Some of the leading causes of accidents, like running a stop sign, improperly turning, failing to yield, or disregarding a traffic signal can cause illegal left turn accidents. In Arizona alone in 2018, there were 32,973 recorded cases of the violations listed above. While all of them did not result in left turn accidents, each time one of those violations are committed, it increases the chance for a left turn accident.
The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you have significant experience in helping clients who have been injured in an illegal left turn accident. Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person at our nearby offices, over the phone, or video call. You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.
By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor who can help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people. Our familiarity with the local Phoenix courts makes us confident that we can help you get the best settlement possible.
Read Our Client Reviews
What Is An Illegal Left Turn Crash?
The Highways Traffic law states that an illegal left turn is when the driver fails to stop at an intersection and makes a left turn, potentially into oncoming traffic, without stopping at either the signal or intersection. If you’re turning left at a junction, you must always give way to the oncoming traffic unless there are signs that state otherwise.
How Common Are Left Turn Accidents?
In 2018, 17,857 illegal left-turn accidents were recorded in Arizona, which accounted for 16% of all crashes for that year. Illegal left turn accidents are common, and can lead to injury or personal property damage.
Who Is At Fault in a Left Turn Accident?
When an illegal left turn accident occurs, usually the driver making the left turn is at fault. According to Arizona law, drivers making a left turn are responsible for taking reasonable precautions to make sure the road is clear of oncoming traffic. Drivers turning left do not have the right of way, unless indicated otherwise by road signs, so they must check traffic to make sure they have enough time to turn without hitting any other vehicles. However, there are some circumstances that the driver turning left may not be at fault.
- Red Light Runner: If the driver making the left turn has right of way determined by a left turn traffic signal, and the opposing traffic has a red light. If the vehicle that has the red light goes anyway, and causes an accident where either they hit the left-turn maker or vice versa, the vehicle that ran the red light is at fault.
- Speeding: In Arizona in 2018, speeding caused 42,652 accidents. If a car was speeding and crashed into the turning vehicle, the speeding vehicle can either share fault or be determined at fault for the accident.
- Driving Under the Influence: If a driver is behaving erratically because they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and hits a vehicle turning left, they will be considered at fault.
- Distracted Driving: If a driver is distracted and continues through an intersection while another driver is mid-turn, causing the two vehicles to collide, the distracted driver may be liable.
What Causes Left Turn Accidents?
There are many causes of illegal left turn accidents. Here’s a list of some of the most common.
- Speeding to beat oncoming traffic
- Miscalculating the distance or speed of traffic
- Failing to use a turn signal
- Turning with an obstructed view of traffic or lanes
- Failing to yield to traffic that has right of way
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving or driving under the influence
If You Need More Information, Take a Look at These Articles
Resources Near Me
If you have been in a left turn accident and need to have your car repaired, here are some mechanics who can help.
Get Help Now
At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you, we have more than 15 years of experience helping clients obtain compensation for their personal injuries, including those from illegal left turn accidents in the Phoenix area. When you’re ready to talk, please contact our office to arrange a free initial consultation by phone or at our Chandler office, conveniently located near you.
If you have been in an illegal left turn accident, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in nearby Chandler, AZ to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We provide personal injury legal services to clients in your area including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.
