Left-turn accidents are a common type of collision that occurs at intersections. In a left-turn accident, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney.
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we help clients get their desired results. Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers understand the challenges and complexities of left-turn accident cases and have a track record of successfully representing clients.
Causes of Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents are a common type of collision that occur at intersections. They often result in serious injuries and even fatalities. In South Carolina, left-turn accidents are the second leading cause, with nearly 3,000 annual accidents, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Understanding the common causes of left-turn accidents is important to avoid them and keep yourself and others safe on the road. These common causes include:
- Failure to yield: A driver making a left turn is required to yield to oncoming traffic. The driver making the left turn must wait until it is safe to proceed by checking for oncoming traffic from both directions.
- Speeding: If a driver travels too fast, it is harder to avoid a collision. This is especially dangerous in left-turn accidents since the turning vehicle often crosses multiple lanes of traffic.
- Distracted driving: When drivers are distracted by their phone, music, or other distractions, they may not see oncoming traffic or pedestrians. This can make it difficult to judge when it is safe to make a left turn.
- Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not have the reaction time or awareness to avoid a collision. They may also misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic.
- Poor road conditions: Poor visibility or poorly maintained roads can make it difficult for drivers to see oncoming traffic. In addition, potholes and other road damage increase the risk of a left-turn accident.
- Inadequate signage or traffic signals: If the intersection does not have adequate signage or traffic signals, drivers may not know when it is safe to make a left turn. Traffic signals must be clear and visible, and drivers must follow them accordingly.
- Driver error: Even if all traffic rules and safety precautions are followed, drivers can still make errors in judgment, such as misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming traffic, which can lead to left-turn accidents. Driver error is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road.
An experienced South Carolina left-turn accident lawyer can help determine the cause of the accident and hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions.
Liability in Left-Turn Accidents
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that left-turn accidents are a major cause of serious injuries and fatalities on U.S. roads. Determining liability in a left-turn accident can be a complex process. The other driver’s speed, distracted driving, or impairment could impact liability.
An investigation will typically be conducted to gather evidence about the accident. This may include reviewing police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and other evidence. Accident reconstruction experts may also be brought in to help determine the cause of the accident and the degree of fault of each driver.
Sometimes, liability may be split between the two drivers involved in the accident. For example, if the driver making the left turn failed to yield to oncoming traffic, but the other driver was speeding, the fault for the accident may be apportioned between the two drivers.
Consult an experienced left-turn accident lawyer in South Carolina. Your attorney can help you navigate the complex process of determining liability and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your recovery and protect your legal rights.
Compensation for Left-Turn Accidents
In South Carolina, you can recover damages from the at-fault driver or their insurance company. Damages may include:
- Medical expenses: This includes compensation for all medical bills related to your injuries, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and any other medical care required to treat your injuries. It is important to keep track of all medical expenses, including those related to future medical care, to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries.
- Lost wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes past lost wages from when you were unable to work and future lost wages if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or limit your earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: This type of compensation is intended to provide monetary compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced due to the accident. This includes compensation for ongoing pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, and any other negative impact on your quality of life.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle or other property.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a left-turn accident, you may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death, including funeral expenses and compensation for the loss of income and support the deceased would have provided to their family.
The specific types of compensation available to you will depend on the circumstances of your case. An experienced left-turn accident attorney in South Carolina can help determine the damages you are entitled to recover and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a South Carolina Left-Turn Accident Attorney
Shelly Leeke Law Firm has the South Carolina left-turn accident attorney you need. We have experience handling a wide range of left-turn accident cases, including serious injuries and fatalities. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced South Carolina left-turn accident attorneys.
