Left Turn Car Accident Lawyers 

Who’s to Blame for Your Left-Turn Crash? 

Left-turn accidents are some of the most nerve-wracking collisions on the roads. Most of the time, the driver making the left turn takes the blame. Why? Because the law says they’ve got to yield to oncoming cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.  

Figuring out fault isn’t always that simple. Traffic lights, speeding, distractions, and even the time of day can all play a role. That’s why an experienced car accident lawyer is a must-have to help you understand your rights and fight for compensation. 

The Hidden Dangers Behind Left-Turn Crashes 

New York’s streets are chaotic, making left turns extra risky. Heavy traffic, impatient drivers, and tons of pedestrians turn intersections into danger zones. Here’s why left-turn accidents happen so often: 

• Failure to yield: Drivers misjudge gaps in traffic or don’t see pedestrians.  If you’ve been hit, a failure to yield accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable. 
• Distracted driving: Checking a phone, adjusting the radio, or daydreaming for a split second can mean missing an oncoming car. Distracted driving causes nearly 10% of fatal crashes nationwide. 
• Poor visibility: Bad weather, parked trucks, or crowded intersections can block a driver’s view. 
• Rushed turns: Some drivers try to beat a light or squeeze into a tight space, misjudging speed and distance. 
• Traffic signal confusion: Not every driver knows when they actually have the right-of-way, leading to last-minute, risky moves. 

Knowing these causes can help you prove fault and build a stronger claim with the help of intersection crash legal help professionals. 

What You Must Do After a Left-Turn Collision—Before It’s Too Late 

A left-turn crash is stressful, but what you do next can impact your claim. Here’s your must-do checklist: 

1. Check for injuries – Even if you feel fine, take the time to go get checked out. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries can show up later. 
2. Call 911 – A police report locks in key details and helps prove fault. 
3. Take photos and videos – Get shots of vehicle damage, traffic lights, skid marks, and the intersection. 
4. Find witnesses – People nearby can give statements backing up your version of events. 
5. Swap info – Get the other driver’s license, insurance, and plate number. 
6. Stay quiet about fault – Even a simple “I’m sorry” could be used against you. 
7. Talk to a lawyer – A solid attorney can help you fight for every dollar you deserve, even in accidents you weren’t at fault for. 

How New York’s Traffic Laws Can Make or Break Your Claim 

New York’s laws are strict about left turns. According toSection 1141, drivers turning left must yield. If they don’t and cause a crash, they’re usually at fault. But there are exceptions—if the other driver was speeding, drunk, or ignored traffic signals, responsibility could shift. 

Being in a car accident in a pure comparative negligence state means fault isn’t always one-sided. Even if the left-turn driver is mostly responsible, other factors—like the other driver going too fast, running a red light, or texting behind the wheel—can shift the blame. That’s why strong evidence, like surveillance footage and witness statements, is key to proving what really happened.  

New York is also a No-Fault insurance state, meaning your insurance covers medical bills and lost wages up to a certain amount, no matter who caused the crash. But if your injuries are serious, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a negligent driver lawsuit to recover additional damages.

Consulting a personal injury lawyer at Horn Wright, LLP, can help determine if you qualify for a larger settlement. 

Can You Still Get Paid If You Were Partially at Fault? 

Short answer: Yes. New York’s comparative negligence rule lets you collect damages even if you’re partly to blame. Your payout just gets reduced by your percentage of fault. So if you were 30% at fault, you’d still get 70% of the compensation. 

Insurance companies love using this rule against you. That’s why it’s critical to gather strong evidence and push back against their tactics with the support of a car accident liability attorney who knows how to fight for your rights. 

Proving Fault in the Most Complicated Left-Turn Accidents 

Some left-turn crashes aren’t cut and dry. These scenarios make things trickier: 

• Green light confusion: Both drivers have a green—who had the right-of-way? 
• Uncontrolled intersections: No signals mean fault relies on witness statements and road markings. 
• Multi-car pileups: If a left-turning car gets hit and crashes into others, who’s responsible? 
• Pedestrian accidents: If someone’s hit in a crosswalk, the left-turning driver is usually at fault. 

This is where expert testimony, traffic cams, and crash reconstructions come in handy. 

Don’t Let Insurance Companies Trick You Out of Your Compensation 

Insurance adjusters have one goal: pay you as little as possible. Watch out for these sneaky tactics: 

• Blame-shifting: They’ll say you were partially at fault to reduce your payout. 
• Downplaying injuries: They might argue you’re not as hurt as you claim. 
• Lowball settlements: Early offers are almost always way lower than what you actually need. 

Before you say yes to anything, talk to an attorney who knows how to fight back. 

The Clock is Ticking: Know Your Deadline to File a Claim 

New York law gives you strict time limits to file a claim: 

• Personal injury lawsuits: You’ve got three years from the accident date. 
• Wrongful death claims: If you lost a loved one, you have two years to take legal action. 
• Claims against government vehicles: If a city bus or government car was involved, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days. 

Miss these deadlines, and you could lose your right to compensation. 

Your Future is at Stake—Call Us Now for a Free Case Review! 

A left-turn accident can flip your life upside down. Medical bills pile up. Insurance companies give you the runaround. And the stress? It’s overwhelming. But you don’t have to handle this alone. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we fight for accident victims like you. Hire one of the best law firms in America to handle your case. Whether you’re dealing with insurance headaches or need help proving fault, we’ve got your back.  

Contact our offices today for a FREE consultation and let our experienced left turn accident lawyers take the legal burden off your shoulders!