Atlanta Left-hand Turn Car Accident Lawyer

Home » Atlanta Automobile Accidents Attorney » Atlanta Left-hand Turn Car Accident Lawyer

If you had to guess what the most dangerous driving maneuver was, then would you say making a left-hand turn? Surprisingly, research consistently shows that turning left is one of the most dangerous moves you could make on the road. This action contributes to an overwhelming 61% of all crashes that take place at intersections.

Unfortunately, these collisions can lead to serious injuries and substantial losses. If you find yourself struggling to cope with the financial repercussions of a crash and you think someone else could be to blame, then it might be a good idea to talk to a left turn accident lawyer about what happened.

Below, we’ll go over the specific Georgia traffic laws that come into play after left-hand turns cause accidents and injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you might also be able to leverage the law to pursue a claim for compensation.

Why Left Turn Car Accidents Happen

When you make a left-hand turn, you have to go against traffic. You also have to go through the path of oncoming cars. What’s more, most of these left-hand turns are made at the driver’s discretion, meaning there isn’t a specific light or traffic signal that dictates when the driver should go. When intersections are busy and traffic is heavy, it can lead to some haphazard decision making, and it can also cause drivers to attempt to speed through an intersection even when they know it’s probably not safe to do so.

All of these factors contribute to why left hand turn car accidents happen. Some of the most frequently cited causes include:

• Obstructed view while attempting to turn
• Inadequate surveillance and driving into a blind spot
• Failure to yield to traffic
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Misjudging the distance of vehicles
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Driving under the influence

Georgia Traffic Laws Governing Left-Hand Turns

Under Georgia Code § 40-6-71, drivers who intend to make a left-hand turn at an intersection or into a road, driveway, or alley must yield to the right of way of vehicles that are approaching from the opposite direction. These drivers are also expected to yield to any vehicles that are close enough to constitute an immediate hazard.

Along with this left-hand turn-specific traffic law, Georgia drivers are also expected to maintain certain behaviors anytime they get behind the wheel. Drivers are expected to obey traffic laws, remain as vigilant as possible while driving, and do their best to ensure the care and safety of everyone else on the road.

Under Georgia’s traffic laws, drivers who breach this legal duty of care and cause an accident are expected to bear the financial and legal responsibility associated with the crash. These legally responsible drivers will be expected to pay for the financial expenses of the other party.

If you’ve recently been involved in an accident that you think was someone else’s fault in Georgia, then a left-turn accident attorney can help you decide if the facts in your case warrant a lawsuit. You may be able to leverage Georgia’s laws to get the compensation you need to move forward.

Who is At Fault in a Left-Hand Turn Accident?

In order to leverage Georgia’s traffic laws to file a claim for compensation, you need to know who was at fault for your left-hand turn accident. In Georgia, fault is determined based on a thorough review of all the evidence presented in your case. Fault is then distributed between the responsible parties based on a perceived percentage of responsibility for the accident.

The fault is established when a driver fails to uphold their duty to provide for the care and safety of other motorists on the road. Fault can be established when a person is driving while distracted, intoxicated, speeding, tailgating, acting recklessly, or otherwise not following traffic laws.

The Role of Evidence in Establishing Fault

In general, you won’t be able to establish fault without proof. Some car accident situations are more complex than others, though, so it may be a challenge for you to prove the other party is to blame. Consider looking for evidence in the form of photographs, video footage of the crash, witness statements, and investigation results. When you initially call the police out to the accident scene, they should initiate an investigation and document any evidence and findings in their report.

Comparative Fault in Georgia: What You Need to Know

What if you’re partially at fault for an accident in Georgia? Can you still file a claim for compensation? The short answer is yes, but your claim may be limited depending on your perceived level of fault. In general, you won’t be able to collect any compensation if you were more than 50% to blame for the crash.

If you’re not sure whether you’re partially to blame or not, then it’s best to get in touch with a left-turn accident lawyer.

Can You Turn Right on Red in Georgia?

One common question that comes up in these types of accidents is – can you turn right on red in Georgia? The answer is yes. Georgia allows right and left-hand turns on red, but there are exceptions. Drivers must always come to a complete stop at a red light, and they always need to yield to oncoming traffic. If they attempt to go on a red light and a crash ensues, they will typically be considered at fault since they didn’t yield to traffic.

Types of Damages Recoverable in Atlanta Left-Turn Car Accidents

Left-turn car accidents can result in substantial financial losses that come in the form of:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Depending on the specific facts and losses surrounding your accident, you could be eligible for other forms of damages, too. In general, you’ll be eligible to receive a compensation award that accurately reflects the extent of your losses.

The Process of Claiming Compensation

To claim the damages listed out above, you first need to establish that you’re eligible to file a claim. You need to prove that the other party was responsible for your crash, and you need to document the extent of your losses. Once you have your claim together, you can officially file it with the other party or the other party’s insurance company to get the process started. After reviewing your case, the other party will get in touch to begin negotiating a settlement.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You in Left Turn Accident Cases

If you’ve been hurt after a car accident, then you should know that you can handle the entire claims process on your own. You don’t have to hire an attorney to handle your case.

That said, it’s usually better to let a lawyer handle the legal aspects of your claim since they’ll have the necessary knowledge, experience, and expertise to maximize your settlement award and minimize the effort you have to put into your case. Below, we’ll go over a few specific ways that a car accident lawyer can help you during your legal claim.

Comprehensive Fault Analysis and Evidence Gathering

One of the biggest advantages of hiring an attorney is that they’ll handle all the analysis and evidence gathering in your case. This process is often time-consuming and complicated, especially if you have to track down evidence from multiple sources or conduct an investigation.

Maximizing Compensation Through Expert Negotiation

Your attorney will be able to rely on their experience to maximize your compensation during the negotiation process. They won’t back down and settle for less than what you deserve.

Legal Strategies for Disputing Comparative Fault

Another perk of hiring a left turn accident attorney is that they’ll be able to field any false accusations from the other party. Since Georgia is a comparative fault state, it’s common for the other party to attempt to assign blame to you, too. The right attorney will be prepared to fight against these types of claims.

Litigation Support and Trial Representation

Another big benefit of hiring a left turn accident attorney is that you’ll experience litigation support and trial representation. Sometimes, the other party will attempt to drag your case to court hoping that you’ll settle to avoid the headache. The right lawyer won’t let those types of manipulation tactics succeed.

Personalized Legal Advice and Support

Finally, your attorney will be able to provide you with personalized advice and support. While the internet has a plethora of information, none of it is specific to your unique circumstances. To get the solid legal counsel you deserve, you’ll need to get in touch with an attorney.

Are You Looking for Representation After Getting Hurt in a Left-Hand Turn Car Accident?

A left-hand turn accident can cause debilitating losses and injuries. In the aftermath of the incident, it’s important to focus on your physical well-being and preserving your health. Once you’ve gotten the care you need, though, it will be up to you to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.

Considering you’ve likely never been through an accident claim before, it’s usually best to consult with a left turn accident lawyer. The right attorney will help you determine your options, collect evidence, and file your claim.