Defend Your Rights in the Wake of a Left Turn Accident
Making a left turn or legal u-turn can often be the most dangerous driving maneuver you can perform. When poorly or incorrectly executed, a left turn can result in catastrophic injury or even death. In most cases, the driver turning left is at fault for the accident. However, this is not always the case. The attorneys at Rubin & Machado Ltd. can prove who was at fault in the wake of a left turn accident and help you collect compensation from the responsible party. Contact our Chicago, IL, office online or by phone at (312) 327-1840 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Car Accidents at Intersections
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 36 percent of all automobile accidents occur at intersections. 22 percent involve a vehicle turning left. Common causes of left turn accidents include:
- Speeding
- Poor visibility
- Running a red light
- Distracted driving
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Being unaware of bicyclists or pedestrians
If you or a loved one was injured due to negligence on the part of a left-turn driver, our team can help prove the other driver acted irresponsibly and should be held liable for the incident.
Understanding Left Turn Liability
Unless a left-turning driver has a green arrow, they do not have the right of way. They must wait until oncoming traffic abates, so they can turn safely. As a result, left-turn drivers are generally deemed at fault after an accident. However, exceptions to this general liability rule can occur if:
- The car going straight was speeding
- The car going straight ran a red light
- The left-turn car began turning when the way was clear and safe, but something unexpected happened forcing it to slow down, swerve, or stop
It can be incredibly difficult to prove the driver going straight was at fault in these types of accidents. If you were in an accident while turning left, our attorneys can help you reconstruct the incident and gather evidence to prove you were not at fault.
Why Hire an Attorney?
Determining fault after a left turn accident is often complicated. If you were going straight and the other driver blames you for the accident, you need an attorney to prove you did nothing wrong. If you were turning left but believe you were not at fault, you will need an advocate who can speak on your behalf and prove that you acted as responsibly as possible.
The personal injury lawyers at Rubin & Machado Ltd. can help you compile evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and collect the compensation you deserve.
In Illinois, compensation for car accidents is governed by a rule known as “contributory negligence.” As the victim of an accident, you must be able to prove that you were less than 50 percent responsible for the incident to recover any form of compensation from the at-fault party. Whether you were going straight or turning left, the personal injury lawyers at Rubin & Machado Ltd. can help you compile evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and collect the compensation you deserve.
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation
If you were involved in a left turn accident, you need a lawyer with the skills and resources to defend your rights. Our team has helped many clients collect millions in personal injury lawsuits. Contact our office online or call us (312) 327-1840 to schedule your free initial consultation today.
