Who is At Fault in a Left-Turn Accident in North Carolina?

Left turns are dangerous because they require drivers to cross oncoming traffic. Driving errors, such as misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming cars, can lead to an accident that causes serious injuries. In 2021, improper turns caused more than 9500 accidents in North Carolina, including 2,300 injury crashes and 9 fatal crashes.

In general, a driver wishing to make a left turn must wait until it is safe to do so and yield to vehicles traveling straight through the intersection. A driver who turns left in front of an approaching vehicle and causes a collision may be found at fault for failure to yield. However, there are exceptions, such as if the vehicle traveling straight ran a stop sign, traffic light, or was speeding.

If you were injured in a left-turn accident in or around Onslow County that was not your fault, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses. The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A. can review your left-turn car accident and help you understand whether you have a valid accident claim. If so, we can help you seek full compensation for your injuries. Call now for a free and confidential consultation.

Is the Person Making a Left Turn Always at Fault?

Many people may assume that the driver whose left-hand turn precedes an accident is therefore at fault. However, this is not always the case.

While there is an expectation for a left-turning motorist to yield to oncoming traffic, there are many other factors at play. If the driver is turning left with a turn arrow and is struck by an oncoming motorist, the other motorist may be at fault for disregarding a traffic light and speeding through an intersection.

The insurance adjuster investigating the crash will attempt to determine who was at fault. According to North Carolina law, a driver cannot collect compensation if he or she is determined to be even partially at fault. In other words, if you are found to have contributed to the collision in which you were injured, you may not be able to recover any compensation from the other driver.

Therefore, if you have been involved in a car accident in or around Onslow County where the fault is not clear-cut, it’s critical that you turn to a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer for guidance. An experienced attorney at the Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., can launch a thorough investigation and determine liability.

Who Is at Fault When Both Cars Are Turning Left?

In many car accidents, the fault may be split between the two parties involved. In other cases, the fault may be split unevenly between the motorists. While one driver may bear the majority of the fault, the other may still hold some responsibility for the crash.

North Carolina follows the pure contributory negligence system. If you are even slightly at fault for your own injuries, you are not eligible to collect compensation from other parties.

If you are unsure whether you can recover compensation following a left-turn accident, speak with an experienced attorney about how North Carolina law applies to your case. A knowledgeable attorney can tell you if you have a valid claim.

How Do Insurance Companies Decide Who Is At Fault?

As in all other accident cases, insurance companies will review the evidence of a left-turn accident to assign fault. Common forms of evidence include the police report, the damage to the vehicles, and statements made by the motorists and eyewitnesses.

Insurance companies always try to pay out the lowest settlement possible. An insurance company may try to challenge the validity of your car accident claim by arguing that the crash was partially your fault.

It’s important to understand that insurance companies want to limit their own liability and may pressure you to accept a quick settlement offer before you retain an attorney. A quick offer will be far less than the fair value of your claim. Accepting a low-ball offer will prevent you from pursuing compensation in the future. Don’t accept an insurance company’s settlement offer without having an experienced personal injury lawyer review it for you.

If your injuries and health worsen, you may be left without the compensation you need for treatment. The attorneys at the Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A. are ready to handle the insurance claim and negotiate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf. We know the tactics they use, and we know how to fight back.

Can a Lawyer Help You in a Left-Turn Accident?

In North Carolina, you will need to prove that the other party’s negligence caused the car crash before you can recover compensation. You will also need to show that your own actions did not contribute to the left-turn accident.

Your attorney will look at how the left-turn accident happened and evaluate who is responsible for the injuries and losses you have suffered.

Even if you were the driver who made the left-hand turn prior to the accident, the other motorist may be at fault if:

• The other driver ran a stoplight or stop sign or was speeding
• Blood tests show that the other driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the left-turn crash
• The other driver broke traffic laws, such as by failing to yield the right of way

An experienced North Carolina left-turn accident attorney will look for evidence including witness accounts and traffic camera video that may demonstrate how the accident happened.

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Contact a North Carolina Left Turn Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a left-turn accident in North Carolina that was not your fault, the experienced car accident lawyers of The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A. can help you seek full compensation for your losses. Pursuing a left-turn car accident claim is a complicated process, especially if serious injuries are involved. Let us focus on the claims process while you focus on your health and well-being. Call now for a free, no-obligation consultation.