Driving through the bustling roads of Nevada can be an adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One such situation that many drivers find themselves in is being rear-ended in a car accident while making a left turn.
It’s not just a fender bender; it’s a complex scenario that requires a clear understanding of traffic laws and a careful evaluation of the events leading up to the collision.
What Are Left Turn Car Accidents?
Left-turn car accidents happen when a vehicle making a left turn collides with oncoming traffic, often at intersections. These accidents result from factors like misjudgment, failure to yield, or distracted driving. The driver making the left turn is usually more vulnerable. Understanding these dynamics is essential for safe intersection navigation and for determining fault and liability in the event of a collision.
What to Do if You’re Rear-Ended While Turning Left?
Experiencing a rear-end collision while making a left turn can be disorienting and stressful. In the aftermath of such an incident, you need to navigate the situation carefully to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find yourself in a rear-end collision while turning left:
Prioritize Safety:
Move to a Safe Location: If your vehicle is still drivable, carefully move it to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic.
Turn on Hazard Lights: Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the situation.
Assess Injuries:
Check Yourself and Passengers: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance immediately.
Do Not Move Injured Persons: If there are injuries, avoid moving anyone unless there is an immediate danger, such as a risk of fire.
Call Law Enforcement:
Dial 911: Call the police to report the rear-end accident, even if it seems minor. A police report can be crucial when determining fault.
Provide Details: Share information about the location, the number of vehicles involved, and any injuries. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Exchange Information:
Collect Driver Details: Exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with the driver of the other vehicle.
Gather Witness Information: If there are witnesses, collect their names and contact information. Their statements may be valuable later.
Document the Scene:
Take Photos: Use your smartphone or camera to capture images of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and relevant road signs.
Note Conditions: Document weather conditions, visibility, and any other factors that may have contributed to the collision.
Do Not Admit Fault:
Refrain from admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to factual information when talking to the other driver and law enforcement.
Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Injuries can manifest later, and a medical examination can provide documentation for any future claims.
Contact Your Insurance Company:
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information.
Consult with an Attorney:
If you’re unsure about your rights or if the accident involves complexities, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. They can help you in getting fair compensation for the damages.
Why Are Left-Hand Turns Dangerous?
Left-hand turns are often considered more dangerous than right-hand turns for several reasons, contributing to a higher risk of accidents. Here are some factors that make left-hand turns more hazardous:
Crossing Oncoming Traffic:
Involves crossing multiple lanes, increasing collision risk.
Limited Visibility:
Complex turns hinder clear sightlines, leading to misjudgments.
Intersection Complexity:
Multiple traffic streams and signals raise the chance of errors.
Dependency on Traffic Signals:
Relies on signals for timing, with misinterpretation leading to accidents.
Yielding Challenges:
The importance of proper yielding increases the potential for mistakes.
Speed of Oncoming Traffic:
Higher oncoming speeds elevate the severity of potential collisions.
Distracted Driving:
Left turns demand focus, making distractions a significant risk factor.
Complex Decision-Making:
Split-second decisions involving oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Oncoming Drivers’ Behavior:
Unpredictable reactions from oncoming drivers increase risk.
Increased Potential for T-Bone Collisions:
Left turns often result in T-bone collisions, known for higher severity.
Determining Fault Rear End Accident While Turning Left
Determining fault in a rear-end accident while turning left involves a careful examination of the circumstances surrounding the collision. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the factors that play a crucial role in establishing who is at fault:
Right of Way and Traffic Laws:
Left Turn Protocol: Understand the rules regarding left turns and right of way in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. In many cases, the driver turning left yields to oncoming traffic unless they have a dedicated left-turn signal.
Traffic Signals and Lights:
Green Light or Arrow: If you had a green light or arrow while making the left turn, it typically indicates that you had the right of way. This information is crucial in determining whether the other driver failed to yield.
Following Driver’s Behavior:
Maintaining a Safe Following Distance: Assess whether the driver behind you was maintaining a safe following distance. Rear-end collisions often occur when the following driver is tailgating or fails to leave enough space to stop safely.
Speed of the Following Driver:
Excessive Speed: Consider the speed at which the following driver was traveling. If they were exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions, it may contribute to their liability.
Distracted Driving:
Distractions: Investigate whether the following driver was distracted at the time of the collision. Distractions such as texting, adjusting the radio, or any other activity that diverts attention from the road may be indicative of negligence.
Witness Statements:
Eyewitness Accounts: If there were witnesses to the accident, their statements can provide valuable insight. Collect contact information from witnesses who can testify about the events leading up to the collision.
Traffic Violations:
Other Traffic Violations: Determine if the following driver committed any other traffic violations leading up to the collision, such as running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign.
Police Report:
Official Documentation: The police report filed at the scene of the accident will contain details about the investigation, officer observations, and any citations issued. Obtain a copy of this report for your records.
Expert Analysis:
Accident Reconstruction Specialists: In complex cases, consulting with accident reconstruction specialists may provide a detailed analysis of the collision dynamics. This can be particularly helpful in establishing fault.
When Is The Left-Turn Driver Not At Fault?
The left-turn driver may not be at fault when they have a clear right of way, such as with a green light or arrow, or in unforeseen circumstances like sudden mechanical failure. The fault may shift to other drivers who are distracted, speeding, fail to obey signals, give false signals, or are impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Each accident is unique, and determining an at-fault driver requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances. Seeking legal advice and gathering evidence is crucial to protect the rights of the left-turn driver in these situations.
How to Properly Make a Left Turn?
Making a left turn might seem routine, but it involves careful execution to ensure safety and adhere to traffic laws. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly make a left turn:
Signal Early:
Activate your left turn signal well before the turn.
Position Left:
Move to the left side of your lane or left-turn lane.
Check Traffic:
Assess how fast oncoming traffic is for a safe gap.
Check Cross Traffic:
Look for an oncoming vehicle from the opposite direction.
Wait for Signal:
Proceed on a green arrow or solid green light.
Yield as Necessary:
Yield to oncoming traffic without a dedicated signal.
Complete Turn Smoothly:
Turn the wheel smoothly and maintain a steady speed.
Stay in Lane:
Stay in the designated lane after the turn.
Cancel Signal:
Turn off your left signal once the turn is complete.
Obey Traffic Laws:
Adhere to all traffic signs and signals on the new road.
Importance of Car Accident Attorney
In a rear-ended accident while turning left, hiring an attorney can be crucial for various reasons. Here’s the importance of having a car accident attorney in such a situation:
Fault Assessment: Attorneys analyze traffic laws and accident details to determine fault accurately, crucial for building a strong case.
Negotiation Expertise: They negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation, preventing undervaluation or unjust fault assignment.
Maximizing Compensation: Attorneys work to maximize compensation by considering all relevant damages, both economic and non-economic.
Legal Procedure Management: They handle legal procedures, ensuring timely and correct document filing to prevent complications.
Evidence Gathering: Attorneys effectively collect and analyze evidence, including witness statements and accident reports, strengthening your case.
Representation in Court: If needed, they represent you in court, presenting a compelling case and advocating for your interests.
Legal Guidance: Attorneys provide crucial legal advice throughout the process, preventing inadvertent mistakes that could harm your case.
Emotional Support: Offering support and reassurance, attorneys help you navigate the emotional challenges of the legal process.
Contingency Fee Arrangements: Many work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring accessibility to legal representation without upfront costs.
Get Help From a Proficient Car Accident Attorney at BLG
Navigating Nevada roads requires not only a mastery of driving skills but also an understanding of the legal intricacies that come into play when accidents occur. If you find yourself rear-ended while making a left turn, remember that seeking legal guidance is your right.
By following the appropriate steps and consulting with experienced lawyers, you can navigate the aftermath of the accident and pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t let a momentary lapse in judgment or unforeseen circumstance leave you holding the bag—know your rights and drive safely on Nevada’s roads.
If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate situation of being rear-ended while making a left turn, don’t navigate the legal complexities alone. Our experienced team at BLG is here to guide you through the process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with our proficient car accident attorneys today. Your rights matter, and we’re here to fight for them.
1-800-870-8910