A left-turn car accident can happen in an instant, leaving you with severe injuries and many questions. Whether you were the turning driver or the one proceeding through the intersection, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills and lost wages quickly pile up, making it hard to focus on your recovery.
The Atlanta left turn accident attorneys at Bayuk Pratt are ready to help you. We can handle all the legal work in your case, letting you focus on healing and putting your life back together. Our Georgia injury lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $300 million for our clients. We understand what’s at stake for you, and we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company doesn’t make a fair settlement.
Call our office today or complete our contact form for a free consultation about your left-turn accident claim.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents in Atlanta?
Determining liability for a left-turn accident depends on identifying the cause of the collision.
Some common causes of left turn accidents include:
- Failure to yield – Many left-turn accidents occur because the turning driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic. If a driver turns without leaving enough time and space to complete the maneuver safely, they cause a collision with other traffic coming toward them.
- Running a red light – If a driver proceeding through an intersection runs a red light, they may run into a driver turning left in front of them.
- Speeding – Speeding drivers, whether turning or going straight, have less time to react to other vehicles. Speed can lead to accidents, especially in busy intersections where drivers must make quick decisions.
- Distracted driving – Whether the driver is turning or going straight, distractions like texting or using a phone can cause a momentary lapse in attention, leading to a crash.
What Types of Injuries Occur in a Left-Turn Car Accident?
Left-turn accident injuries are often severe because these crashes typically happen at intersections, where vehicles are moving at higher speeds, and collisions occur at angles that leave little protection for drivers and passengers.
Common injuries that occur in left-turn accident cases include:
- Head injuries, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Shoulder injuries
- Chest injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones, especially in the arms and legs
- Internal injuries and internal bleeding
- Facial injuries
What Are Georgia’s Left-Turn Traffic Laws?
According to Georgia Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-71), drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming vehicles that are either in the intersection or close enough to pose an immediate hazard. That means if a motorist is turning left, they must wait until it’s safe to proceed, ensuring no oncoming traffic will be affected by their turn.
Failing to yield in these situations can make the turning driver liable for any resulting accidents, as they have the responsibility to avoid creating an unsafe situation. Contact our Atlanta left turn accident lawyer today.
Who Is Liable for a Left-Turn Car Crash?
In most left-turn accidents, the turning driver is liable for the crash. Unless it is a protected left turn (green arrow), Georgia law requires the turning driver to yield to any oncoming traffic in the intersection or close enough to pose a safety hazard. Therefore, the turning driver is responsible for ensuring they can complete the turn safely without interfering with other vehicles. If the turning driver fails to yield and a collision occurs, they are at fault for the accident.
However, there are situations where the oncoming driver could be liable for a left-turn accident. For example, if the oncoming driver was speeding, ran a red light, or was distracted, they might bear some or all of the blame for the crash.
Understanding who is liable in a left-turn accident determines how you’ll pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses. An experienced Atlanta car accident attorney from our law firm can investigate the details of the crash and identify the liable party, whether it’s the turning driver, the oncoming driver, or both. Our Atlanta left turn accident lawyer is here to help.
Can I Receive Compensation After a Left-Turn Accident?
Assuming you were not at fault for the left-turn accident, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the other driver to seek compensation for your injuries and related losses. With help from our knowledgeable legal team, your compensation could include money for:
- Past and future medical expenses related to the crash
- Lost income while you heal
- Reduced future earnings due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life due to your injuries
- The cost to repair or replace your damaged personal property, such as your car
Does Georgia Have a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Georgia law says you usually have two years from when a crash happened to file a lawsuit. Missing the deadline most likely means losing your right to compensation for your injuries.
We recommend you speak to a car accident lawyer at our firm as soon as possible after a collision. Critical evidence can deteriorate or disappear within days or weeks of a crash, but our lawyers can help you preserve it, strengthening your case. Talking to a left turn acciident attorney right away can also help you recover the money you need more quickly.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in an Atlanta Left-Turn Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident in Atlanta, taking the proper steps in the time ahead is crucial for protecting your right to compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Follow up on medical treatment. Continue any prescribed treatments, attend follow-up appointments, and keep detailed records of your medical care. The documentation is vital for proving the extent of your injuries.
- Gather and preserve evidence. Collect any evidence you have, such as photos of the accident scene, witness contact information, and police reports. Preserve this evidence to support your claim.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media. Don’t post about the accident or your injuries on social media. That will protect you against efforts by the other driver’s insurance company to use your posts against you.
- Keep track of your expenses. Document all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages. That information is essential for calculating your claim.
- Consult our attorneys. Meet with our experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. We’ll guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to recover fair compensation.
Contact an Atlanta Left-Turn Accident Lawyer Now
The sooner you talk to a lawyer after an Atlanta left-turn accident, the greater your chances of recovering the money you need to rebuild your life. Call Bayuk Pratt today or reach out online for a free evaluation of your potential car accident claim.