Left-Turn Car Accidents in Pennsylvania

Left-turn car accidents are some of the most dangerous types of collisions, and unfortunately, they’re fairly common. Making a left turn can be challenging when you’re blocked by a larger vehicle, dealing with inclement weather, or just worried about making it through before the light changes.

That’s why it’s important to understand how Pennsylvania law treats left-turn car accidents and how insurance is likely to handle these crashes. Call KBG Injury Law today to set up a consultation with our team to learn more.

Pennsylvania law regarding left turns

Left-turn accidents occur at intersections where multiple vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signals can all make it harder to focus, see obstacles, and make safe decisions. Drivers turning left often must clear multiple lanes of oncoming traffic, which can be challenging even when conditions seem light.

A small misjudgment of another driver’s speed or distance can lead to a serious crash that leaves multiple parties injured and cars totaled.

So what does Pennsylvania state law have to say about these accidents? Per state law, a driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to constitute a hazard.

That last part is tricky; how close is a car to be considered a hazard? It depends on weather conditions, the other vehicle’s speed, and how quickly you can get through the intersection. In general, it’s recommended that if there’s any reasonable doubt as to whether you can complete a turn, you should wait.

Failing to yield to an oncoming driver can result in you being considered negligent in a car accident claim, and if you were hit by a driver turning left, their failure to yield to you could be considered negligent.

Presumption of fault

When we talk about different types of accidents, the term “presumption of fault” often comes up. This refers to which party is typically assumed to be at fault unless there is evidence disputing that presumption. In left-turn accidents, the left-turning driver is often considered at fault. They have a legal obligation to yield to drivers going straight, and if they turn and hit another driver, they obviously did not wait until they could safely clear the intersection.

Common examples when a left-turning driver would be at fault include:

• Trying to rush through a turn when there is an oncoming vehicle
• Misjudging an oncoming driver’s speed
• Not signaling your turn, resulting in confusion at the intersection
• Trying to turn left at a yellow light while oncoming vehicles speed up to clear the light

While the presumption of fault is often strong, there are exceptions. Fault may be shared, or it may lie entirely with the other driver.

Cases that are the exception to the rule

Which types of cases challenge the presumption of fault in left-turn car accidents? There are several examples:

• Oncoming driver ran a red light or stop sign: This is a clear sign of negligence on the other driver. If you entered the intersection legally and the oncoming driver ran a red light or stop sign, they could be partially or fully at fault for the accident.
• The oncoming vehicle was speeding: Speeding is one of the most common factors in car accidents, and it’s no different when we’re discussing left-turn accidents. Since Pennsylvania is a comparative negligence state, speeding can contribute to accidents, and it may lead to fault being split between the two parties.
• You had a protected left turn: If you had a green arrow or other dedicated left-turn signal, you had the right of way when turning. An oncoming driver is expected to yield to you.
• Sudden change in conditions: You may have the all-clear, only for conditions to change randomly during your turn. A pedestrian may enter the intersection without having the right-of-way, a driver in front of you may stop abruptly for no apparent reason, or your vehicle can suddenly stop in the middle of the intersection. In unusual cases like this, investigators have to look more deeply at what happened, the timing of the crash, and how you responded to the change in conditions.

Evidence that may support your case

Since Pennsylvania is a comparative negligence state, you may still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault. As long as you are 50% or less to blame, you can still receive an award. The amount you receive is reduced in proportion to your share of blame.

This means that having the right evidence is critical. The more evidence you have to support your claim of the other party’s negligence, the easier it will be for you to recover full and fair compensation. Valuable evidence may include:

• Police reports indicating if one party was cited after the collision
• Footage from intersection cameras or dashcams
• Eyewitness statements
• Physical evidence like skid marks, debris from vehicles, and vehicle damage
• Analysis from an accident reconstruction specialist

All evidence can be used to strengthen your case and push back against claims made by the other party’s insurance company. If the insurer can convince the jury you were more than 50% at fault, you lose the right to recover compensation. Bringing in a car accident lawyer from the beginning can help to protect you from underhanded tactics.

Explore your options after a left-turn accident in Pennsylvania

At KBG Injury Law, we are focused on helping you seek justice after an accident. Let’s discuss your next steps during a consultation. Contact us online or call us today to take the first step.