A Car Hit Me While I Was Turning Left: What Do I Do Next?

A Car Hit Me While I Was Turning Left: What Do I Do Next?

If a car hit you while you were turning left, you may wonder which driver was at fault. Did you do something wrong, or did the other driver break the law? Learn more about why this legal situation can be difficult to navigate.

A Car Hit You While You Were Turning Left: Arizona's Right of Way Laws

Left turns can be incredibly dangerous even under the best conditions. They typically go against the flow of traffic, and they often rely on the judgment of the driver turning left rather than traffic signals or stop signs. Despite these conditions, left-turners are typically blamed and held at fault for left-turn accidents due to Arizona law.

According to Arizona state law, a driver at an intersection who intends to turn left should yield to oncoming traffic approaching from the opposite direction. This rule sounds simple enough to follow, but you can likely think of several scenarios where this situation could still end in an accident, especially if you were just in one.

Can The Other Driver Be at Fault in a Left-Turn Accident?

The short answer is that yes, the oncoming driver can be at fault. However, this may be difficult to prove without the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney in Phoenix, AZ.

If a car hit you while you were turning left, this doesn't automatically make you a lawbreaker. There are, in fact, several situations in which the other driver may be at fault — even if you were the one turning left. Consider these scenarios:

• You were turning left because you had a green arrow signal, and the other driver continued through the intersection anyway
• The other driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• The weather, debris, or other distractions on the road obstructed your view or the other driver's ability to see you

Proving fault can be difficult in any accident, but if a car hit you while you were turning left, it's even more crucial to collect every type of documentation involved in the case. This might include written documents from the accident scene, weather reports, testimonies from witnesses to the accident or experts who could help create the scene, and more. You may also want to write down exactly what happened, in your own words, as soon as possible after the accident.

If a Car Hit You While You Were Turning Left, Don't Wait To Seek Help

If you're asking yourself "What do I do after a car hit me while I was turning left?", you may also be wondering whether a legal case would make a difference. The laws regarding left turns in Maricopa County and the surrounding areas in Arizona certainly make it seem as though you have no other choice but to admit fault.

Perhaps now you understand that the accident may not have been your fault — and that there may be much more to your left-turn story. Lean on Sargon Law Group's expertise to navigate this tricky legal situation. Contact us today to request a free consultation with our Phoenix injury attorney!