Left-hand turns present serious risks on roadways, contributing to a notable share of traffic accidents. These challenges increase the likelihood of collisions, sometimes with serious or fatal consequences. Understanding why left turns are so hazardous helps drivers make safer decisions and highlights legal considerations when accidents occur.
What Makes Left-Hand Turns More Hazardous Than Other Turns?
Left turns involve crossing traffic that is often moving quickly in the opposite direction, unlike right turns, which usually join slower or yielding traffic. This exposure to oncoming vehicles increases the risk of side-impact collisions, commonly known as T-bone accidents. Drivers must also judge the speed and distance of several vehicles simultaneously, creating more opportunities for error. Additionally, the time taken to complete a left turn may leave the vehicle vulnerable to being struck from behind.
How Do Traffic Signals Affect Left-Turn Safety?
Traffic lights can reduce the danger of left turns by controlling when a driver may proceed. Dedicated left-turn signals allow drivers to move without conflicting with oncoming vehicles, lowering the risk of collisions. However, many intersections lack these signals or have outdated timing that does not allow sufficient time to complete the turn safely.
What Role Does Driver Behavior Play in Left-Turn Accidents?
Drivers may misjudge gaps in traffic, become impatient, or fail to yield the right of way. Distractions from mobile devices, talking to passengers, or adjusting controls can impair a driver’s ability to judge speed and distance accurately. Fatigue, daydreaming, eating, or driving under the influence also elevate the risk.
Why Are Pedestrians and Cyclists at Risk During Left Turns?
Left turns can be hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists who share the roadway. Drivers focused on oncoming traffic may overlook pedestrians crossing the street or cyclists traveling straight through the intersection. This lack of attention can result in collisions that cause serious injuries.
What Common Injuries Result From Left-Turn Accidents?
Accidents involving left turns often result in side-impact crashes that can cause severe injuries. Examples include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. The force of impact in T-bone collisions is often concentrated on the side of the vehicle, where occupants have less protection compared to front or rear impacts.
How Is Fault Determined in Left-Turn Crashes?
This involves examining traffic laws and the circumstances of the crash. Drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a protected turn signal. If a driver turns illegally or fails to yield, they are usually found at fault. However, liability can become more complicated if the oncoming driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise driving negligently.
How Can I Prove That a Driver Caused a Left-Hand Turn Crash?
Demonstrating that the driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic or disobeyed traffic signals can establish fault. To prove that, gather evidence like police reports, eyewitness statements, and traffic camera footage showing the driver’s actions. Photographs of vehicle damage and skid marks can also support claims regarding the cause of the collision. Our lawyers handle these tasks; we also work with accident reconstruction experts who analyze crash scenes to confirm the sequence of events.
Can Road Design Influence the Danger of Left Turns?
Certain road designs can increase the risk associated with left turns. Intersections with multiple lanes, poor visibility, or confusing signage can make it more difficult for drivers to judge the correct timing for turns. Some areas lack dedicated left-turn lanes or signals, forcing drivers to share lanes with through traffic or pedestrians. Road improvements like protected turn phases, better signage, and redesigned intersections can reduce left-turn accidents.
Let Our Skilled Media Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Fight to Protect Your Rights
If you need legal assistance after a car accident, contact our Media car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. Call 215-569-8488 or contact us online for a free consultation today. We have offices in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, and serve clients in the surrounding areas.