How is Liability Determined in Left Turn Car Accidents?

A left-hand turn accident is a collision that occurs when a driver is turning left. Left-hand turn car accidents are common, likely due to the fact that they’re one of the most dangerous moves. If a driver attempts to make a left-hand turn when it’s not clear or another driver runs a red light, it can lead to head-on or side-swipe car accidents.

Common Causes of Left-Hand Car Accidents

Left-hand car accidents are commonly caused by the following factors:

A driver misjudges the distance between two cars
Drivers may not know which lane they should be in when turning
A driver runs a red light
A driver makes a left-hand turn without clear visibility due to a large truck or tree

These are just some of the most common things that lead to left-hand turn accidents. Also, different states may handle left-hand turn lanes differently, leading to confusion. Drivers may even notice differences in left-hand turn lights and lanes in different cities within the same state of New Jersey.

New Jersey Left-Hand Turn Laws

In New Jersey, drivers trying to turn left at an intersection must yield to approaching vehicles. It’s important to note that New Jersey is one of the few U.S. states to prohibit turning left at a red light in any circumstance. It doesn’t matter if there’s no traffic or you’re at a red light, you must wait for the light to turn green to turn left.

Always Use a Signal When Turning

All drivers should also signal when making a turn, especially a left-hand turn. This lets vehicles behind you know that you’re planning to turn. Many left-hand turn car accidents result from drivers failing to use a signal. Failing to use a signal when making a turn in New Jersey can lead to a traffic violation.

Determining Liability in a Left-Hand Turn Car Accident

It’s typically easy to determine liability in a left-hand turn car accident. This is because the driver who wants to turn left is supposed to wait until it’s clear to do so. This means they may be charged if they attempt to turn left when it’s unsafe to do so. However, there are some situations where this may not always be the case.

Steps to Take Following a Left-Hand Turn Car Accident

If you’re in a car accident, including a left-hand turn accident, notify the police. The police may dispatch an ambulance to provide anyone involved in the accident with the medical care they need. They’ll also file a police report, which may be important if you decide to pursue compensation through a personal injury case.

If you experience severe injuries in a left-hand turn car accident, filing a personal injury case can help you collect the funds you need to recover. Depending on the extent of your damages, you may be able to recover medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and even pain and suffering. When you choose to work with a personal injury lawyer, you also have a better chance of receiving the funds you need.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Were you or a loved one injured due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured because of car accidents in Middlesex, Edison, Old Bridge, Westfield, New Brunswick, and throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.