Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers: Liability in Left Turn Accidents
February 22, 2017When you get in your car to drive somewhere, whether it is to work, to school, to run errands, or to visit friends, at some point you will reach an intersection where you will need to make a left turn. Depending on where you live, it may be an extremely busy intersection with multiple lanes and traffic lights, or a rural two-lane intersection where you simply turn when the road is clear of oncoming traffic. Regardless of the type of intersection, wrecks happen every day when drivers making a left-hand turn fail to follow the traffic laws.
In most cases, if a car accident occurs at an intersection, the driver making the left-hand turn is responsible. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including the following:
- If the driver turning left had a green arrow, giving them the right of way at the intersection
- If the driver coming from the opposite direction ran through a red light or a stop sign
- If the approaching vehicle was driving at an excessive speed
- If the traffic light was not functioning properly
- If the driver making the left-hand turn was rear-ended, causing their vehicle to be forced into the intersection
Even considering the exceptions above, the majority of car accidents that occur at an intersection are the fault of the driver making the left-hand turn. This is often caused by a number of scenarios including:
- The driver misjudged how quickly oncoming traffic was approaching
- The driver making the left-hand turn tried to beat the light or other approaching drivers
- The driver was in too much of a rush to stop
Even if you have the right of way, however, once you see another car beginning to make a left turn, you should always yield to that vehicle rather than risk getting into an accident.
If you are involved in a crash, regardless of who is at fault, the most important thing to do is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In addition, if you are able, contact the police so that you can fill out an accident report. This will provide law enforcement with the documentation they need to conduct a thorough investigation and determine whose auto insurance is going to cover the expenses of any injuries, damage to the vehicles, and other costs related to the crash.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Maximum Compensation for Victims of Left Turn Accidents
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured at an intersection involving a driver making a left-hand turn, contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. If the driver making the left turn was negligent, causing you to suffer serious injuries and damage to you vehicle, we will hold that person accountable for their actions and pursue the financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent victims of medical malpractice throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.