Being involved in a left turn accident can be frightening and confusing. It’s important to know who is at fault for a left turn accident in Texas to ensure that you receive the proper compensation or avoid the blame.
Left turn accidents occur when two cars travel in opposite directions, and one car makes a left turn into the path of the other car. In most cases, deciding who is at fault for a left turn accident depends on several factors such as which vehicle was on the right, whether either vehicle stopped before making the turn, and if any traffic lights or signs were present.
To make sure that fault is distributed fairly after a left turn accident in Texas, we have compiled an overview of applicable laws and guidelines that provide helpful insight into determining who is at fault for these situations. Talk with one of our Austin car accident lawyers for help with your case. Read on to learn more about identifying liability in left turn accidents and protecting your rights from potential legal repercussions.
Causes of Left-Turn Accidents in Texas
Left-turn accidents can occur when a driver attempting to turn left fails to yield the right of way. In Texas, these accidents are the cause of one-quarter of all crashes in the state. This figure makes sense considering Texas is known for its large and busy roadways, where two out of three roads are two-way and more than half of all roads have four lanes or more.
What factors can result in a left-turn accident? One common cause is when a driver fails to pay attention to their surroundings while preparing to turn left. Being distracted, such as by texting while driving, can make it easy to miss important traffic signs and signals. Additionally, there could be a misunderstanding between two drivers about who has the right of way at an intersection – with neither motorist yielding or ceding the right of way before making their turn.
Finally, poor visibility due to darkness or inclement weather may also contribute to an accident as drivers struggle to make out cars moving in the opposite direction. All these circumstances have the potential to lead to dangerous collisions and confusion between drivers over who was wrong or right in a situation.
Negligence Based on Texas Fault Laws
In Texas, negligence based on fault laws is the most common type of liability in left turn accidents. According to this system, the driver who is at fault is responsible for compensating the other driver or passenger for their damages and injuries. This is referred to as “proximate cause,” meaning that the person who caused the accident is held liable for any resulting losses.
When it comes to left turn collisions, negligence is commonly determined by evaluating which driver violated the rules of the road when making the turn. For example, a driver who didn’t signal before making a left turn or failed to yield to oncoming traffic when turning could be held liable for a resulting accident. Additionally, if it can be proven that either driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then that driver may also be held liable for any related damages and injuries.
It’s important to remember that each case must be evaluated individually in order to determine which party is at fault in a left turn accident. The drivers involved should consult with an experienced attorney to ensure their rights are protected under Texas law and they receive fair compensation accordingly.
How Traffic Laws Impact Liability
In Texas, a driver attempting to make a left turn must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction; this also applies to vehicles coming from the same direction that are turning right on red. The failure of any driver to properly yield the right-of-way is a major cause of left turn accidents in Texas.
To reduce the number of left turn accidents, traffic laws in Texas set out strict regulations for drivers who are making or attempting to make a left turn. These laws include:
- Drivers must come to a complete stop before making a left turn at an intersection
- Drivers must signal for at least 100 feet before turning and check for oncoming traffic
- Drivers should always reduce their speed when approaching an intersection and be prepared to stop
In addition, if a driver is caught making an illegal U-turn, running a red light, or changing lanes without signaling, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents. If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately.
Investigating Left-Turn Accidents in Texas
When it comes to determining who is at fault in a left-turn accident in Texas, investigation and evidence are key. Under the state's comparative negligence laws, if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, then you could end up with reduced compensation.
The investigation begins by looking into the basic facts of the accident—the road conditions, the speed of each vehicle, and whether any traffic control signals were present—but there are other factors that can contribute as well. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Did either driver fail to yield to oncoming traffic?
- Did either driver fail to use their turn signal?
- Was either driver distracted or impaired?
- Did either driver have an obscured view of oncoming traffic?
- Were there any mechanical or structural flaws with any of the vehicles involved?
These factors can be difficult to prove, but if they are present they could help determine who was at fault for the accident and thus who may be held liable for damages incurred. Investigating each factor thoroughly can help make sure that any financial penalties imposed on one party are fair and just.
Expert Help to Determine Responsibility
Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to determine who is at fault for left turn accidents in Texas. An attorney can review the facts of the case and provide valuable insight on whether negligence was a factor in the accident.
An experienced attorney will consider several aspects when determining liability and damages, including:
- Whether the driver making left turn was properly obeying traffic laws, signals, and signs
- Whether or not the other drivers involved had sufficient warning of the left turn
- Whether the driver making a left-hand turn had an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic
- The speed of each vehicle at the time of the collision
Ultimately, an experienced attorney will be able to analyze these factors to determine who is most responsible for causing a left-hand turn accident in Texas. With their help, you can receive appropriate justice and compensation for your losses.
Recovering Damages After a Left-Turn Accident
Once it is determined who is at fault for a left-turn accident, the injured party can then begin the process of recovering damages. In Texas, where fault-based insurance is the law, drivers involved in collisions must prove negligence on the part of the other driver in order to gain compensation for their losses.
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When it comes to left-turn accidents, the driver making the left turn is typically assigned primary blame. This means that they must prove that they were not negligent and that they had no way of avoiding the collision. It will also be up to them to prove that any injuries sustained by themselves or their passengers were directly caused by the accident.
If you find yourself responsible for a left-turn accident, there are steps you can take to help you recover damages:
- Take photos of all damage done and gather witnesses’ statements about what happened
- Document all medical visits and document your lost wages due to missed work
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can provide guidance on how to file a claim and manage negotiations with insurance companies
- Be aware of any deadlines for filing claims under Texas law
In short, when it comes down to who is at fault for a left-turn accident in Texas, typically it is the party making the turn who will be primarily blamed. Knowing your legal rights and taking steps to protect yourself after an accident can help you make sure you get fair compensation for damages incurred during an accident.
Call Fletcher Law After A Left Hand Turn Accident
In a left turn accident in Texas, many people wrongly assume that the driver making the left turn is automatically at fault. In reality, the person who is at fault can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. That's why it's important to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to determine who is responsible for any damages caused by the collision.
At Fletcher Law, we understand how confusing and overwhelming it can be to navigate a left turn accident in Texas, making sure you understand your rights and getting the compensation you deserve from insurance companies. We believe that no one should have to pay out of pocket for medical bills and repairs resulting from an accident where someone else was at fault.
Our experienced attorneys can help ensure that you get what you need so you can recover as quickly as possible. From reviewing evidence about who was at fault for the crash to negotiating with insurance companies, we will guide you every step of the way through your claim process. Don't wait any longer; call Fletcher Law today and get started on getting your life back on track after a left hand turn accident in Texas.