Why Are Left-Hand Turn Accidents So Dangerous for Pedestrians?
Roughly one-third of pedestrian accidents occur when cars are making left-hand turns. One reason these collisions are so frequent is that the driver and the pedestrian often both think they have the right-of-way.
The New York City pedestrian accident lawyers at Douglas & London will protect your rights and help you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Our experienced attorneys have recovered more than $18 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Left-Hand Turns
When a driver makes a left-hand turn, it is more complex than a right-hand turn. The former involves cutting across oncoming traffic– always a risky prospect.
First, the motorist must ensure there are no immediate hazards in the intersection. By law, the turn cannot proceed unless the driver has established that it can be made with “reasonable safety.”
Further, left-hand turns are the scene of so many accidents because many drivers try to “beat” other vehicles, which is an excellent way to cause a collision. Not only is the car likely to speed through the intersection, but trying to beat another car may also mean that the motorist does not see pedestrians.
Failure to Yield
When it comes to pedestrian accidents, left-hand turns result in collisions most often because the driver failed to yield the right of the way to the person in the crosswalk. They either did not see the individual, which violates the motorist’s duty to see “that which is to be seen” when making the turn, or they proceeded when it was not safe.
Other Left-Hand Turn Accidents
When drivers make left-hand turns, accidents may also occur due to:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsiness
- Speeding
Our New York City personal injury lawyers will investigate the circumstances of the case thoroughly. That means examining police and medical reports, viewing surveillance or other types of video, and speaking with eyewitnesses.
Left-Hand Turn Collision Injuries
A pedestrian hit by a car making a left-hand turn may suffer severe injuries. Fatalities are possible. Injuries may include:
- Disfigurement
- Fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord trauma
- Traumatic brain injury
Always seek medical attention right after an accident, even if you think you were not hurt or that your injuries are minor. Symptoms do not always manifest immediately, and failure to undergo a prompt medical examination can affect your health and your claim.
Pedestrian Injury Damages
Getting hit by a motor vehicle making a left-hand turn upends your life. Your injuries may require surgery, or an extended hospital stay. You may not return to work for some time– if you can return at all. Compensation, or damages, for a pedestrian injury may include:
- Medical expenses, current, and future
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
It is vital to obtain legal counsel as soon as possible after your accident. Victims should focus on recovery and not try to pursue a complicated case with an insurance company on their own. The driver’s insurance company wants to pay out as little as possible in damages.
That is the business model, and insurance adjusters know injured people may prove desperate for a settlement if they cannot pay their bills after the accident. Our lawyers understand the amount of a fair settlement for your case and will negotiate aggressively with the insurance company.
Contact us at Douglas & London for a free consultation
If you were struck by a motor vehicle making a left-hand turn or were a victim of any other type of pedestrian accident, you need the services of a dedicated personal injury attorney at Douglas and London. Arrange a free consultation by calling or texting us 24/7 or completing our online form. After reviewing your case, we will discuss your options. Much will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. While most claims are settled, we will take your case to court if the insurance company does not agree to a reasonable settlement. Personal injury legal fees are contingent on your winning your case. Hablamos Español.
