Left turn accidents frequently occur at intersections where there is a higher volume of traffic, poor visibility, or unclear traffic signals.
While drivers are expected to exercise caution during this maneuver, left turn collisions often result from the negligence of the driver making the turn. In a left turn crash, a driver can experience several physical and psychological injuries from a sideswipe or T-bone collision. Follow along to learn more about the legality of left turns in South Carolina, who is at fault in these accidents, common injuries resulting from them, and how to prevent them. We’ll also discuss how to win a left turn accident personal injury claim with the help of our Greenville car accident lawyers at The Clardy Law Firm.
Rules of the Road in South Carolina
South Carolina Code Section 56-5-2120 governs what drivers should do when attempting to turn left at an intersection. For instance, the statute provides that a driver turning left must use the farthest left-hand lane available in the same direction of traffic, and drivers can’t initiate a left-hand turn from a middle lane when there is a left-turn lane available. Also, drivers must make a left turn, whenever practicable, to the left of the center of the intersection. If the intersection has a left turn arrow signal, the driver must obey the arrow signal when turning. However, if the intersection has only a green light and no arrow, the turning driver must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and then turn.
South Carolina has specific laws intended to prevent left turn accidents that cause severe injury, physical impairment, or fatality due to another driver’s negligence. Our car accident attorneys at The Clardy Law Firm are well-versed in interpreting South Carolina traffic laws and will know how to apply these laws to your case.
Injuries in Left Turn Accidents
If you were involved in a left turn accident and suffered injuries, you may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Here are some of the injuries that can happen after a left-hand turn collision:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Fractures and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage.
All of these injuries can result in painful recovery, life-altering injuries, permanent impairment, and even the death of a loved one. Contact our vehicle accident lawyers at The Clardy Law Firm to discuss your best course of action to receive compensation. We have secured settlements in left-hand turn car accidents by successfully proving fault and negligence on the part of the other driver.
How to Win a Left Turn Accident Injury Claim
In South Carolina, the driver making a left turn is generally considered at fault in a left-hand turn accident if they fail to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. However, it is possible that another driver caused or contributed to the collision. Determining liability in left turn accidents is a priority when seeking a settlement for your injuries and suffering.
Our auto accident lawyers at The Clardy Law Firm will help you build a case and seek compensation for your left turn accident injury by gathering evidence, such as:
- Police reports: Official reports filed by law enforcement officers can provide key evidence relating to the accident.
- Witness statements: Statements from people who observed the accident can help support your claim for compensation.
- Expert testimony: Medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and rehabilitation specialists offer specialized knowledge in car accident cases based on scientific principles and industry knowledge to prove fault, document injuries, and calculate damages.
- Video or photo evidence: Surveillance footage, dash cam videos, or pictures taken at the scene of the accident can point out how the at-fault driver failed to yield the right-of-way, causing your accident. It can also show instances of reckless or aggressive driving as well as additional traffic violations such as speeding, running traffic lights, and failing to use turn signals, all of which can cause a left turn accident.
Insurance companies will often try to shift the blame on victims in left turn accidents by finding excuses for the negligent left turning driver. At The Clardy Law Firm, we anticipate the tactics insurance companies use to give injured victims low settlements or try to bypass awarding compensation altogether. Our car accident injury lawyers will negotiate with insurance companies and at-fault parties on your behalf.
How to Prevent Left Turn Accidents on South Carolina’s Roads
Left turns are a common yet underestimated driving maneuver that can lead to catastrophic auto accidents. In addition to being familiar with South Carolina’s traffic laws, drivers need to be able to anticipate other drivers’ responses when making a left turn.
To avoid left turn accidents, follow these vital tips to keep yourself and others safe when driving:
- Always use turn signals: Turn signals notify other drivers on the road of a driver’s intention. Failure to use the appropriate turn signal when driving violates South Carolina law, and will increase a driver’s liability in left turn accidents.
- Avoid distracted driving: When at an intersection, a driver must be completely visually and cognitively focused due to the multiple changing variables of intersections such as oncoming and cross traffic, pedestrians, bicyclists, and changing traffic signals.
- Turn at intersections with green left-turn arrows: When looking for where to turn left, it’s best for drivers to select an intersection with a green left-turn arrow. Making a left-hand turn with a green arrow gives the driver the right-of-way, reducing the likelihood of a left turn accident occurring, as oncoming traffic has a red light.
- Don’t engage in reckless driving: When drivers have a long commute or traffic is heavy and congested, it’s quite common for drivers to become aggressive and reckless. Reckless driving contributes to left turn accidents because it can cause the driver to make extremely dangerous and illegal maneuvers. Be patient and don’t move into the intersection until there is an adequate traffic gap to make the turn safely.
- Make sound judgements on driver distance: Left turn collisions often occur when the turning driver misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming traffic or their view is obstructed by oncoming vehicles waiting to turn left. Drivers can fall into the trap of the speed-size illusion, where larger vehicles appear to be moving slower than they are. This is often a factor in semi-truck accidents and car and motorcycle collisions. If you are in doubt about speed or distance, or the view is obstructed by another oncoming vehicle, wait until it has passed or turned before you proceed with a left turn.
Left turn accidents are a serious safety concern, often resulting in devastating collisions. Practicing preventative measures when making a left turn, such as careful driving strategies and staying informed about the rules of the road, can reduce the risk of these accidents and improve the safety of drivers.
Get Assistance from Our Car Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a collision and are wondering how to successfully make an accident claim, seeking legal representation can improve your odds of receiving compensation. The Clardy Law Firm has the knowledge and proven track record to assist you with your accident injury claim.
Our legal team is made up of Upstate South Carolina lawyers who know the nuances of traffic laws, fault determination, and insurance negotiations specific to South Carolina. Contact us at 864-233-8888 for a free case evaluation, or reach out to one of our dedicated attorneys online. We will work diligently on your behalf to pursue the maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
