Left turn car accidents are more common than other types of crashes and are more likely to cause fatal intersection accidents. In New Jersey and throughout most of the country, the driver turning left is usually at-fault for an accident with an oncoming vehicle. However, that is not always the case. The following is what you need to know about liability for left turn accidents and personal injury claims.
Driver Responsibility and Left Turns
In most states, it is the responsibility of the driver making a left turn to wait for oncoming traffic to pass before executing the turn. There are several scenarios where the oncoming driver’s negligence leads to a crash, such as:
- The oncoming driver is speeding.
- The oncoming driver runs a red light.
- The oncoming driver is distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired
If the driver entered the turn when it was safe but unforeseen circumstances prevented them from completing the turn, resulting in a T-bone crash with an oncoming vehicle, liability can rest with both drivers.
Insurance, Liability, and Damages for a Left Turn Car Accident
In New Jersey, auto insurance is a no-fault system. That means that regardless of who caused your accident, you can turn to your car insurance coverage for compensation for out-of-pocket losses, such as missed income while you are out of work to recover and the medical bills for your care.
An experienced car accident lawyer works to recover the maximum compensation you deserve for a preventable car accident. To assess how much that might mean, the court first assigns liability. Your compensation is based on the percentage of liability that rested with you. There are two types of compensation in New Jersey. They are:
- Compensatory damages: Damages for losses, including medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, damage to your vehicle, and pain and suffering
- Punitive damages: Damages awarded to punish an individual for extreme recklessness or wrongdoing
After a left turn accident, seek immediate medical attention and contact the police. If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles involved. Obtain the names and contact information of everyone in the vehicles and witnesses who might have seen the crash. Finally, call your car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact a Turnersville Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Mark S. Nathan If You were Injured in a Left-Turn Car Accident
If another driver’s negligence caused your painful and debilitating injuries, help is available. At the Law Office of Mark S. Nathan, your Turnersville car accident lawyer is dedicated to your case from start to finish, considering all the legal remedies available to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call us at 856-232-5559 or contact us online today. Located in Blackwood, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Barrington, Clementon, Deptford, Glassboro, Gloucester Township, Haddon Heights, Lindenwold, Mantua, Pine Hill, Pitman, Runnemede, Turnersville, Washington Township, West Deptford, Williamstown, Winslow, Woodbury, Camden County, and Gloucester County.