Left turn car accidents are a significant cause of collisions, contributing to approximately 22.2% of all traffic accidents annually. These accidents often result in severe damages and fatalities, with over 2,400 individuals losing their lives each year due to left-hand turn car accidents. The high prevalence of left turn accidents is attributed to factors such as obstructed views during turns, inattention, and challenges at intersections, making them hazardous locations prone to accidents. Contact our El Paso left turn accident lawyer today to discuss your case. If you have sustained injuries in an incident involving a left-hand turn, we will conduct a comprehensive examination of your case and assist you in exploring the full range of legal remedies available to you.
Left Turn Car Accidents in El Paso and Damages Involved
Left turn car accidents refer to accidents that occur when a driver attempts to make a left turn at an intersection and collides with another vehicle. A study highlights that more than 480,000 crashes involving left turns occur annually, emphasizing the severity and frequency of such incidents.
In most cases, the driver making the left turn is considered at fault, as they have the responsibility to ensure there is no oncoming traffic before turning. However, there are instances where the fault can be attributed to the other driver, such as if they were speeding or operating their vehicle illegally. Drivers need to exercise caution, obey traffic laws, and yield to oncoming traffic when making left turns to prevent these accidents.
Damages in left turn accidents can be attributed to factors like the speed of the turning vehicle, the presence of traffic control devices, and the overall complexity of intersections. Understanding the common causes and consequences of left turn accidents is crucial for promoting road safety and implementing preventive measures.
Common Causes of Left Turn Accidents
Left turn accidents can be attributed to various factors, leading to their frequency and severity:
- Obstructed View: Limited visibility due to obstacles or poor weather conditions contributes to left turn accidents.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield to oncoming traffic is a common cause, often resulting in collisions.
- Speeding: Left turn accidents are more severe when a vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions, such as mobile phones or inattention, contribute to left turn accidents by impairing a driver’s ability to assess the traffic situation.
- Faulty Judgement: Errors in judgment, such as misjudging the speed of oncoming vehicles, can lead to dangerous left turn situations.
Understanding and addressing these factors is crucial for improving road safety and reducing the incidence of left turn accidents.
The Role of Negligence in Left Turn Accidents
Left turn accidents in El Paso can be complex when determining liability. Generally, the driver turning left is responsible for yielding to oncoming traffic, but there are exceptions. If the left-turning driver fails to yield and causes an accident, they are likely at fault. However, if the left-turning driver has a green arrow and is hit by an oncoming driver running a red light, the second driver is usually to blame.
El Paso law requires drivers making a left turn to yield to approaching vehicles already in the intersection or near enough to be an immediate hazard. In many cases, the left-turning driver will be at fault in a collision. However, there are exceptions where the driver colliding with the left-turning vehicle may be at fault, such as if there was a green arrow permitting the turn or if the oncoming driver was speeding.
El Paso law allows for comparative negligence, meaning that multiple parties can be at fault, and damages are apportioned accordingly. If a plaintiff is less than 50% at fault, they can still recover damages, but if they are more than 50% at fault, they cannot. It is important to consult with an El Paso left turn accident lawyer to determine eligibility for compensation after a left turn accident in El Paso.
Measures to Reduce Left Turn Accidents in El Paso, TX
To address the issue of left turn accidents, several measures can be taken:
- Improve Intersection Design: Enhancing intersection visibility by removing obstacles and improving lighting can help drivers have a clearer view of oncoming traffic, reducing the risk of left turn accidents.
- Increase Awareness: Conducting public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of yielding to oncoming traffic during left turns can help educate drivers and promote safer driving behavior.
- Implement Traffic Control Measures: Installing traffic signals, roundabouts, or dedicated left-turn lanes can help regulate traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of left turn accidents.
- Enforce Traffic Laws: Strict enforcement of traffic laws, including penalties for failure to yield and distracted driving, can act as a deterrent and encourage drivers to comply with the rules of the road.
- Enhance Driver Training: Providing comprehensive driver education programs that focus on safe left turn practices and the importance of situational awareness can help equip drivers with the necessary skills to navigate intersections safely.
- Utilize Technology: The implementation of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as blind-spot detection and collision avoidance systems, can assist drivers in identifying potential hazards during left turns and take appropriate action to prevent accidents.
By addressing these factors and implementing these measures, it is possible to significantly reduce the incidence of left turn accidents and create safer roadways for all drivers.
Hiring an El Paso Left Turn Accident Lawyer
Involving an attorney can be beneficial in navigating the complexities of these cases, proving fault, and maximizing compensation. Left-turn accidents in El Paso are typically the responsibility of the left-turning driver, but exceptions exist, such as when the oncoming driver caused the accident by speeding.
Determining fault in left-turn accidents depends on the specific facts of each case, and evidence like eyewitness testimony, police crash reports, surveillance videos, physical evidence, and expert testimony can help establish fault. Comparative negligence laws in El Paso allow drivers who are partially at fault to still recover compensation, but their share of fault cannot exceed 50 percent. Hiring an experienced El Paso left turn accident lawyer can help navigate these complexities and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve
How an El Paso Left Turn Accident lawyer can help you
An El Paso left turn accident lawyer can help you in several ways:
- Proving fault: Left turn accidents can be complex, with multiple parties potentially at fault. A lawyer can investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and establish liability.
- Maximizing compensation: A skilled lawyer can assess the full extent of your damages, including medical costs, physical therapy, lost wages, and more. They will work to negotiate with insurance companies and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Navigating legal complexities: The laws surrounding left turn accidents can be complicated. An experienced lawyer will have a deep understanding of El Paso traffic laws and the doctrine of comparative negligence. They can navigate the legal process on your behalf and protect your rights.
- Representing your interests: Dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings can be overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from injuries. A lawyer will handle all communication, paperwork, and negotiations, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
By hiring a El Paso left turn accident lawyer, you can ensure that you have a knowledgeable advocate on your side who will fight for your rights and work towards obtaining the compensation you deserve
Compensation in Left Turn Accident Cases in El Paso, TX
In El Paso, compensation in left turn accident cases is influenced by several factors:
- Fault Determination: El Paso follows a comparative negligence system, allowing accident victims to seek compensation even if partially at fault. However, recovery may be reduced based on the degree of fault.
- Shared Fault Limit: El Paso law bars accident victims from recovering compensation if their share of fault exceeds 50 percent. If the victim’s fault is 50 percent or less, they can seek compensation, but the amount may be reduced proportionally to their level of fault [1].
- Personal Injury Settlements: Compensation amounts can vary widely and depend on factors such as the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Personal injury settlements in El Paso are often negotiated between parties or determined through legal proceedings.
- Legal Assistance: Seeking legal representation is crucial in navigating the complexities of left turn accident cases in El Paso. Attorneys can help victims understand their rights, assess fault, and pursue fair compensation through negotiations or lawsuits.
Understanding the nuances of fault determination and the legal process in El Paso is essential for individuals seeking compensation in left turn accident cases.
El Paso Left Turn Accident Lawyer Fees
The fees charged by an El Paso left turn accident lawyer can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the attorney’s experience and reputation, and the specific fee structure employed by the lawyer or law firm.
In El Paso, personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for their client. The attorney’s fee is usually a percentage of the total amount recovered, typically ranging from 33% to 40% of the settlement or verdict.
It’s important to discuss the fee structure and any additional costs, such as court fees or expert witness fees, with your lawyer before proceeding with your case. Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss their fees, so you can get a better understanding of the potential costs involved.
Remember, hiring a skilled El Paso left turn accident lawyer can greatly increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement or award, as they will have the knowledge and experience to navigate the legal complexities of your case.
Call Law Ofice of Joel A Gordon and Associates Today
Left-turn accidents can be complex personal injury cases. Our El Paso left turn accident lawyers have a deep understanding of traffic laws and their influence on car accident claims.
Contact our office today for a free consultation with one of our El Paso left turn accident lawyers. We’ll strive to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your car accident case.