Did you know that left turns are one of the most common causes of multi-vehicle collisions in Southeast Texas? Unprotected left turns—those being turns in which the turning driver lacks the right-of-way—can be especially dangerous. If you were involved in a left turn crash, 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.
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. Left turn accidents are divided into two main categories:
- Protected Left Turns: With a protected left turn, the motorist making the turn had the right-of-way. These turns typically occur at an intersection with a four-way stop or at an intersection with a right light that has a dedicated left turn arrow.
- Unprotected Left Turns: With an unprotected left turn, the driver who makes the turn did not have the right-of-way. In other words, he or she was required to yield to an oncoming vehicle.
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 turn—particularly an unprotected left turn—may 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. § 33.001), there is proportionately liability for car accidents.
You Have the Right to Seek Financial Compensation After an 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 Our Brazoria County, TX Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
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. from Rice University and his J.D. from 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 Employers’ Liability Act.
Loading...