Our Dallas Left Turn Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Left turn accidents are one of the most common types of car accidents in Dallas, and they can be particularly dangerous. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, left turn accidents accounted for 22% of all fatal car accidents in Dallas in 2022. Improper left turning refers to the act of making a left turn in a manner that violates traffic laws or fails to yield to oncoming traffic. Examples of improper left turns include turning at a “no left turn” intersection, turning without the right-of-way, making an illegal U-turn, or turning from the wrong lane. These types of turns can lead to car collisions and pose a significant risk to the safety of drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Consulting with a Dallas left turn accident lawyer, at Joel A. Gordon and Associates can help you fight for compensation and navigate the legal process.
What Constitutes Improper Left Turn Accidents
Improper left turning refers to the act of making a left turn in a manner that violates traffic laws or fails to yield to oncoming traffic. Examples of improper left turns include turning at a “no left turn” intersection, turning without the right-of-way, making an illegal U-turn, turning without signaling, turning when it is not safe to do so, or turning from the wrong lane. Improper left turns can also occur when a driver misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming traffic, or when they fail to account for other hazards such as pedestrians or bicyclists. Drivers need to exercise caution when making left turns, always yield to oncoming traffic, and obey traffic laws to prevent accidents and injuries.
Dallas Left Turn Accident Lawyer
Dallas, Texas Code on Left Turn Accidents
In Texas, left turn accidents are governed by the state’s traffic laws. Texas Transportation Code, Section 545.152 provides guidelines for left turns. According to this code:
- When making a left turn, a motor vehicle driver must yield the right-of-way to any other vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is in the intersection or so close to it as to be an immediate hazard.
- The left-turning driver should also yield the right-of-way to pedestrians legally crossing the roadway or the adjacent sidewalk.
- Exceptions may apply if the left-turning driver had a green arrow light indicating they had the right-of-way, in which case the oncoming driver may be responsible if they violate this signal.
The determination of fault in a left turn accident often depends on whether the driver making the left turn followed these regulations and yielded the right-of-way as required. Violating these rules can result in the left-turning driver being at fault, but exceptions, such as having the right-of-way indicated by a green arrow, can affect liability.
It’s important to consult with a Dallas left turn accident lawyer when dealing with left turn accidents in Dallas, Tx to understand and apply the specific legal provisions in your case.
Factors Causing Left Turn Accidents in Dallas
Left-turn accidents can be caused by various factors, including:
- Failure to yield: One of the main causes of left-turn accidents is when a driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic or violates traffic laws while making the turn. This can include turning from the wrong lane, turning without signaling, or turning when it is not safe to do so.
- Misjudgment of speed and distance: Another common factor is when a driver misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming traffic. This can lead to a collision if the driver turns in front of a vehicle traveling at a higher speed.
- Obstructed view: Left turns can also be dangerous due to an obstructed view while turning. This can occur if there are parked cars, buildings, or other objects that limit visibility, making it difficult for the driver to see approaching vehicles.
- Distracted driving: Distractions such as talking on the phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention and increase the risk of an accident while making a left turn.
- Failure to account for other hazards: Left-turn accidents can occur when drivers fail to account for other hazards such as pedestrians or bicyclists crossing the intersection. Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Drivers need to exercise caution when making left turns, yield to oncoming traffic, and obey traffic laws to prevent accidents and injuries. Consult with a Dallas left run accident lawyer to get guidance on how to navigate the legal process if involved in a left-turn accident.
Common Injuries in Dallas Left Turn Accidents
Left turn accidents in Dallas accidents can be particularly dangerous due to factors such as obstructed view while turning, inadequate surveillance, misjudgment of speed, miscalculating distance, and illegal maneuvers. In left turn accidents, various injuries can occur, including:
- Damage to the back and spinal cord
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Crushing injuries
- Lacerations
These injuries can range from minor to severe, and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, even if there are no immediate symptoms. Proper medical attention is important after a left turn accident to ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. It is also crucial to consult with a Dallas left turn accident lawyer to help establish fault and obtain fair compensation for damages incurred.
Determining Fault in Dallas Left Turn Accidents
Proving fault in left turn accidents in Texas can be a complex process. Several factors are considered when determining liability:
- Eyewitnesses: Eyewitness accounts are valuable in establishing fault. Statements from individuals who witnessed the accident can provide critical information.
- Accident Reconstruction: Accident reconstruction experts may be used to recreate the accident and determine fault based on factors like vehicle speed, skid marks, and other evidence.
- Traffic Camera Footage: If available, traffic camera footage can provide objective evidence of what happened during the accident.
- Police Reports: Police reports often include an officer’s assessment of fault based on their investigation.
- Comparative Fault: Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. If both parties share fault, the compensation may be reduced proportionally.
- Expert Testimony: Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, can provide professional opinions on fault.
Proving fault requires a thorough investigation and an understanding of Texas traffic laws. If you’re involved in a left turn accident, consulting with an experienced Dallas left turn accident lawyer is essential. They can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and navigate the legal complexities to determine and establish fault in your case.
Damages Recoverable in Left Turn Accidents in Dallas
In left turn accidents, various damages can be claimed based on the injuries sustained. These damages may include:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatment required.
- Lost wages: If the accident causes the victim to miss work, they may be entitled to compensation for the income they have lost and any future earning capacity that has been affected.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident and the resulting injuries. It may include compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: If the victim’s vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, they may be able to recover the cost of repairs or the fair market value of the property if it is deemed a total loss.
- Other damages: Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, other damages such as loss of consortium, scarring or disfigurement, and loss of quality of life may also be recoverable.
To determine the specific damages that may be recoverable in a left turn accident case, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in handling such cases. They can evaluate the individual circumstances of the accident and advise on the appropriate legal action to pursue fair compensation for the injuries suffered.
Meet Our Dallas Left Turn Accident Lawyer and Get 100% Free and Confidential Consultation
A Dallas left turn accident lawyer at Joel A. Gordon and Associates understands the legal complexities, relevant laws, and regulations surrounding left turn accidents. Our team is exceptionally experienced in gathering and analyzing evidence such as accident reports, witness testimonies, surveillance footage, photographs, and accident reconstructions.
Our attorneys will initiate discussions with insurance adjusters on your behalf and will strive to secure a fair settlement. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, our lawyers can represent the victim in court. They will present a compelling case and advocate for their client’s rights, pursuing the maximum compensation possible. Immediately dial 1-877-213-5004 and speak with one of our team members to schedule your free case consultation.