Who is Liable for a Left-Hand Turn Accident?
February 16, 2021
With the high volume of traffic congesting the streets of Philadelphia, car accidents are a common occurrence. Car accident injuries can get expensive, and victims likely will worry how to cover their medical bills and lost wages. To determine coverage for these expenses, it is best to understand liability in car accidents. Liability might not always be straightforward, such as fault in left-hand turn collisions.
Left-hand turn collisions can cause serious or even fatal car accident injuries. In this scenario, one driver attempts to cross oncoming traffic by making a left-hand turn toward their destination. The driver then pulls in front of another driver who is travelling in the oncoming lane, leading to a side-impact type of collision. These accidents can lead to fractured bones, torn muscles, spinal injuries, concussions, and more.
How is Liability in Car Accident Cases Determined in Pennsylvania?
Each car accident case is different. In a left-hand turn accident, more than likely, the driver who made the turn is held liable for the related damages because of several factors, including:
- Traffic laws state a driver must always be in control of their vehicle and should only make a turn when it is safe.
- All left-hand turns must be made in the far left lane unless another lane is designated.
- All oncoming traffic has the right-of-way, so any vehicle looking to turn in front of traffic must yield and proceed with caution.
- Turn signals must always be used before turning.
Determining liability for a left-hand turn accident can be difficult because of many traffic laws. There are times when the driver turning left may not be held liable for an accident. The following scenarios may be exceptions:
- A driver turning left may have to slow down or stop because of an unforeseen event or breakdown, causing an accident with a car travelling in the opposite lane.
- The driver who is turning may not be able to see the other driver because of an obstruction.
- The driver in the oncoming lane violated a traffic law, such as excessive speeding. Another illegal action is running a red light.
When am I Eligible for Compensation After a Car Wreck?
Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, and each driver must be insured to legally operate a vehicle. If an accident occurs, the driver will look to their own insurance for compensation.
Pennsylvanians may be able to seek compensation from another party if that party is found liable for their accident, particularly if the damages exceed the victim’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. The minimum coverage purchased is $5,000 in Pennsylvania, and each policy is different. If the coverage runs out, then the victim can seek payment from the liable party in certain circumstances, and a knowledgeable lawyer can help.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Help Clients Determine Liability in Left-Hand Turn Collisions
Most drivers are left with many unanswered questions after a collision. If you were involved in a left-hand turn car wreck and need to be compensated, a Philadelphia car accident lawyer at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. can help. Call us at 215-569-9100 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.