Left Turn Auto Accidents

Austin, Texas

Contact us today 512.474.2001

The driver in a left turn auto accident has some unique legal positions to overcome. Clients who come to Gonzales & Gonzales are often surprised to learn that the driver in a left turn accident is presumed to be negligent in most cases unless the fault is clearly that of the other driver. Even then, there are complications that blur the lines of liability.

Left Turn Accident Issues

Because left turns are considered one of the most dangerous maneuvers drivers make on a regular basis, the laws designed to prevent them are precise and clear, requiring compliance with rules such as:

• Texas drivers must clearly indicate their intent to turn left and for a sufficient amount of time and distance.
• Texas requires you to signal your intent to turn for at least 100 feet using either your left turn blinker or your arm signal.
• Both your front and back turn lights must be in working condition.
• If you are turning with a green arrow, you must be able to clear the intersection before the light turns red.

Comparative Negligence

Some oncoming drivers, however, contribute to left turn accidents by their own negligent driving. Comparative negligence is also known as contributory negligence. This is the degree to which every party to an accident is at fault.

In Texas, our laws are based upon “proportional comparative fault at 51%.” This legislation states that if a driver is more than 51% liable for the cause of an accident, then that driver is not eligible for any damages. For this reason our steps to take after an accident advises saying as little as possible after an accident and never admit or even suggest you might have been at fault.

We at Gonzales & Gonzales have experienced investigators who know what to look for when the other driver has contributed to the negligence that contributed to a left turn accident. We know how this information can be used to reduce the liability of a left turn driver, and how to use it to protect your rights to a satisfactory settlement.

The laws are complicated so please contact the experienced Texas accident attorneys at Gonzales & Gonzales in Austin to help you preserve your rights when you have been injured in a left turn accident.