Making a left turn is always fraught with risk, especially during heavy traffic and at busy intersections. In most cases, the driver turning left will be responsible in the event of an accident. But there are exceptions to this rule, and cases in which other motorists will be at fault. If you have been involved in a left-turn accident, you may suffer serious injuries. An experienced Roswell car accident attorney can help you collect damages and hold the responsible driver accountable.
Drivers making a left turn typically do not have the right of way. This means they have to yield to oncoming traffic before going through the intersection. As a result, drivers have an obligation to make sure traffic clears before turning left. If they fail to do so, they are likely responsible in the event an accident occurs. Left-turn accidents can occur for many reasons, with some of the most common being:
- Distraction (because the driver was using a cell phone or having a conversation with a passenger, for instance)
- Not paying attention
- Not taking the time to see if pedestrians were approaching (in the event the driver hits someone crossing the street)
- Failure to judge how close an oncoming vehicle is
- Changing lanes during a turn
However, there are a few circumstances in which another driver will at least be partially at fault. These include:
- An oncoming vehicle was speeding, making it far more difficult to judge the safety of turning left
- An oncoming vehicle ran a red light
- A pedestrian suddenly darted in front of the vehicle turning left, forcing it to stop and causing a crash
- In rare cases, the traffic light malfunctioned and the left turner made an unavoidable mistake
Georgia courts can consider cases in which both parties may be at fault, and therefore share liability for the accident. As an example, a driver heading straight who speeds to avoid a red light will be considered partially at fault. If the left turner assumed the other car would stop, and therefore proceeded, he or she may also be liable.
Establishing liability will, therefore, turn on the facts of each individual case. A Georgia automobile accident attorney will be tasked with investigating what happened to put forth an argument in court. Whichever party you were (an oncoming driver, the left turner, or someone else), your lawyer needs to know the details. If it is determined that you were partially at fault, your recovery will be decreased. Your lawyer needs to be able to anticipate arguments that an opposing party in the case may make. So share all the information you have, or can find, with your attorney.
You could be eligible for a variety of damages arising from your car accident injuries. These may include:
- Medical and hospital bills, including for future treatments
- Prescription drug costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost time from work due to medical treatment or hospitalization
- Decreased earning ability if the accident has long-lasting effects
- Property damage for your vehicle
- If the victim dies, the family may have a wrongful death claim
It is important that you take action as soon as you are able to. Not only are there time limits to filing accident claims, but cases are best pursued shortly after the accident occurs. Memories are still fresh and details easier to remember, including for witnesses. It will also be easier to obtain your medical records and related evidence of your damages.
Contact a Roswell Left Turn Accident Attorney Today
Our law firm is experienced with all types of automobile accidents. We understand the evidence that must be presented and the legal standards that must be argued in court. We will aggressively pursue your claim and get you and your family the justice you deserve. Call a Roswell personal injury attorney at Schneider Hammers today and let us know how we can help.
