Who is at fault in a left-turn accident in Connecticut? Because the driver proceeding straight usually has the right of way, the driver who made the left turn is typically at fault for a collision. A court will generally assume that the turning driver didn’t leave enough space or time to make the turn safely and that their unsafe turn caused the accident.
Determining fault in a left-turn accident in Connecticut is usually a straightforward process, but some factors can complicate the situation. For instance, the oncoming driver could be at fault if they were speeding or running a light when the accident occurred. If both drivers’ actions caused or contributed to the accident, then the court must determine each driver’s share of the responsibility.
What Are Connecticut’s Laws Regarding Left Turns?
Under Connecticut law, a driver turning left at an intersection must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and use their turn signal 100 feet before turning.
If your turn signal is broken, you can signal with your hand by rolling down your window and sticking your left arm straight out to the left. That will let other drivers know you intend to make a left turn.
Yielding the right-of-way to oncoming traffic means not turning until that traffic has passed or stopped. Connecticut requires the turning driver to yield to any traffic within the intersection or close enough to the intersection to become a hazard. That’s why the law assumes that in the case of an accident, the turning driver must not have left enough time for the turn. Contact our Hartford car accident lawyer today.
What Factors Can Determine Fault for a Left-Turn Collision?
In general, the rules of the road determine who is at fault in an accident. If one driver follows the rules perfectly and the other ignores them, then the driver who ignores the rules is at fault for the accident. For instance, if the oncoming driver was speeding and driving under the influence, but the turning driver did everything properly, the oncoming driver is likely at fault.
The following are some factors that can determine whether the oncoming driver carries partial or complete liability for the accident:
- Going faster than the speed limit
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving while distracted
- Disregarding traffic signals or signs
- Running a red light
Factors that indicate the turning driver is at fault include:
- Failing to signal
- Failing to yield right-of-way to oncoming traffic
Unless the oncoming driver disregarded the rules of the road, the police officers at the accident scene would most likely assume that the turning driver caused the accident. If you were the turning driver, a court would find you liable unless you prove that the oncoming driver was negligent or reckless.
What Are Some Ways to Prove Who Is at Fault for the Left-Turn Crash?
You’ll need strong evidence to prove that the other driver caused the accident. A few types of crash-related evidence can help determine what really happened:
- Traffic cameras can provide video evidence depicting the circumstances of the crash.
- Skid marks on the road can show who hit the brakes in the moment before the collision.
- Car damage or chipped paint can help investigators understand what happened.
- Injuries can help investigators determine where and with what force the vehicles hit one another.
- Light sequencing records from the Connecticut Department of Transportation may show whether the turning driver had a green arrow and, therefore, had the right of way.
If you were the oncoming driver, a traffic camera video may show that the turning driver turned without signaling or yielding. If you were the turning driver, the evidence may show that you had the right-of-way and that you did everything properly. It all depends on the evidence, which is why it is so important for your attorney to conduct a thorough investigation.
Could Both Drivers Share Responsibility for the Accident?
Yes, it is possible for both drivers to share responsibility for an accident. For instance, if the oncoming driver was going a little too fast and the turning driver didn’t leave enough time for the turn, then a court may decide both drivers carry some responsibility for what happened.
Connecticut is a comparative negligence state, so an injured driver can recover compensation even if they are partially responsible for the accident. However, the amount they can recover is also reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. This dynamic is why it’s important to have effective representation for your case. A good lawyer knows how to craft a persuasive case that minimizes your share of fault and maximizes your compensation as a result.
What Are the Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents in Connecticut?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most common causes of accidents at intersections include:
- Not looking before turning (or looking in the wrong place)
- False assumptions about what the other driver will do next
- Turning with an obstructed view
- Illegal maneuvers
- Distracted driving
- Misjudgment of the gap between cars or of the other driver’s speed
Simple errors in judgment often cause accidents. You can lessen your chances of being in a left-turn accident by avoiding these behaviors in your own driving.
Contact a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a left-turn accident in Connecticut, don’t put off seeking fair compensation. Contact a Connecticut car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The Connecticut statute of limitations in a personal injury case is two years. If you wait too long to contact a lawyer, you risk running out of time.
Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, is proud to represent the hardworking people of Hartford, CT. We treat every injury case individually, working directly with every client to better protect their rights and fight for their interests. Everyone in our office will treat your case with compassion and respect as we seek the highest possible compensation for your losses.
You need an experienced Connecticut car accident lawyer who will passionately advocate for your rights. Let us be your voice. Contact Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, today.
