You are far from alone – there are a lot of automobile accidents that happen when the driver is making a left-hand turn across oncoming traffic. These accidents are especially prevalent at intersections. In order to successfully turn, the driver must be aware of not only the vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, but also pedestrians that are crossing the street. If the driver is distracted or misjudges the turn an accident can occur.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration performed a study on automobile accidents and found that left-hand turns accounted for the highest numbers of crashes in the study, causing over a fifth of all accidents. In these left-hand turn accidents, almost all of them were attributed to driver error. In most of the accidents, the driver failed to look to make sure it was safe to turn. Drivers in the study also drove too fast, performed illegal maneuvers, or turned with an obstructed view, leading to an accident.
Help is available for victims of automobile accidents caused by issues with left-hand turns. The negligent driver can be held liable for damages, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles automobile accident attorney at 310-385-0567 to learn more about your legal options.