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Unlike turning right, turning left always involves an extra element of danger. Crossing another lane or several lanes of traffic requires vigilance and careful adherence to the rules of the road. Sadly, all it takes is another person’s lack of care to cause a serious accident that leaves you battered and bruised.
It can often be tricky to claim compensation in left-turn accidents when the other vehicle was traveling straight while you were the one turning. However, an experienced car accident attorney may be able to overcome the obstacles, enabling you to pursue the fair compensation you need to rebuild your life.
In this article, we will explore what you should do if you have been in a left-turn accident – to give yourself the best chance of securing compensation.
Why Left-Turn Accidents Happen
Left-turn accidents most commonly happen because of a misjudgment on the part of the person making the left turn.
Reasons for misjudgment could include:
- Failing to allow enough time to make the maneuver
- Being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs at the time
As the onus is on the driver turning left to do so safely, the driver making the turn may automatically be deemed responsible for the collision. However, liability is truly much more complex than this, and a New Jersey car accident lawyer may be able to find evidence that the other party is liable.
Common Injuries From Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents commonly result in frontal or side impacts, which can be particularly catastrophic. In 2021, frontal impacts were the cause of 59 percent of deaths among passenger vehicle occupants, while a further 22 percent of deaths were caused by side impacts.
If you have lost a loved one in a left-turn accident, a wrongful death attorney may be able to help you build a solid case for compensation.
Other potential injuries from left-turn accidents include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ injuries
- Spinal cord damage, possibly leading to paralysis
- Airbag injuries
- Crush injuries
Catastrophic injuries generally call for longer and more expensive medical care. If you have sustained very serious injuries in a left-turn accident, you should explore all your legal options for pursuing the compensation you need to meet your medical and other expenses. A car accident attorney can review your case and advise you on the best way to proceed.
Proving the Other Driver Was Liable
Drivers who are traveling straight also have a duty of care toward other road users, including those turning left and crossing their side of the roadway. A car accident attorney may be able to investigate your accident and track down evidence that the other driver’s negligence caused your accident and subsequent injuries.
This negligence could take the form of:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Evidence a car accident attorney could use may include surveillance camera footage, dashcam recordings, photographs from the scene, police reports, and eyewitness evidence. In serious cases that have caused catastrophic injuries, a car accident lawyer may also hire an accident reconstruction specialist who can reconstruct what happened before the accident and provide expert testimony to strengthen a left-turn car crash case.
What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident
Your actions after a left-turn accident could impact your success in securing compensation. Although you may feel a flood of emotions, resist the urge to discuss liability. Instead, prioritize caring for your health and collecting information at the scene.
Get medical help
Even if you feel fine after your accident, always get yourself checked over by a doctor. Some injuries do not have any immediate symptoms. Mild symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting after a crash, could also indicate more serious internal injuries.
Getting medical attention right away can also help you establish a clear link between your injuries and the left-turn car accident.
Collect information
If it is safe to do so, and you feel well enough, gather information at the scene.
Such evidence could include:
- Photos or videos of the crash scene
- Details of the other drivers involved, such as contact information, car license plate, and insurance
- Eyewitness contact details
As soon as you can, write down a personal account of what happened in as much detail as possible. Memories can fade quickly, so the sooner you write them down, the more full and accurate an account you can preserve.
Report the accident
In New Jersey, if you are involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage, you must report it to the local police department immediately. Additionally, you must also provide a written report to the Motor Vehicle Commission within 10 days of the collision.
You may also be required to report your accident to your insurance company. However, be very guarded when doing so. Avoid any discussion of liability and stick to the facts.
You also have the option to hire a personal injury lawyer to assist you with these steps.
Contact a personal injury attorney
Do not be quick to conclude that just because you were turning left, you do not have a case. Instead, schedule a free case evaluation with a New Jersey car accident lawyer and tell him or her your story.
No two cases are exactly the same, and the attorney will provide personalized advice based on what happened in your case. If he or she feels that your case has a strong chance of success, the law firm may agree to represent you.
Seek Justice for Left-Turn Car Accidents With Judd Shaw Injury Law
We understand that left-turn accidents are typically devastating and may leave you with injuries that cause permanent disabilities. At Judd Shaw Injury Law, our car accident attorneys have the experience and knowledge of New Jersey law to provide the advice you need.
We will listen with compassion to your story. If we agree to take on your case, we will aim to be your knights in shining armor. We fight with tenacity for the rights of our clients and their families, going the extra mile to give them the best chance of securing justice in the form of fair compensation.
If you are ready to explore your legal options, contact us 24/7 to schedule a free consultation. Call us at 732-888-8888 or contact us online, and we will get back to you soon.
Content edited by personal injury attorney Judd Shaw. From the beginning, Judd established a set of Core Values laying out the pursuit for excellence in client service. He is a regular host of the Working The Wow podcast, with the belief that providing an exceptional client experience is just as important as delivering a quality service or product. You can find us in Red Bank and Tom‘s River, New Jersey.