Many people would not believe you if you said that one of the most dangerous actions you perform while driving is taking a left-hand turn. However, taking a left turn is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in the US.
Hiring a Charleston car accident attorney from Shelly Leeke is the next step to take following a traffic accident when turning left. Our Charleston personal injury lawyers can help with holding the at-fault driver accountable and securing a financial compensation package for your damages, so reach our South Carolina car accident lawyers as soon as you can.
Determining Who Is Liable for a Left-Turn Accident
It can be somewhat difficult to figure out who is responsible for a traffic collision when there is a left-hand turn involved. Typically, the driver who made the left turn is held liable for the crash. This is due to the fact that you are supposed to yield to oncoming traffic when attempting this type of turn.
Failure to yield, in almost all cases, results in the driver becoming liable for the incident. The left-turn driver may not always be responsible for the collision, though. If the other driver runs a red light or a stop sign, excessively speeds, or engages in dangerous driving (like swerving everywhere), then they could be liable. Additionally, environmental conditions (like a snowstorm or a deer running out into the middle of the road) could also cause a left-turn collision.
Yielding for Pedestrians
Left-turn accidents do not just have to be two vehicles hitting each other. A driver attempting to turn left at an intersection and/or onto a busy road can strike a pedestrian using the crosswalk. Determining fault in this situation can be just as complicated as it is for a two-vehicle left-turn collision.
It is always the top priority of drivers to yield to pedestrians. Because of this, it is usually the driver who is held liable for the incident. However, a pedestrian can be held accountable for a traffic accident if they were illegally and carelessly crossing the street.
It would still be wise to hire a Charleston left-turn accident lawyer to help you prove that the other party involved is liable for the accident and the damages and injuries involved.
The Severity of a Left-Turn Accident
Left turns are dangerous because they require the driver to make a split-second decision to drive in front of oncoming traffic. While yielding to oncoming cars, your view may also be partially or completely obstructed by other cars on the road. You also have to accelerate fairly quickly in order to avoid getting stuck by the oncoming cars.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the latest year of reporting, 53% of all cross-path traffic accidents involved an intentional left turn made by a driver. This means that over half of those accidents were caused, at least in part, by simply taking a left turn to get to where you are going.
The NHTSA also reports that 40% of the approximately 5.8 million car crashes in the US occur at an intersection. Not only are left turns a major source of traffic collisions but the entire intersection is dangerous. Yet this is no excuse under the scope of the law. Irresponsible drivers still need to be held liable for causing a crash when they fail to make a proper left turn at an intersection.
Injuries Sustained from Left-Turn Accidents
There can be a wide array of physical injuries obtained from a left-turn traffic accident. These can range from more minor ones (like bruises, scratches, cuts, and strains) to more major ones. These more serious injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Bone fractures
- Leg/foot injuries
- Arm/hand Injuries
- Seatbelt syndrome
- Lacerations
- Brain bleeding
- Spinal stenosis
- Organ damage/failure
- Burns
- Paralysis
- Disfigurement
A left-turn accident usually involves one car moving at a very fast speed while the other one is just starting to turn and thus moving very slowly. This could lead to serious injuries for all parties involved.
Seek out medical attention immediately if you or a loved one has recently been involved in a left-turn car accident and are suffering from any of these physical injuries.
Legal Options for a Left-Turn Accident
Often, victims of left-turn accidents are unsure if they should hire a lawyer and explore their legal options following the crash. This is because they do not entirely know who is at fault and then are uncertain if they will even be able to recover money for damages and injuries.
It is essential to know that you always have the option to hire legal representation following any kind of traffic accident. You should sit down and chat with a left-turn accident lawyer in Charleston, even if you are not sure who is at fault for the crash.
Shelly Leeke can help you with two main legal issues – proving the other driver is liable and securing a financial compensation package for your pain and suffering.
Damages You Could Be Compensated For
Obtaining financial compensation can be quite difficult, but an attorney can help. We intend to base your case for compensation on a number of insinuating factors. This includes:
- Medical bills
- Physical and occupational therapy costs
- Prescription drug costs
- Loss of wages from missed work
- Loss of consortium
- Damages to your vehicle
- Overall pain and suffering
You are not at fault for the left turn accident as long as you were not the one taking a left turn, speeding, running a red light/stop sign, or driving recklessly. Therefore, It is important to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their negligent driving.
The other driver can be found to be liable even if you were the one who struck them while they were turning left. They should know to yield and make a proper left turn.
Contact Shelly Leeke Today
Shelly Leeke has recovered over $1 million for victims of motor vehicle accidents in the state of South Carolina. We have a proven track record of success with cases just like yours. There is no need to continue to wait and think about hiring a left-turn accident attorney in Charleston.
Seek justice for what has happened to you by contacting us today and receiving a free case evaluation.