When a left turn car accident occurs, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Victims often face serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and complex legal battles with insurance companies. At Zirkin & Schmerling, our Maryland car accident attorney team understands the unique challenges that come with left turn car accident cases in Maryland. We have successfully handled numerous cases and are committed to helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a left hand turn accident in Maryland, don’t face the legal process alone. Our Maryland car accident lawyer team offers a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your rights. Contact our law offices at 410-753-4611 or visit our Glen Burnie or Pikeville offices to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who will fight for your interests.
What Is a Left Turn Accident?
A left turn auto accident occurs when a vehicle making a left turn collides with oncoming traffic or other vehicles. These car crashes are among the most common types of auto accident cases we see at our law offices. Left turn crashes typically happen at intersections where the driver turning left must cross paths with oncoming driver traffic or vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
The complexity of these accidents stems from the fact that the driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic in most situations. When a car accident involving a left turn occurs, determining fault can be challenging, especially when multiple factors contributed to the collision. Whether the accident happened at a traffic light, stop sign, or uncontrolled intersection, each left turn collision presents unique circumstances that require careful investigation.
Protected Left Turn
A protected left turn occurs when a driver has a dedicated green arrow signal that gives them the right-of-way to make their turn. During a protected left turn, oncoming traffic should be stopped by a red light, creating a safer environment for the car turning left to complete its maneuver. However, accidents happen even during protected turns when other drivers run red lights or fail to obey traffic signals.
When a car accident claim involves a protected left turn, the process to determine fault may favor the driver turning left, especially if the other driver violated traffic laws by ignoring traffic signals. Our Maryland car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling cases where the left turning driver had a green arrow but was still struck by a driver who failed to stop.
Unprotected Left Turn
An unprotected left turn, also known as a “yield on green,” requires the driver turning to yield to all oncoming traffic before proceeding. This type of left-hand turn is far more dangerous because the driver turning must judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles. Most left turn car accident situations occur during unprotected left-hand turn maneuvers when the left turning driver misjudges the gap in traffic or fails to see an approaching vehicle.
In unprotected left turn situations, the driver turning left is typically presumed to be at fault unless there are extenuating circumstances. However, this presumption can be challenged when factors like driving above the speed limit, distracted driving, or other traffic violations by the driver contribute to the accident.
Maryland Left Turn Laws
Maryland law establishes clear rules for left hand turn accidents and determines when a left turning driver may be held responsible for a collision. According to Maryland law, drivers making a left hand turn must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic that is close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. The driver fails to follow this law when they turn left without ensuring it’s safe to do so.
However, Maryland’s contributory negligence laws add complexity to left turn accident cases. Under these laws, if the injured party contributed to the accident in any way, they may be barred from recovering damages. This makes it crucial to work with experienced car accident attorney professionals who understand how to navigate Maryland’s strict negligence standards and identify the driver responsible for the collision.
Our Maryland car accident attorney team knows that determining fault in left turn cases requires a thorough investigation of the accident scene, review of the police report, witness statements, and often expert testimony. We work diligently to gather evidence that supports our clients’ claims and challenges any allegations of contributory negligence, whether the accident involved other vehicles traveling in the same direction or opposite directions.
Causes of Left Turn Accidents
Understanding the common causes of left turn accidents is essential for building a strong car accident lawsuit. Our team has identified several recurring factors that contribute to these serious collisions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of left turn accidents in Maryland. When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention, they may fail to see oncoming traffic before making their turn. Similarly, drivers who are distracted may not notice a vehicle attempting to turn left, leading to a collision.
In cases involving distracted driving, we work to obtain phone records, witness statements, and other evidence to prove that the other driver’s insurance company should be held accountable for their client’s negligence. This evidence can be crucial in overcoming allegations that our client contributed to the accident.
Speeding
When drivers exceed the speed limit, they reduce their ability to stop or avoid accidents. A driver who is speeding may not be able to brake in time when they see a left turning car entering their path. Additionally, excessive speed makes it difficult for the left turning driver to accurately judge whether it’s safe to make their turn.
Speed-related left turn accidents often result in severe injuries due to the increased force of impact. In tragic cases, excessive speed can contribute to a fatal car accident when the impact is too great for occupants to survive. Our team works with accident reconstruction experts to analyze factors like vehicle speed, braking distances, and impact angles to build compelling cases for our clients.
Illegal Maneuvers
Some left turn accidents occur when drivers make illegal maneuvers, such as turning left from the wrong lane, making U-turns where prohibited, or turning left against traffic signals. These violations can significantly impact fault determination and may provide strong evidence for injury claims.
When the other driver was performing an illegal maneuver at the time of the accident, it strengthens our client’s position in negotiations with insurance companies and in court if a personal injury lawsuit becomes necessary.
Obstructed View
Poor visibility conditions can contribute to left turn crashes when drivers cannot clearly see oncoming traffic. This may include situations where large vehicles block the view, weather conditions reduce visibility, or inadequate lighting makes it difficult to judge distances and speeds.
In cases involving obstructed views, our team investigates whether road design, signage, or maintenance issues contributed to the accident. Sometimes, government entities may bear some responsibility for maintaining safe road conditions.
Common Injuries From Left Turn Accidents
Left turn accidents often result in severe injuries. When a left turning car is struck by oncoming traffic, the impact typically occurs on the driver’s side or front of the turning vehicle, often causing severe harm to the occupants.
Traumatic brain injury is unfortunately common in left turn collisions, especially when the impact causes the victim’s head to strike the window, steering wheel, or other parts of the vehicle. These injuries can have lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and quality of life, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Other serious injuries frequently seen in left turn accident cases include:
- Spinal cord injuries that may result in partial or complete paralysis
- Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Lacerations and scarring
- Psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
The severity of these injuries often results in substantial medical bills, extended time away from work with resulting lost wages, and long-term disability. Our personal injury lawyers understand the full scope of damages that accident victims may face and work to ensure that all current and future expenses are included in any settlement or court award.
When the Left Turning Driver Isn’t At Fault
While the left turning driver is often presumed to be at fault in these accidents, there are situations where the other driver bears responsibility for the collision as the at-fault driver. Our Maryland car accident lawyer team has successfully represented left turning drivers in cases where the oncoming driver’s actions caused the accident.
Common scenarios where the left turning driver may not be at fault include:
- The oncoming driver was speeding excessively, making it impossible for the turning driver to judge their approach.
- The other driver ran a red traffic light or ignored a stop sign.
- The oncoming driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The other driver was distracted and failed to maintain proper control of their vehicle.
- The oncoming driver was driving in the wrong direction or an improper lane.
In these cases, our experienced car accident attorney team works diligently to gather evidence that proves the other driver’s negligence. This may include obtaining surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, reviewing the police report, and working with accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate how the collision actually occurred.
Why Proving Contributory Negligence in a Left Turn Accident is Challenging
Maryland’s contributory negligence law creates significant challenges for accident victims seeking compensation. Under this harsh rule, if the plaintiff contributed to the accident in any way, they may be completely barred from recovering damages. This makes left turn accident cases particularly complex, as insurance companies often argue that the left turning driver contributed to the collision.
However, our team has developed effective strategies for overcoming contributory negligence defenses. We focus on proving that:
- Our client exercised reasonable care under the circumstances.
- The other driver had the last clear chance to avoid the accident.
- The other driver’s conduct was reckless or intentional, which may overcome contributory negligence.
- Emergency situations existed that justified our client’s actions.
Successfully challenging contributory negligence requires thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy. Our car accident cases have demonstrated that with proper legal representation, accident victims can overcome these defenses and secure fair compensation for their injuries.
Out-of-Pocket Damages After a Left Turn Accident
Victims of left turn accidents in Maryland often face substantial out-of-pocket expenses that go far beyond initial medical treatment. Understanding what constitutes recoverable damages is crucial for maximizing compensation in personal injury claims.
What Are “Reasonable” Expenses
Maryland law allows accident victims to recover reasonable expenses related to their injuries. These may include:
- All medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing care
- Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
- Future medical expenses for long-term treatment needs
- Modifications to homes or vehicles to accommodate disabilities
- Costs for household services that the victim can no longer perform
- Transportation expenses for medical appointments
The key is demonstrating that these expenses are directly related to the accident and are reasonable under the circumstances. Our personal injury lawyers work with medical experts, economists, and other professionals to properly document and value these damages.
Proof Needed
Insurance companies will scrutinize every aspect of a car accident claim, making proper documentation essential. Our legal team helps clients gather and organize the evidence needed to support their claims, including:
- Complete medical records from all treating physicians
- Employment records showing wages and benefits lost
- Receipts and bills for all accident-related expenses
- Expert testimony regarding future medical needs and costs
- Documentation of how the injury occurred and its impact on daily life
We also help clients understand the importance of following their doctor’s treatment recommendations and keeping detailed records of their recovery process. This documentation becomes crucial evidence when negotiating or presenting the case in court.
Tactics Insurance Companies Will Use To Reduce Your Damages
Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts, and they employ various tactics to reduce the amount they pay for left turn accident claims. Understanding these strategies helps accident victims protect their rights and secure fair compensation.
Common tactics include:
- Questioning the severity of injuries by arguing that pre-existing conditions are responsible
- Claiming that the left turning driver contributed to the accident through contributory negligence
- Disputing the necessity of certain medical treatments or the reasonableness of medical expenses
- Offering quick, low-ball settlements before the full extent of injuries is known
- Delaying claim processing to pressure victims into accepting inadequate settlements
- Using the victim’s statements against them to minimize liability
Our car accident lawyers know how to counter these tactics effectively. We advise clients never to give recorded statements without legal representation and to avoid accepting settlement offers before consulting with an attorney. We handle all communications with insurance companies to protect our clients’ interests and ensure they don’t inadvertently harm their claims.
When auto accident cases cannot be resolved through negotiation, we are prepared to take the matter to court. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements demonstrates that we are serious about fighting for our clients’ rights.
Get Your Free Consultation With Maryland’s Trusted Left Turn Accident Attorneys
Left turn car crashes can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. The complex nature of these collisions, combined with Maryland’s strict contributory negligence laws, makes it essential to work with experienced legal professionals who understand how to navigate these challenging cases.
At Zirkin & Schmerling, we have successfully represented numerous clients injured in left turn car accidents throughout Maryland. Our legal team understands the unique challenges these cases present and has the resources and experience necessary to build strong claims for our clients. We work tirelessly to investigate accident scenes, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, when necessary, take cases to trial to secure fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a left turn accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Maryland law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and evidence can disappear quickly. The sooner you contact our office, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact Zirkin & Schmerling today for your free consultation to discuss your case, including any concerns about medical malpractice if improper medical treatment has complicated your recovery. Call us at 410-753-4611 or visit our Pikesville or Glen Burnie offices. Let our experienced team fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
