Left Turn Accident Lawyers Santa Cruz CA
Many people underestimate the complexity of making a left turn without an arrow. Here, traffic converges, and executing this driving maneuver safely requires accurately gauging the speed and distance of other vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 61% of accidents that occur at intersections involve a driver turning left.
Several factors contribute to left-hand turn accidents. Making a left-hand turn involves a wider turning radius and the driver accelerating, making them riskier for other road users. These turns also involve making mental assessments regarding other drivers’ speed, distance, and adherence to traffic laws, which can be quite difficult. Additionally, obstructions may block a driver’s ability to see possible hazards.
If you were injured in an accident involving a left turn, an experienced car accident lawyer from the Allen Law Firm can review your case and explain your legal rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Left Turn Laws in California
California law requires motorists to execute a left-hand turn from the furthest available left-hand lane. They must turn into a lane that is legally available for them to enter. Additionally, drivers turning left or who complete U-turns are required under California law to yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that could pose a danger while the driver is executing the turn. They must continue to yield until it is reasonably safe to turn left or complete the U-turn. Once they have signaled their intent to turn, yielded the right-of-way, and begun executing the driving maneuver, other drivers must then yield to the turning driver.
Who Is Responsible for a Left Turn Accident?
Based on the vehicle codes discussed above, the left-turning driver is usually found at fault for these accidents. Drivers turning left are typically required to wait to turn when there is oncoming traffic. When drivers are turning left onto a highway from a side road, they must yield to oncoming traffic.
However, the driver traveling straight may be at fault in some situations. For example, this driver could be at fault if the accident was caused by that driver:
- Speeding
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Is distracted and fails to notice a turning driver
- Is drunk
An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate your case and gather evidence to help prove that the other driver is at fault.
Contact Our Santa Cruz Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in an accident involving a left turn, you may have legal options for pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver. An experienced car accident lawyer from Allen Law Firm can discuss your legal rights during a free consultation. Call us today to learn more.
