Left Turn Car Accident Attorneys in Rochester, NY 

Left-Turn Accidents in Rochester, NY: More Dangerous Than You Might Think 

Getting into a car accident is overwhelming. But left-turn crashes? They’re a whole other level of stress. The aftermath can leave you reeling—questions piling up, injuries that worsen over time, and a complicated legal process you didn’t ask for.  

Here’s the good news: you’re in the right place. At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how life-changing these accidents can be, and we’re here to help. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of the crash, our Rochester car accident attorneys are ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Are You Following New York’s Traffic Laws on Left Turns? Here’s Why It Matters 

You’ve seen it happen: a driver tries to make a quick left turn, thinking they’ve got plenty of time. But they don’t. It’s a split-second decision that can have life-altering consequences. New York traffic laws are crystal clear about this. If you’re turning left, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. No exceptions. 

In Rochester, not all intersections have clear left-turn signals, and some—like those near Lyell Avenue—are just plain confusing. If you’re stuck wondering whether you’ve got the right of way, you’re not alone. It’s a common challenge, and sadly, it’s a major cause of collisions. 

Failing to yield doesn’t just lead to accidents; it can also land you in legal trouble. New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law  §1141 states that left-turning drivers who don’t yield can be held liable for any resulting crash. So, if someone else’s reckless left turn caused your accident, that’s important to know. 

Proving Who’s at Fault After a Rochester Left-Turn Crash Isn’t Easy—But It’s Possible 

You might think it’s obvious who’s at fault in a left-turn accident. The driver making the turn, right? Well, not always. It’s usually their responsibility to yield, but things can get complicated fast. What if the oncoming driver was speeding or ran a red light? 

To prove fault, you’ll need evidence. This could include: 

• Eyewitness statements: Were there people nearby who saw what happened? Their accounts can help clarify who had the right of way. 
• Traffic camera footage: If the accident happened at a busy intersection, there might be video evidence showing exactly what went down. 
• Police reports: It’s crucial to get a copy of the police report from the Rochester Police Department. These reports often detail critical factors like road conditions, visibility, and any violations, such as a left-turning driver at fault. 

Remember, proving liability isn’t just about gathering facts. It’s about telling your side of the story in a way that sticks. 

What If the Other Driver Is Responsible? Yes, It’s Possible in Rochester, NY 

It’s easy to assume that the driver making the left turn is always at fault, but that’s not always the case. If the oncoming driver was distracted—maybe texting or eating—they might be partially responsible for the crash. 

What matters most is figuring out what really caused the crash. Was the oncoming driver distracted? Were they ignoring traffic signals? These details matter, and they can impact how responsibility is shared. 

How New York’s Comparative Negligence Laws Affect Rochester Left-Turn Accidents 

Here’s a question you might have: “What happens if I was partially at fault?” Good news—you can still recover damages in New York, thanks to its comparative negligence system. 

Let’s say you were 20% at fault for a left-turn accident because you hesitated too long in the intersection. The other driver was speeding, making them 80% at fault. In this case, you could still recover 80% of the total damages. 

But insurance companies love to play the blame game. They’ll try to pin more fault on you to pay less. Don’t let them get away with it. Make sure you’ve got someone on your side who knows how to push back. 

Six Steps You Should Take Right After a Left-Turn Crash in Rochester 

The moments after a crash are chaotic. You’re shaken up, and it’s hard to think straight. But what you do right after the accident can have a big impact on your case. 

Here’s what you should do: 

1. Call 911: Even if the accident seems minor, reporting it is a must. The police will document the scene, which helps later. 
2. Check for injuries: Your health comes first. Even if you feel okay, some injuries—like herniations and protrusions—don’t show up right away. Get checked out. 
3. Take photos: Get pictures of the entire accident scene—vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic lights, and anything else that seems relevant. 
4. Get contact info: Exchange information with the other driver and gather names and numbers of witnesses. You’ll want to provide as much detail as possible when you fill out the MV-104 form. 
5. Don’t apologize: It’s natural to say, “I’m sorry,” but it can be taken as an admission of fault. Stick to the facts. 
6. Talk to an attorney: Speaking with a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and make sure you get fair compensation. 

Insurance Companies Don’t Play Fair—Here’s How to Handle Them in Rochester 

You’ve filed your claim, and now the insurance company calls. Sounds simple, right? It’s not. These companies are pros at minimizing payouts. They might say the crash wasn’t that bad or claim your injuries aren’t serious. 

Watch out for tricks insurance companies like to use. They might offer a low settlement, hoping you’ll take it quickly without realizing the full extent of your damages. Or, they’ll blame you for the accident, even if the facts say otherwise. Don’t fall for it. An experienced attorney can handle the back-and-forth, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing. 

The Clock’s Ticking: Don’t Wait to File Your Rochester Left-Turn Accident Claim 

In New York, you’ve got three years to file a personal injury claim after a car accident. It sounds like plenty of time, but don’t wait. Evidence fades, witnesses move, and deadlines sneak up fast. 

If the accident resulted in a death, the timeline is even shorter—just two years to file a wrongful death claim. Missing these deadlines means you could lose your chance to recover damages. 

Take action now. The sooner you start, the stronger your case will be. 

You Deserve Justice After a Rochester Left-Turn Accident 

After a left-turn accident, everything feels like it’s spiraling out of control. But you don’t have to face it alone. At Horn Wright, LLP, our experienced team is here to take the burden off your shoulders and fight for the justice you deserve. We specialize in personal injury cases, so you can trust us to guide you every step of the way. 

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on healing. You’ve got enough to worry about—leave the rest to us.