Left-hand turns are one of the most significant traffic hazards, which can lead to severe car accidents in the Colorado Springs region. Left-turn car accidents occur when a driver fails to yield the right of way and makes a left turn into oncoming traffic, often resulting in a T-bone impact where the turning vehicle strikes the middle of another vehicle. These incidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries and, tragically, fatalities. Left turns were identified as the primary cause of intersection crashes, accounting for nearly one in every four such incidents in a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What Colorado Law Says About Left-Hand Turn Car Accidents

Turning left within an intersection, whether it is an alley, private road, or driveway, without yielding the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles is a class A traffic violation, according to CRS 42-4-702 of Colorado law. A driver is considered to have adequately yielded if they can execute a left turn without an oncoming vehicle posing an immediate hazard.

Who is At Fault When a Car Turns Left?

In most cases, the driver making a left-hand turn is considered at fault for the accident, especially if the traffic signal allowed the straight-ahead traffic to continue through the intersection, making these injury cases relatively straightforward against the left-turning driver.

Consider this scenario: Driver 1 is waiting at a red traffic light, intending to make a left turn. Unfortunately, Driver 1 does not notice that Driver 2, who has a green light, is proceeding straight through the intersection. Consequently, Driver 1 collides with Driver 2 within the intersection, establishing clear negligence on the part of Driver 1.

However, there are situations in which the driver executing a left turn cannot be considered negligent or accountable for the collision. For instance, when a four-way stop sign controls the intersection, the driver traveling straight might violate traffic regulations by failing to come to a complete stop at the stop sign, thereby assuming liability in a left-turn accident under these circumstances.

Consider this scenario: Driver 1 approaches an intersection where all lanes are controlled by four stop signs. Driver 1 appropriately signals a left turn and proceeds after coming to a complete stop as required. Meanwhile, Driver 2 approaches the same intersection but becomes distracted by their cell phone, failing to stop and colliding with Driver 1 during the left turn. In this case, Driver 2 is liable for the accident due to their failure to follow the traffic rules.

Exceptions When the Left-Hand Turn Driver is not Found Responsible or Negligent

When it comes to left-hand turns and potential liabilities, there are situations where the driver making the turn may not be found responsible or negligent. This typically occurs when certain conditions and circumstances align, ensuring the safety of the maneuver. Here are two exceptions to assigning fault in left-hand turn accidents.

Exception 1: No Oncoming Driver in View

One pivotal exception arises when there is no oncoming driver in view. In such instances, a driver is justified in making a left-hand turn, provided they genuinely believe it can be executed safely without risk of collision. This belief may be rooted in factors such as the road's design or adverse weather conditions, which limit visibility. Importantly, this exception places an obligation on the driver approaching from the opposite direction to proceed with caution. For example, if the driver making the left turn cannot see any oncoming vehicles due to poor visibility conditions, the driver coming from the opposite direction should exercise vigilance and proceed with caution to avoid potential risks.

Exception 2: Speeding from the Oncoming Vehicle Causes the Accident

Another exception is when an accident occurs due to the actions of a speeding driver coming from the oncoming direction. If a left-hand turn is executed in good faith, and a collision results from a speeding driver who was a significant distance away, the driver with the right of way going straight may be considered negligent. In such cases, the driver with the right of way must operate their vehicle at a speed that allows them to stop within a clear distance ahead, considering factors like road conditions and visibility. A legal precedent in Colorado underscores that a driver making a left-hand turn has a reasonable expectation that a driver outside their field of vision and approaching from the opposite direction will follow the speed limit.

It is essential to recognize that not all left-hand turn accidents automatically assign responsibility to the turning driver. Exceptions exist in certain circumstances. These exceptions underscore the importance of cautious and responsible driving for all motorists, emphasizing the shared responsibility for road safety.

T-Boned While Turning Left

Determining fault in a left-turn or T-bone accident requires a thorough analysis of the circumstances surrounding the car accident, such as adherence to traffic signals, right-of-way rules, speed, and visibility at the intersection. These types of accidents typically occur at intersections when a vehicle making a left turn collides with another vehicle traveling straight through the intersection. The driver making the left turn is often found to be at fault, as they must yield to oncoming traffic. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Understanding the nuances of liability in situations where a driver is T-boned while turning left is crucial in ensuring a fair assessment of responsibility in such accidents.

Assessing Responsibility: Colliding With a Car That is Trying to Pass

When it comes to determining fault in a collision, one key factor to consider is the situation where a motorist attempts to pass you. In such a scenario, it is highly probable that you will not be held at fault. Whether the other driver misjudged the oncoming traffic, swerved unexpectedly, or caused the oncoming traffic to swerve and subsequently collided with your vehicle, or if they cut too closely in front of you, the responsibility for the accident primarily rests on their shoulders. In situations like these, the emphasis is on the actions and decisions of the driver attempting to pass, as their maneuvers often create a hazardous situation that can result in a collision with the vehicle they are trying to overtake.

If you've been involved in a left-turn traffic accident in Colorado, understanding the complexities of liability and fault is crucial, but it can be overwhelming. Whether you're at fault or a victim in such an incident, the legal implications can be significant, and navigating the aftermath requires expertise.

In the event of a car accident, especially one involving intricate traffic laws like left-turn scenarios, reaching out to a car accident lawyer is a wise step. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and ensure that your interests are well-represented.