Left turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers in traffic, and when they go wrong, questions of fault and liability can become surprisingly complex. Texas law generally places responsibility on the turning driver, but exceptions exist that can shift blame or distribute it among multiple parties. If you were involved in a left turn car accident in Texas, a McAllen car accident injury lawyer can help you identify who exactly was responsible and build a compelling case for maximum compensation.
Why Left Turn Accidents Are So Dangerous
Left turns require you to cross oncoming traffic lanes, creating multiple points of potential collision. Unlike right turns, where you merge with traffic flowing in the same direction, left turns put you directly in the path of vehicles that may be traveling at high speeds. The risk increases at busy intersections where you need to judge the speed and distance of multiple approaching vehicles while also watching for pedestrians and cyclists.
These accidents often happen when:
- Drivers misjudge how much time they have to complete the turn, fail to see an oncoming vehicle, or proceed on a yellow or red light
- Visibility issues, such as obstructions from other vehicles or poor weather conditions, make it hard to assess whether it’s safe to turn
- Oncoming drivers exceed the speed limit, giving you less time to complete your turn than expected
- Malfunctioning or confusing traffic signals create uncertainty about who has the right of way
Common Injuries from Left-Turn Crashes
The force and angle of left turn collisions often result in serious bodily harm. Because these crashes frequently involve side impacts and high speeds, occupants may sustain injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Common injuries from left-turn accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken ribs
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Pelvic fractures
- Hip injuries
- Broken legs
- Shoulder injuries
- Lacerations
- Bruising
- Psychological trauma
Evidence Needed to Prove Left Turn Accident Liability
After a left-turn accident, you have the right to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the driver who caused the crash. However, you will need to supply sufficient evidence proving that the other driver was truly at fault. A personal injury attorney in McAllen can help you gather multiple types of documentation to build a strong case.
For example:
- Traffic camera footage can provide an objective view of the intersection and show whether signals were obeyed
- Witness statements from bystanders, passengers, or other drivers can corroborate your version of events
- Police reports contain the responding officer’s assessment of the scene, including any citations issued and preliminary determinations of fault
- Photos of vehicle damage can reveal the point of impact and help reconstruct how the collision occurred
- Medical records document the extent and severity of your injuries and link them directly to the accident
- Cell phone records can reveal whether the other driver was distracted at the time of the collision
- Accident reconstruction expert analysis uses physics and engineering principles to demonstrate exactly what happened
Speak with a Texas Left Turn Accident Attorney
If you were injured when another driver failed to yield, misjudged the distance, or violated traffic signals during your left turn, you have the right to take legal action. In these situations, trust De La Garza Law Firm to prove who truly caused your crash. Our Texas car accident attorney will examine traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports to build a compelling case in your favor. Contact us at (956) 586-5617 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
