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Making a left turn might seem simple, but it can be a challenging and potentially dangerous maneuver if not done right. When making a left turn, a driver must understand the rules of the road based on the street they are on. A left turn can quickly turn into a devastating day if a driver is not aware of their surroundings or takes negligent actions.
If you were involved in a left-turn accident caused by the negligence of another party, a Columbus left-turn accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC may be able to represent you. We handle insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits on behalf of our clients.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866 for a free consultation on your case with a member of our team. We take many cases on a contingency-fee-basis with no advanced payments required.
Improper Left-Turn Accident Causes
According to North Carolina General Statutes (GS) § 20-153, a driver planning on turning left has to be in the farthest left-hand lane. They also cannot disrupt traffic going in the opposite direction when they turn.
If a driver causes an accident by violating this law while making a left turn, they may be liable for the damages they cause. Other forms of driver negligence that may cause a left-turn accident could include:
Failing to Signal
Failing to signal can cause a left-turn accident in a few different ways. If a driver is turning left, but there is no designated left-turn lane, failing to signal could cause the trailing vehicle to strike them. Failing to signal a left turn at a stop sign could also cause the vehicle in front to think their path is clear, resulting in a collision.
Turning with Limited Time
Turning left with oncoming traffic can be dangerous. A driver must be able to decide if they have enough time to clear traffic without disrupting oncoming traffic. If they try to turn with limited time, they could misjudge how fast oncoming traffic is going.
Failing to Yield
When turning left, a driver must yield to oncoming traffic unless there is a solid green arrow at a stoplight. Failing to yield to oncoming traffic can cause a serious collision.
Speeding
If a driver is speeding, they could strike a driver making a left turn through their lane. The turning driver may think that they have enough time to make the turn safely, not realizing that the speeding driver is approaching faster than expected.
Proving Fault in a Left-Turn Accident Case
Proving fault in a left-turn accident case can be difficult. If a left-turn accident happens at an intersection, establishing fault may require proving who had the right of way.
When you work with a Columbus left-turn accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC on your case, we can collect evidence of the responsible party’s liability on your behalf. This may include:
- The police report
- Surveillance, dashcam, or CCTV footage of the accident, if available
- Footage from surrounding businesses
- Witness statements
- Photos from the accident scene
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- And more
If you believe another party’s negligence caused your accident, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866. A member of our car accident team can go over your accident and injuries in a free case review.
Recoverable Damages in a Left-Turn Accident Case
If we can establish another party’s negligence as the cause of your accident, they may owe you compensation for your damages. Depending on your accident and your injuries, the potentially recoverable damages in a personal injury case may include:
Medical Expenses
Depending on the injuries you sustain, you could have a wide variety of medical expenses. An emergency room visit alone could cost you thousands of dollars. All current and future costs of accident-related medical care may be recoverable in a personal injury case.
Vehicle Damages
The damages a left-turn accident can cause to a vehicle can be extreme. If you were in a left-turn accident, your vehicle may need to be repaired or replaced.
Loss of Income
If you missed work and lost income due to your car accident injuries, you may be able to receive compensation to make up for the loss. In addition, you may be able to receive compensation if the accident permanently reduced your earning capability.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional pain you may have gone through due to your car accident.
The Deadline to Sue in North Carolina
If you are considering taking legal action for your injuries, keep in mind that there is a general three-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in North Carolina, per GS § 1-52. A failure to take legal action by the deadline in your case could mean that you are unable to recover compensation for your damages via a lawsuit.
For information on what specifics deadlines pertain to your case, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today.
Receive a Free Consultation on Your Case
A Columbus left-turn accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC may be able to fight for compensation on your behalf. We can help you fight for the compensation you are entitled to while you focus on your recovery from your injuries.
To learn more about our services and your legal options in a free case review with a member of our team, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866.
If you qualify, we may be able to offer you representation on a contingency-fee-basis. In this arrangement, you are not obligated to pay us attorney fees unless and until you win your case and recover compensation via a settlement offer or court award.
