Left Turn Car Accidents in San Antonio

In Texas, drivers who turn left are generally required to yield the right-of-way to other drivers. For this reason, when accidents involve a driver who was turning left and another driver who was traveling straight, the driver who turns left is usually liable. The argument is that the driver who turns left should have waited for a driver coming towards him to pass, and then proceed to make the left-hand turn.

There are exceptions, though, depending on many factors, such as when the driver turning left has a left-hand arrow and the driver coming from the opposite direction has a red light.

Our San Antonio car accident lawyers have more than 30 years of experience determining how accidents, including left-hand accidents, happen and who is responsible. We work with investigators who examine the accident site, speak with witnesses, examine the damage to the cars, and inquire whether there are any videos of the accident.

Our lawyers question everyone involved in the accident and any witnesses. We speak with the police who investigate the accident and/or review their accident reports. Our car accident lawyers also consult with traffic reconstruction experts, when necessary, to show how left-hand accidents happen.

The Texas law on left-hand turns.

In Texas, the statute provides that, to make a left-hand turn at an intersection, a driver shall:

(1) Approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to a vehicle moving in the direction of the vehicle; and

(2) After entering the intersection, turn left, leaving the intersection so as to arrive in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of the vehicle on the roadway being entered.

Another Texas statute provides:

“To turn left at an intersection or into an alley or private road, or driveway, an operator shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction and that is in the intersection or in such proximity to the intersection as to be an immediate hazard.”

Generally, drivers who turn left at a non-intersection site (such as when a driver turns left into a shopping center) must also yield the right-of-way.

What are the reasons that a driver who turns left must use extra caution?

The duty to yield the right-of-way when turning left is based on a basic practical concern. Drivers who turn right (from the right-most lane) do not cross any lanes of travel. The main risk for a driver turning right is that a driver who turns left from the opposite direction will turn at the same time. Drivers who turn left (when they are in the left-most lane) must cross one or more lanes of travel.

Drivers who turn left need to judge the speed of any vehicles coming toward them and whether they can safely turn left before the oncoming car(s) arrive at the intersection. If a driver turns left improperly, there’s a good chance that driver will be responsible for any head-on or T-bone accident that occurs.

When is the oncoming driver responsible for a left-turn accident?

There are a few exceptions to the rule that the driver who turns left bears the risk of an accident. Some of these exceptions include the following:

• Traffic light and sign violations. An oncoming driver who drives through a red light, a stop sign, or any instructions to stop (such as by a construction crew) should be held liable for any accidents that occur.
• The oncoming driver is speeding. This makes it harder or even impossible for the driver turning left to understand when to make their turn.
• Driver distraction. If the oncoming driver is texting, using a cell phone, eating, drinking, or distracted for other reasons, then the oncoming driver may not brake in time to prevent a left-turn accident or may cause confusion for the driver turning left.
• Driver intoxication. If the oncoming driver is drunk or driving under the influence of drugs, that driver’s ability to control their vehicle and react promptly will be reduced or affected.
• Lane changes. An oncoming driver who changes lanes just before entering the intersection can cause confusion for the driver turning left.
• A green arrow. If the driver turning left had a green arrow, then an oncoming driver whose light was red should be held responsible for a left-turn car accident.
• Poor road design. In some cases, the Texas Department of Transportation or other state or local agencies/entities may be responsible for designing roads that increase the risk of a left-turn accident, such as confusing left-turn lanes or road designs that block either driver’s visibility.

Comparative negligence in Texas

In some cases, both the driver turning left and the oncoming driver may be partially at fault. Texas uses a comparative negligence law to decide how to handle the damage claims. Comparative negligence means that you can recover damages if you are less than 51 percent responsible for the accident. If you are 51 percent or more responsible for the car accident, you receive nothing.

For example, if you are 40 percent responsible, your damage award is reduced by 40 percent, which means that you receive 60 percent of your damage claim. If your case is worth $100,000, you are 40 percent liable and the oncoming driver is 60 percent liable, then you receive $60,000.

Precautions for cars turning left

Drivers who turn left should proceed with caution. They should use their left-hand turn signal to reduce risks of being rear-ended and look out for pedestrians and bicycle riders, in addition to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Drivers turning left may turn first if an oncoming driver signals that they can, but this doesn’t change the legal responsibilities, and it can be confusing and risky. Generally, drivers turning left should wait until there is a large gap between cars before making a turn or wait for a line of cars in the oncoming lane to complete their turn. Drivers who turn left should be careful that they don’t turn too late, so they’re not struck by cars coming from a perpendicular direction.

At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we are respected by former clients, insurance companies, and the legal community for our record of success in handling car accident claims. We demand compensation for all your financial and personal damages, including your medical bills, pain and suffering, income loss, and car damage. Call us now or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to help you today.