One of the most dangerous types of car accidents in the Philadelphia area is a left turn accident. These accidents typically occur when a driver fails to yield and makes a left turn into oncoming traffic that is traveling straight. Often, these crashes result in a T-bone collision, where the left-turning vehicle strikes the side of the other vehicle with significant force. Left turn accidents can lead to severe injuries, and in some tragic cases, fatalities.
A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on crash factors in intersection-related accidents found that left turns are the most common event leading to accidents at intersections. Nearly one out of every four intersection accidents is caused by a left turn, making it one of the leading causes of serious car accidents. Understanding the risks of left-turn accidents and the serious consequences they can bring is essential for drivers to stay safe.
Liability in Left-Hand Turn Accidents in Philadelphia
Fault usually lies with the left-turning driver, if the traffic signal allowed the straight-ahead traffic to continue through the intersection. For instance, assume Driver 1 is waiting at the stoplight to turn left. The driver fails to see Driver 2 with the green light driving straight through the intersection. Driver 1 hits Driver 2 in the intersection. It is clear that Driver 1 is negligent.
However, cases exist where the left-turning driver is not negligent and not responsible for the accident. An example is where a four-way stop sign controls the intersection. The driver coming straight ahead could violate a traffic law by not stopping at the stop sign and be liable in a left turn accident here.
For example, Driver 1 approaches the intersection with four stop signs for all lanes. Driver 1 signals a left turn and starts to do so after stopping. Driver 2 approaches the intersection, but is distracted by a cell phone. They fail to stop and hit Driver 1 while making the turn. Driver 2 is liable in this situation.
What Pennsylvania Law Says About Left-Hand Turn Car Accidents
The rules of the road are contained in Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Chapter 33. The most common ways fault is assessed in a left-hand turn accident are detailed in Sections 3321, 3322, and 3324:
- Drivers making a left-hand turn must get into the extreme left-hand lane that is available (you cannot make a left-hand turn from the middle lane if a left lane is available).
- Drivers turning left at an intersection have to yield to drivers who approach from the other direction. This means that the person making the left-hand turn is usually the party held responsible or negligent for the accident. This obligation to yield the right of way also includes turning left into a driveway, private road or alley.
- Drivers turning must use their turn signal. At speeds of less than 35 miles per hour, the driver must put on their turn signal continuously for at least 100 feet before the turn. The turn signal must be given at least 300 feet or more at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour.
Exception When the Driver Making the Left-Hand Turn Is Not Responsible or Negligent
- No oncoming driver in view. A driver may make a left-hand turn if he or she is justified in believing that he or she can turn safely ahead of the approaching vehicle with no danger of collision. For example, if the driver does not see anyone coming from the opposite direction because of the design of the road or bad weather, there is also an obligation on the part of the driver from the opposite direction to proceed with caution.
- Speeding from the oncoming vehicle causes the accident. If a left-hand turn is made, but a speeding driver who was a long distance away causes the collision, the driver having the right of way may be negligent. The driver who has the right of way going straight must operate their car at a speed that allows him or her to stop within a clear distance ahead. A Pennsylvania court held that a driver making a left-hand turn has the right to assume that a driver out of the range of vision and coming from the opposite direction will obey the speed limit.
Financial Compensation for PA Left-Hand Turn Crash Injuries
If you are injured in a left-hand turn crash in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to financial compensation, if another driver caused the accident. For most state residents, your PIP or personal injury protection coverage pays your medical costs and lost earnings up to at least $5000. You also may sue the other driver for your losses above your PIP policy limits.
How a Left Turn Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident, a left-turn accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process. Here’s how an experienced attorney can assist:
- Investigating the Accident: Your lawyer will gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to determine fault in the accident.
- Determining Liability: The lawyer will identify all parties responsible for the accident, which could include the driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or even a government entity if traffic conditions or signage contributed to the incident.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements, but an experienced left turn accident lawyer will fight for a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court, advocating for your best interests and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Left Turn Accident Lawyer
Left turn accidents can be complicated, especially if there are disputes over who is at fault. Insurance companies may try to downplay the severity of the accident, or they may blame you for the crash. With the help of a skilled left-turn accident lawyer, you can level the playing field and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, a left turn accident lawyer will help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Left Turn Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a left turn accident, don’t hesitate to contact a left turn accident lawyer. We offer free consultations and case evaluations to help you understand your legal options. Let us handle the legal details so that you can focus on your recovery. Reach out today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can assist you.
