Left-turn accidents are among the most common and devastating types of motor vehicle collisions on New Jersey roads. With the state’s dense traffic, complex intersections, and unique roadway designs, including the infamous jughandle turns, drivers face an increased risk of confusion and misjudgment when making left turns. Unfortunately, even a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to serious injuries, costly property damage, and difficult legal disputes over who was at fault.
At The Pearce Law Firm, our New Jersey left-turn accident attorneys represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists who have been injured in left-turn accidents. We know how to investigate these complex crashes, identify the liable parties, and pursue the full compensation our clients deserve. Whether your accident happened on a busy highway or a neighborhood street, our team is here to help you while you focus on recovery.
What Is the Left Turn Law in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey traffic law for left-hand turns, N.J.S.A. 39:4-90, a driver making a left turn must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are close enough to pose an immediate hazard or cause an accident. Simply put, if you’re turning left, it’s your legal responsibility to make sure the path is clear and safe before proceeding with a left turn.
Failing to yield when making a left turn is one of the most common traffic violations cited after an accident. New Jersey’s left-turn law assumes that the left-turning driver is usually at fault when a collision occurs, since oncoming traffic typically has the right-of-way. However, fault isn’t always that simple, and other factors, such as speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light by the oncoming driver, can shift or share liability.
How Jughandle Turns Complicate Left-Turn Laws in New Jersey
Unlike most states, New Jersey heavily relies on jughandle turns, a specific road design that requires drivers to exit to the right to make a left turn or U-turn. These turns were designed and implemented in New Jersey to improve traffic flow and reduce the number of direct left turns across busy lanes. Still, they are also very confusing to out-of-state drivers and contribute to many intersection accidents.
Drivers who are new to driving or unfamiliar with jughandle turns often attempt illegal direct left turns, misjudge oncoming traffic speeds, or fail to merge safely after completing the jughandle loop. In these cases, determining who is at fault can become more complicated, especially if multiple drivers were determined to have misunderstood the right-of-way or traffic signals.
Who Is at Fault in a Left Turn Accident?
Determining who is at fault in a New Jersey left-turn accident requires a detailed look at traffic laws, witness statements, physical evidence, and police reports. As a general rule, the driver making the left turn is presumed at fault because they are responsible for yielding to oncoming traffic and ensuring that the turn can be completed safely.
However, there are several scenarios where another driver, or multiple parties, may share or share liability:
- Oncoming Driver Was Speeding – If the vehicle traveling straight was significantly over the speed limit, they may be partially at fault for reducing the left-turning driver’s ability to judge safe timing.
- Running a Red or Yellow Light – If an oncoming driver entered the intersection illegally, they may be held liable even if the other vehicle was turning left.
- Distracted or Impaired Driving – Drivers using cell phones, under the influence, or otherwise distracted may be responsible if their negligence contributed to the crash.
- Mechanical or Road Design Issues – In rare cases, faulty vehicle components, poor signage, or confusing jughandle layouts could contribute to the fault.
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that drivers can still recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% at fault. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a driver is found to be 20% at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, then their total compensation would be reduced to $80,000.
Because insurance companies often use this rule to reduce policy payouts, having an experienced New Jersey left-turn accident lawyer can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
Left-Hand Turn Accident Without Insurance
If you were involved in a left-hand turn accident in New Jersey without insurance, the situation becomes even more complicated. New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, which means that typically, every driver’s own insurance company pays for your medical expenses and lost wages under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of fault.
However, if you were uninsured at the time of the crash, you could face serious penalties under New Jersey law, including fines, license suspension, and potential criminal charges. More importantly, you may lose the right to sue for damages, even if the other driver was at fault.
Suppose an uninsured or underinsured driver injured you. In that case, The Pearce Law Firm can help you pursue compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Left turn cases require careful handling, especially when determining the available coverage and who is at fault under New Jersey’s no-fault system.
What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident in New Jersey
After a left turn accident in New Jersey, especially one involving more than two vehicles, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights to compensation:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even when minor collisions occur, hidden injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding need medical diagnosis to create a proper treatment plan.
- Call The Police – A New Jersey police report provides an objective record of the crash, which can be critical for insurance and legal claims.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos of:
- The vehicles involved
- The intersection where the crash occurred
- Road conditions
- Traffic lights and signage
- Get Witness Information – Independent witnesses can help clarify what happened when fault is disputed by insurance companies or in court cases.
- Avoid Admitting Fault – Stick to the facts when speaking to other drivers, police, or insurance adjusters. Don’t apologize or make any statements that could later be determined to be an admission of fault.
- Contact An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer – A skilled left turn accident attorney from our team at the Pearce Law Firm can guide you through the claims process, protect you from lowball insurance offers, and handle all communication with insurance companies and other attorneys on your behalf.
How The Pearce Law Firm Can Help After a Left-Turn Accident In New Jersey
At The Pearce Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling complex car accident cases throughout New Jersey. Edith Pearce, our founder, spent many years as an attorney for insurance agencies before starting her own personal injury practice. Because of Edith Pearce’s wealth of knowledge, our attorneys understand how insurance companies operate and how to hold negligent drivers accountable. When you work with us, we take the time to thoroughly investigate your accident, calculate your damages, and fight for the maximum compensation you need to recover fully. We help clients recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages in fatal accidents
We also handle left-turn accident cases involving uninsured or underinsured drivers, rideshare vehicle collisions, and those involving pedestrian or bicycle left-turn accidents.
Our personal injury firm in New Jersey operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay anything unless we win your case. From the moment you contact us, our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact our team today at (856) 354-5688 for a free case consultation.
