Left-Turn Accidents, Fault, and What Drivers Need to Know

Whether it’s at a busy intersection in Bucks County or a suburban roadway in nearby New Jersey, making a left turn puts drivers in a vulnerable position. These crashes can lead to serious injuries, vehicle damage, and legal questions about who is at fault.

Taking time to recognize why these accidents happen and how fault is determined in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can help protect your rights after a crash. Discuss your situation with a Bucks County personal injury attorney.

Who Is at Fault in a Left-Turn Crash?

When a driver makes a left turn, they must cross one or more lanes of oncoming traffic. This creates several risk factors:

• Misjudging speed or distance. A driver may think they have enough time to complete the turn but miscalculate how fast the oncoming car is moving.
• Limited visibility. Sun glare, obstructions, or weather conditions may prevent a driver from seeing another vehicle.
• Driver impatience or distraction. In busy areas, a driver may feel rushed or fail to notice a vehicle coming straight through the intersection.
• Running red lights or improper signals. Both the turning driver and the oncoming driver may contribute to confusion or violations that lead to a crash.

Because the turning driver is interrupting the flow of traffic, they typically have a greater responsibility to ensure the turn is safe. So, in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the general rule is that the driver making the left turn is presumed to be at fault, unless there is clear evidence showing otherwise. That’s because drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a green arrow or other legal right of way.

But it’s important to understand that this presumption can be challenged if the oncoming driver was speeding, running a stop, distracted, under the influence, or driving without headlights in low visibility conditions. Fault can also be shared. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault. In New Jersey, modified comparative fault also applies, but no recovery is allowed if you are more than 50% at fault.

How Can I Prove What Happened?

Determining fault in a left-turn crash isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies may try to blame the injured party or minimize the other driver’s responsibility. An experienced lawyer can help by gathering evidence, reconstructing the accident, and negotiating with insurance adjusters for a fair settlement. Going to court could also be an option if negotiation doesn’t lead to results.

Left-turn crashes can leave you dealing with serious injuries and financial stress. If you’ve been hurt in a left-turn collision, you deserve an advocate who will protect your rights and fight for full compensation. Contact a Bucks County personal injury attorney to discuss your Pennsylvania or New Jersey case.

Is there a dispute about responsibility following a left-turn collision? Take the first step toward recovery, share your concerns with the attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. Call 215-515-2604 for a confidential consultation.