Am I At Fault if I Hit a Car Making an Improper Left Turn? LA Lawyer Explains Liability

Every accident is different and each needs to be considered individually. But, typically, a driver who is making a left-hand turn is required to wait for oncoming traffic unless 1) they have a green turn arrow or 2) they have enough space and time to make a safe and complete turn. This goes for drivers who are turning where there is no light. Oncoming traffic will have the right of way and any driver improperly turning left will be found liable  However, while these rules seem simple enough our Los Angeles left turn accident lawyer knows that this is not always the case.

This is particularly true because not all other motorists will follow the law. In circumstances where the oncoming car is speeding and the driver turning left did not realize how fast the oncoming car was going, the oncoming car may be held liable in the case of an accident. The same holds true if the oncoming car failed to stop at a stop sign or traffic light and a collision occurred. Another instance where a person turning left may not be held liable is if something unexpected happened in that intersection that caused them to slow down, swerve, or stop completely.

Left hand turns are also more dangerous with tractor trailers and other large commercial vehicles that have a trailer, tractor, or another vehicle bed that is being towed behind.  A truck driver may easily misgauge how long that he or she has to make the turn with their longer cargo, which could result in a very serious type when the truck driver makes the turn and effectively cuts off oncoming traffic.

Unfortunately, these instances are often difficult to prove unless there are witnesses to the accident. If you have been involved in an accident that involved another driver making an improper left turn, you should seek the advice of a Los Angeles left turn accident lawyer like one or ours at the Amicus Legal Group. For more information and a FREE case review, contact us today at (888) 588-1777.  We are ready and willing to help.