Did you know that left turns are one of the most common causes of multi-vehicle collisions in Southeast Texas? Unprotected left turnsāthose being turns in which the turning driver lacks the right-of-wayācan be especially dangerous. If you were involved in a left-turn accident, it is imperative that you know your rights. In this article, our Brazoria County auto accident attorney provides an in-depth guide to left-turn collisions in Texas.
Understanding Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents occur when a driver making a left-turn collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or object. These accidents are particularly common at intersections, where drivers must navigate potential hazards while either yielding the right-of-way or following traffic signals. Left-turn accidents can involve two main types:
- Protected Left Turn: The driver has a dedicated signal or right-of-way to make the turn without yielding to oncoming traffic.
- Unprotected Left Turn: The driver must yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians, creating a higher risk of collision if they misjudge the timing or distance of approaching vehicles.
Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents
Several factors contribute to the high frequency of left-turn accidents, including:
- Driver Inattention or Distraction: A driver failing to pay attention or becoming distracted while making a left turn can easily cause an accident.
- Misjudging the Timing or Distance of Oncoming Traffic: Especially in unprotected turns, drivers may miscalculate the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, leading to a collision.
- Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way: If a driver fails to yield the right-of-way during an unprotected left turn, the result can be a dangerous accident.
- Poor Road Conditions or Visibility: Obstructions, such as parked cars or poor weather conditions, can obscure the view of oncoming traffic, making it difficult for a driver to make a safe turn.
Left Turns are Cited as a Factor in Nearly 1 in 4 Multi-Vehicle Crashes at Intersections
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a comprehensive analysis of more than 5 million motor vehicle collisions at intersections. The NHTSA determined that nearly one in four (22.8%) of multi-car crashes at intersections occurred when one of the vehicles was making a left- hand turn.
Texas Law: Proportionate Responsibility for Motor Vehicle Collisions
Texas is a fault-based automobile accident jurisdiction. The driver at-fault for a crash is liable for the damages. However, fault is not automatically assigned. While the driver making a left-turnāparticularly an unprotected left turnāmay be more likely to be at fault for the crash, he or she will not automatically bear the blame. Every crash should be investigated by a Brazoria County car accident lawyer. Under Texas state law (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. Ā§ 33.001), there is proportionately liability for car accidents.
You Have the Right to Seek Financial Compensation After a Left-Turn Accident
Following a left-turn accident in Brazoria County, you need financial compensation to pay your bills. In Texas, a car accident injury settlement (or verdict) can include compensation for economic and non-economic damages. You may be entitled to recover financial support for:
- Automobile repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Permanent disability/impairment.
Unfortunately, the big insurance companies can make the legal claims process difficult on injured victims. Our Brazoria County car accident lawyer will help you and your family maximize your financial recovery for a left-turn accident.
Call (713) 532-4474 or complete the Free Case Evaluation form below
Injured in a Left-Turn Accident? Contact Our Brazoria County, TX Car Accident Lawyer for a 100% Free Consultation
At the Kolodny Law Firm, our Brazoria County auto accident attorney has the professional expertise that you can trust in a complex or serious injury case. If you or a family member was hurt in a left-turn accident, we can help.
Contact us today to set up your free consultation. We represent injured victims throughout Brazoria County, including in Pearland, Lake Jackson. Alvin, and Freeport.
Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. fromĀ Rice UniversityĀ and his J.D. fromĀ Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employersā Liability Act.
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