Improper turning car accidents happen every day in Los Angeles. When a driver makes an illegal or improper turn, a severe car accident can result. When drivers make improper left-hand turns, they expose their vehicle to oncoming traffic. The resulting car accidents can cause severe personal injuries and even death.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury from an improper turning car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At SoCal Injury Lawyers, our skilled lawyers have helped many Los Angeles residents obtain the compensation they deserve from at-fault drivers. The at-fault driver will likely try to deny liability for the car accident. Our legal team has the skills and resources needed to investigate your case and effectively advocate for your rights. Contact our Los Angeles personal injury law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
Improper Turns Are a Common Cause of Car Accidents
Improper turns are among the top causes of Los Angeles car accidents. Some improper turn accidents are fender benders that only cause minor injuries. However common some improper turn car accidents can cause devastating injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and even death. Along with the failure to stay in the proper lane, improper turns account for many fatal car accidents. Distracted driving, failure to signal, and excessive speed are all factors that can contribute to improper turn car accidents.
Improper Left-Turn Car Accidents
Many improper turn car accidents happen because one driver ignores California’s right-of-way laws. Under California law, drivers who intend to turn left at a green light must wait until all of the oncoming traffic is gone. Drivers cannot legally make a left-hand turn until it is safe to do so. When drivers making a left-hand turn do not have a green light, they have a duty to wait until oncoming traffic clears before they make a left-hand turn.
Many left-hand turn accidents happen when a driver turns left into oncoming traffic. Oncoming cars may be traveling at relatively high speeds, making them unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. Left-turn collisions are particularly dangerous for oncoming vehicles who collide head-on into the car making the left-hand turn.
Typically, the driver who turned left is responsible for the car accident, but there are exceptions. If the oncoming driver was speeding, he or she could be partially at fault for the improper turn accident. When the oncoming driver ran through a red light, he or she may be liable for the accident. Unexpected circumstances could also account for the collision, such as a bicyclist or pedestrian darting without warning in front of the driver making the left-hand turn, causing them to stop suddenly.
Establishing Liability in an Improper Turning Car Accident
A plaintiff who brings a personal injury lawsuit must prove that the defendant was at fault for their injuries. Specifically, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed him or her a duty of reasonable care and that the defendant breached the duty through negligent or reckless actions.
The plaintiff must also prove that the defendant’s breach of the duty of care caused his or her injuries. Engaging in dangerous or reckless driving constitutes a breach of the driver’s duty of care. In most improper turn accident lawsuits, the at-fault driver failed to use reasonable care when making a turn. At-fault drivers often turn in front of oncoming traffic, fail to use a turn signal, or make a turn at excessive speeds.
One of the best ways to establish the defendant’s liability is to reconstruct the car accident. At SoCal Injury Lawyers, we have the resources necessary to help our clients prove that the other driver caused their injuries. We work with accident reconstruction specialists to analyze your car accident to prove the defendant’s liability. We can use the damage to the vehicles to show which driver is at fault. For example, if you were driving straight when another driver made an improper left turn, your vehicle will have damage to the left front corner. The skid marks can also help accident reconstruction experts piece together the events leading to the collision.
What to Do After an Improper Turning Car Accident
If you’ve suffered an injury from an improper turn car accident, you may be wondering what to do next. Seeking medical treatment is the most important thing you can do. Even if you aren’t sure how badly you’ve been hurt, it is wise to undergo a thorough medical evaluation immediately after the car accident. The at-fault driver who made an improper turn may try to blame you for the car accident. Or, the insurance company through which you are filing a claim could deny your claim or offer you a settlement amount that is far too low. If possible, try to take pictures of the accident scene and write down witnesses’ contact information.
After suffering an injury from an improper turn car accident, it is wise to hire an experienced attorney. At SoCal Injury Lawyers, we have experience assertively negotiating with motor vehicle insurance companies on behalf of our clients. We can help you ensure that you do not unintentionally admit fault when providing a statement to the insurance company. With one of our skilled lawyers on your side, you will rest easier knowing that we will advocate for you throughout the entire process.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Today
SoCal Injury Lawyers represents clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and San Bernardino County. We have extensive experience obtaining compensation for our clients who suffered injuries caused by improper turn accidents. Our legal team has the experience needed to represent you effectively. When you’ve suffered a personal injury in a Los Angeles car accident, experience matters. Contact our law firm today to learn how we can advocate for you.