneys are standing by ready to help. Book online or call us at (209) 488-5327 to schedule your no-cost, zero-obligation consultation today.
