There will probably be times when you need to make a left-hand turn and this can increase your chances of being involved in a car accident. In 2022, Pennsylvania reported 13,079 improper turning-related crashes.
Some of these collisions resulted in severe injuries and extensive property damage. While determining liability in a left-turn accident may seem pretty straightforward, the reality is a little different. Local traffic laws can complicate things and this can make it harder to file a personal injury claim.
If you’re injured in an improper turn-related crash, here’s what you should know about the law and any potential impacts on an accident claim.
What is an Improper Left-Turn?
Getting from point A to B isn’t always a straight line. Chances are, your route is going to require at least one turn and probably more. Turning at a four-way stop sign is relatively easy. Everyone comes to a stop and the first arriving vehicle is the one that gets to go.
So, when it’s your turn, you should be able to safely make a left-hand turn. Don’t forget to have your turn signal on, this is usually a requirement in all states. Failing to use a turn signal is a misdemeanor, but there’s no reason to incur the penalty.
The fine is usually around $150, and if a serious accident occurs, you may be facing up to 15 days in jail. However, jail time is rarely handed out as a punishment for a failure to use a turn signal case.
What may be more of a financial impact is the potential increase in insurance rates. A failure to use a turn signal ticket can add points to your license. If you’re a repeat offender, your insurance company may view you as an at-risk driver and increase your monthly premiums.
Making a left turn at a traffic light can be just as simple. You wait for the green light before proceeding through the intersection. If the green light is an arrow, you have the right of way. If the light is a green circle, you know a standard circular light, oncoming traffic has the right of way. This means you must allow all oncoming vehicles to pass before making a left-hand turn.
Can you make a left turn on a red light? The answer is usually no but there can be exceptions. How do you know if the turn is legal? You should see a sign posted near the intersection. The sign either indicates that left turns are legal or illegal.
However, even if it’s legal to make a left-hand turn, it’s a good idea to do so with caution. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study, about one out of every four left-hand turn collisions result in serious injuries.
Determining Liability in a Left-Turn Accident
If you’re guilty of making an improper left turn, chances are you’re liable for any damages stemming from an accident. Turning left against the light or when it’s not your turn at a stop sign, usually means your behavior is considered negligent.
To successfully file a personal injury claim, you must prove the four elements of negligence. These elements are duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. How does this apply to an improper left-turn accident claim?
All drivers owe other motorists a duty of care, which is to follow all traffic laws. If you make an improper left-hand turn, you’re guilty of breaching your duty. If your illegal turn causes an accident, you’re responsible for covering all or some of the damages.
However, Pennsylvania, like a few other states, follows comparative negligence rules. This simply means more than one party can be liable for an accident. So, even if you’re guilty of making an improper left turn, the other driver’s actions can also be considered negligent if they’re not following all traffic laws. Comparative negligence will also impact damage amounts received in personal injury claims.
Your settlement amount is reduced by the same percentage as your blame. For example, your improper left-turn is the primary cause of the accident but the other driver is guilty of speeding. The law considers both actions and assigns blame to the involved drivers.
Since your turn is illegal, you’ll probably be assigned a higher percentage of the blame than the driver who is speeding. You can usually file a claim for compensation as long as your percentage of the blame isn’t more than 50%.
If you’re assigned 49% of the blame for the accident, your compensation amount will be reduced by the same percentage. However, if your percentage of the blame is 51%, you probably can’t file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. This usually means you’re stuck paying for any expenses not covered under your insurance policy, and can include both your auto and health insurance policies.
When Are You Not Liable in a Left-Turn Accident?
You may not be fully or even partially liable for your left-turn accident, even if you’re not sure the maneuver is entirely legal. If you’re at an intersection without a traffic light, you can make a legal left turn as long as no traffic is coming from either direction.
In other words, all lanes in every direction must be clear of traffic. If the road’s design obstructs your view, for example, it has a sharp curve before the intersection or overgrown brush is blocking your view, the entity responsible for road maintenance may be the liable party.
A driver with the right of way who is also speeding may also be responsible for the accident even if it occurs while you’re turning left. These are only a couple of examples of when you may not be fully or even partially liable for a left-turn accident.
You May Not Be At Fault for Your Left Turn Accident
Determining liability in a left-turn accident can be a tricky process to try to navigate on your own. In some cases, more than one driver may be at fault, which can further complicate your personal injury claim and directly affect your case.
To help guarantee that you receive fair compensation for your damages, it’s wise to consult with an experienced accident attorney first. They can help untangle the complexities of your case and advocate for your rights.
