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.
Injured in a Pennsylvania Left-Turn Accident? Understand Fault and Your Legal Rights
If you’ve been injured in a left-turn accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand how fault is determined and what your legal rights are. The driver making the left turn is typically expected to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. However, determining fault isn’t always straightforward. Various factors, such as speeding, distracted driving, or traffic violations, can affect the outcome. In some cases, fault may be shared or even shifted to the other driver. Here’s an overview of how fault is determined in Pennsylvania left-turn accidents and why consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial.
Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents in Pennsylvania
While the left-turning driver is often presumed to be at fault, this assumption can change depending on several factors that may shift or reduce their responsibility:
- Speeding by the Oncoming DriverIf the oncoming driver was speeding, they could be partially or fully responsible for the accident. Speeding makes it difficult for the left-turning driver to judge the oncoming vehicle’s speed, which increases the likelihood of a collision. In this case, the speeding driver could be held accountable.
- Traffic ViolationsIf the oncoming driver violated traffic laws—such as running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign—then their negligence could shift fault from the left-turning driver. Law enforcement and insurance companies in Pennsylvania will assess traffic violations carefully when determining fault in an accident.
- Distracted DrivingDrivers who are distracted—whether by texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other forms of distraction—pose a higher risk of accidents. If the oncoming driver was distracted, they could bear a significant portion of the fault for the collision.
- Poor Road ConditionsIn some cases, adverse road conditions, like poor visibility due to weather or roadwork, contribute to accidents. In these instances, both drivers may share the fault depending on how they responded to the road conditions, and the left-turning driver might not be entirely responsible.
- Mechanical FailuresAlthough rare, mechanical issues on the oncoming vehicle, such as brake failure or malfunctioning signal lights, can shift the blame. If a mechanical failure caused the accident, the at-fault party could be the vehicle owner or the manufacturer of the faulty part.
Shared Fault and Legal Considerations
In Pennsylvania, fault is often not clear-cut. The state follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning fault can be divided between the parties based on their degree of responsibility. If both drivers contributed to the accident, each one may be assigned a percentage of fault. This is a crucial consideration when pursuing a personal injury claim, as your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The Role of Evidence in Determining Fault
To determine fault in a left-turn accident, evidence is often necessary to support your version of events. Eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, or dash cam videos can all be vital in establishing the circumstances of the accident. Gathering this evidence as soon as possible will strengthen your case.
Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the insurance system is fault-based, meaning that the driver determined to be at fault is responsible for covering the medical expenses, property damage, and other losses of the other party. However, Pennsylvania also allows drivers to choose between “full tort” and “limited tort” insurance options:
- Full Tort InsuranceThis option allows you to pursue pain and suffering damages, even if you’re partially at fault in the accident.
- Limited Tort InsuranceThis typically costs less in premiums, but it may limit your ability to recover pain and suffering damages.
When dealing with a left-turn accident claim, understanding how your insurance coverage impacts your rights and compensation is essential. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Why You Should Contact a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney
Determining fault in a left-turn accident can be complicated, particularly when multiple factors are involved. An experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can assist you in evaluating your situation, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Whether the left-turning driver was at fault or if another party was responsible, having the right legal team by your side is essential to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact The Pearce Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a left-turn accident in Pennsylvania, don’t face the complexities of fault and insurance alone. Reach out to The Pearce Law Firm for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping you understand your legal rights and pursue 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.
