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Drivers involved in left-hand turn accidents are almost always at fault. But, as with most car accidents, there are some exceptions. In Arizona, the law states that drivers attempting a left-hand turn must yield to oncoming traffic. If the driver doesn’t yield and proceeds with the left-hand turn, they are clearly at fault for causing the collision. However, the oncoming driver could be held responsible as well.
If you or a loved one was involved in a left-hand turn collision and need legal representation, contact Shapiro Law Team. We’re Arizona’s trusted personal injury firm with a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Collisions caused by left-hand turns are almost always caused by the driver making the turn. Very few times does fault fall on the oncoming driver. Left-hand turns are dangerous and are usually caused by driver negligence. In some cases, left-hand turn collisions may be caused by conditions that are out of human control. These include things like bad weather and road obstructions.
A left-hand turn accident means the driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. Finding the fault of a car accident is required by Arizona law. According to Section 28-645(A)(3)(a), “vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal alone shall stop before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown.”
Remember, Arizona has a comparative negligence law. This means both drivers involved in the collision may be held for a certain percentage of fault.
Safely driving from one destination to another is never guaranteed. Every time we get behind the wheel, we’re vulnerable to hundreds of other drivers sharing the road with us. Unfortunately, some of those drivers might be under the influence. Some might ignore traffic laws. Others might have a short temper. In the end, we don’t know who is driving next to us.
Left-hand turn accidents are dangerous and are usually caused by driver negligence. A few common causes of left turn accidents we see include:
If you were involved in a left-turn accident, give Shapiro Law Team a call. Our lawyers know how to handle the legal complexities of cases like left-hand turn collisions. We offer superior representation for all personal injury and car accident victims in Arizona.
When a vehicle turns left, it disrupts the flow of oncoming vehicles traveling at higher speeds. This abrupt interruption increases the likelihood of severe collisions and, unfortunately, the potential for catastrophic injuries.
Since the driver is making a left-hand turn, t-bone collisions are common. A t-bone accident occurs when the oncoming vehicle strikes the side of the left-turning vehicle. These types of accidents cause a wide range of injuries, varying from whiplash and fractures to serious head and spine injuries. All drivers should be aware of the dangers associated with left-turn accidents.
Since Arizona law states that a driver must yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles, law enforcement, investigators, and the court all presume liability to fall on the shoulders of the driver who made the turn.
However, this presumption can be challenged by an experienced legal team. Statutory presumption is exactly what it sounds like: a presumption. If evidence shows the other car was liable instead of the driver turning left, that evidence prevails over the statutory presumption.
These presumptions have their limits. For example, if a driver has the right of way but is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, that driver is presumed liable.
Concrete facts such as the blood-alcohol content percentage at the time of the crash could be enough to trump any statutory presumptions. Facts can override statutory presumptions, so let’s set the facts straight—call Shapiro Law Team for your free and confidential consultation. Our team will get started on collecting facts and building your case.
Arizona’s right-of-way laws help determine who is at fault for a left or right-hand turn collision. Right-of-way laws tell drivers when they can make a turn, what kind of road they can turn on, and when to enter an intersection. All drivers must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic, including the first vehicle to reach an intersection.
If you reach an intersection at the same time as another driver, the vehicle to the left of the vehicle on the right must yield. Failing to do so can result in both vehicles proceeding at the same time, potentially causing a crash.
It’s always tricky determining fault, and it’s even trickier without an experienced car accident lawyer. Shapiro Law Team knows how to handle all types of left-hand turn accidents, including yours. When we take on your case, we’ll get to work on:
If you or a loved one has been involved in a left-turn collision, it’s important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. As Arizona’s trusted personal injury firm, Shapiro Law Team has a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Don’t handle the legal landscape on your own—reach out to an experienced attorney today to ensure your rights are protected and justice is served. If we don’t win, you won’t pay us a dime.