Left-turn accidents are a particularly dangerous type of motor vehicle collision often seen on Las Vegas roadways. Making an illegal or careless left-hand turn can result in serious injuries to drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
As a victim of this type of crash in Las Vegas, it is recommended that you contact a Las Vegas car accident lawyer to learn your rights before accepting a settlement or signing anything from an insurance provider. You may be eligible for greater financial compensation than what is initially offered for a serious left-turn accident.
What Is a Left-Turn Accident?
A left-turn accident occurs when a driver negligently turns left across one or more lanes of oncoming traffic without yielding the right-of-way, causing a motor vehicle collision. Illegal and unsafe left turns can also lead to severe pedestrian collisions at Las Vegas intersections, especially in busy places such as The Strip.
Drivers turning left at intersections or from medians into parking lots and driveways are required to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. They may only execute the left-hand turn when they have the right and it is safe to do so. At a signaled intersection, this means waiting for a green light or turn arrow. At any place without a green arrow, this means yielding to traffic in the lane being crossed.
Who Is at Fault for a Left-Turn Accident?
When a dangerous left-hand turn results in a serious car crash, injured parties have the right to seek financial compensation from the person at fault under the state’s fault-based insurance system. Determining fault and liability takes understanding why the crash happened.
Common causes include:
- Negligent failure to yield
- Running a red light
- Distracted or drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence
- Misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles
- Failing to detect an oncoming motorcycle
- Failing to wait for pedestrian traffic to cross
- Turning from or into the wrong lane
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Poor road or weather conditions
In many cases, the driver who attempted to make the left turn is found to be at fault for an accident caused by a traffic violation. However, unique factors may also make other parties responsible.
Common Injuries From Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents often take place at intersections, where the collision can take the form of side-impact or T-bone crash, high-speed accident, head-on collision, or multi-vehicle collision. These severe crashes can result in serious injuries to match, such as:
- One or multiple bone fractures
- Back and spine injuries
- Herniated disks
- Pinched nerves
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chest injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Facial injuries and scarring
- Road rash
- Disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death
Anyone involved in a left-turn or intersection crash in Las Vegas should seek medical attention right away. Prompt treatment can help reduce the extent of the damage. It also creates key evidence showing an insurance company that the injuries were caused by the collision.
How a Left-Turn Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas Can Help
If you get injured in a left-turn accident in Las Vegas, it’s important to consult with an attorney about your Las Vegas injury claim. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your related property damage, personal expenses, medical care costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A lawyer working for you will do everything possible to maximize your financial recovery while you focus on healing.