If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision while making a left turn, understanding your legal rights is critical. At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, left turn accident lawyers bring a deep understanding of the nuances involved.
Such accidents can leave you overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps toward recovery and securing due compensation. Our dedicated team is here to offer the support and guidance you need to achieve a favorable outcome.
Our car accident lawyers are well-versed in the laws of North Carolina and South Carolina, ensuring your claims are navigated with care and expertise. You do not have to handle this all by yourself, we can take on these burdens and give you the guidance you need.
If you’re seeking committed and compassionate legal assistance, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today for a free consultation.
What Causes Left Turn Accidents?
A left turn accident occurs when a vehicle making a left turn collides with another vehicle that is either coming from the opposite direction or overtaking. Common causes of these accidents include a failure to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic, misjudgment of the distance or speed of an approaching vehicle, and poor visibility due to weather conditions or obstructed views. Left turn accidents often happen at intersections and are among the most common types of traffic collisions. If you’ve been involved in a related accident, our personal injury lawyers can help.
In North Carolina and South Carolina, the laws governing left turns are clear. Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard during a left turn. North Carolina General Statutes § 20-155 and South Carolina Code § 56-5-2320 and 56-5-2350 both stipulate these requirements, emphasizing that the turning vehicle bears the responsibility for ensuring the turn can be made safely without interfering with the flow of oncoming traffic.
How does Negligence Contribute to Left Turn Accidents?
Negligence is a fundamental legal concept in traffic accidents, particularly in incidents involving left turns. Negligence refers to the failure of a driver to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances, which can lead to a collision. For left turn accidents, negligence often manifests when a driver disregards the rules of the road or fails to pay attention to the driving environment.
For instance, a driver might execute a left turn without properly assessing the speed and distance of oncoming traffic, assuming without sufficient basis that they have enough time to complete the turn safely. Similarly, distractions such as using a cellphone, eating, or even conversing with passengers can divert a driver’s attention from the critical task of watching for oncoming vehicles before making a left turn.
Negligence in these cases can lead to severe consequences. If a driver making a left turn hits another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist, they can be held liable for damages resulting from the accident. Understanding how negligence affects liability in left turn accidents is crucial for both victims and drivers to protect their rights and ensure responsible driving practices.
Types of Damages in Left Turn Accidents
When involved in a left turn accident, victims may be eligible for various types of compensation, depending on the severity of the accident and the specific laws of the state in which the accident occurred. Below, we outline common damages that can be claimed:
Medical Expenses
Victims can claim compensation for medical expenses, which include hospital bills, costs for emergency services, ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and any future medical care related to the accident. Both North Carolina and South Carolina allow for the recovery of these expenses. Our left turn accident attorneys will make sure to account for every single medical bill related to your accident in order to get you what you need.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If the injury impacts the victim’s ability to work, compensation for lost wages during recovery can be claimed. Furthermore, if the injury affects long-term earning capacity, both states permit claims for future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering reflects the physical pain and emotional distress suffered due to the accident. This is more subjective and varies significantly between cases. While this may seem difficult to calculate, our accident attorneys have the resources and experience necessary to accurately calculate all of your intangible losses.
Differences in Compensation Laws
While both states allow similar types of damages, North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule can bar recovery if the victim is found even slightly at fault. In contrast, South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule, where the victim’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault but not completely barred unless they are 50% or more at fault.
Our lawyers can defend you if the other party is trying to blame you for your accidents. They may try to say you contributed to the circumstances that caused your harm, but we have dealt with these tactics before, and we will help you seek just compensation.
Understanding these nuances is essential for accurately assessing the potential compensation in left turn accident cases in either North Carolina or South Carolina.
let our Personal Injury Attorneys Help With Your Left Turn Accident
When you entrust your left turn accident case to us at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our dedicated legal team is committed to advocating for your rights and securing the best possible outcome for you. Here’s what we will do to support your case:
- Conduct a Thorough Case Evaluation: We start by conducting a detailed review of your accident to understand the dynamics involved and identify all liable parties.
- Gather Evidence: We collect crucial evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports, to build a strong foundation for your claim.
- Deal with Insurance Companies: Our experienced lawyers handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring that your interests are protected and that you are not pressured into an unfair settlement.
- Provide Legal Representation: Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, we are prepared to advocate vigorously on your behalf.
- Maximize Your Compensation: We strive to ensure that you receive full compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Let our personal injury lawyers help you navigate the complexities of your legal proceedings while you focus on your recovery. Please act quickly, as both North and South Carolina have statutes of limitations that can limit how long you have to file your car accident lawsuit. When you work with our lawyers, we can make sure your case is filed before time runs out.
We Help Left Turn Accident Victims Seek Justice
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we understand the challenges you face following a left turn accident. Our skilled team is ready to help you seek justice and compensation. Don’t navigate this alone; call us today for a free consultation and let us advocate for you.