Driving has become a normal part of everyone’s day. From commuting to work to driving to the grocery store, we all use our cars daily to get to where we need to be. It has almost become second nature, and you may not put much thought into basic driving maneuvers such as turning.
However, the simple task of making a left turn can quickly become dangerous when drivers do not abide by traffic laws. Improper turns can put the driver and others on the road in danger and cause a car accident, which is why you need to be aware of the traffic laws in your area and know your rights as an improper-turn car accident victim.
Looking for legal help after an improper turning accident in the Los Angeles area? Compass Law Group, LLP is your improper turn accident attorney who is ready to fight for your rights. Our attorneys know the legal system like the back of their hands, and we will point you in the right direction toward maximum compensation. No case is too complicated for us, and we will fight for your rights as a car accident victim.
Injured in an Accident Caused by an Improper Turn?
Car accidents caused by an improper turn can range in severity depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. While many of them are minor fender benders that result in minor injuries, improper turns done recklessly or at higher speeds can result in serious injuries and even hospitalizations. T-bone collisions from an improper turn can seriously injure the drivers involved and potentially total one or both cars. The damages from these accidents can be costly and have long-term repercussions for all parties involved.
Compass Law Group, LLP has a team of experienced car accident lawyers who are ready to take on your improper turn case. We will create a custom plan for your case that will get you the maximum compensation you deserve while keeping you as our center focus. Our clients come first in everything we do.
Improper Turns Are a Common Cause of Car Accidents
Improper turn accidents are more common in Los Angeles than you may think. With the density of traffic in the city and the number of drivers on the road trying to turn, improper turns are one of the most common causes of car accidents in the city. Improper turns can be caused by distracted driving, reckless driving, or disregarding the traffic laws and signs posted in an intersection or traffic light. Improper turns can lead to injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, while some wrong turns can even be fatal.
Understanding the Different Types of Improper Turns
We’ve been throwing around the term “improper turn,” but what does it actually mean? An improper turn is a dangerous driving maneuver where a driver makes a turn without following proper procedures. This can include not using their turn signal, cutting someone off, or turning in a ‘no-turn’ area. Improper turns like these can put the driver and others on the road in danger, leading to a potential car accident.
There is more than one type of improper turn. The three most common types of improper turns include improper left turns, improper u-turns, and improper right turns.
Improper Left Turns
Left turns can be trickier by nature because the driver needs to safely cross opposing traffic. Many intersections have an advanced green arrow to allow drivers to turn left safely when there is no other traffic. However, with a flashing yellow yield arrow, drivers frequently have to rely on their instincts when making left turns. Improper left turns can include turning without signaling, turning into oncoming traffic, turning left on a red light, turning from the wrong lane, and turning when it is not safe to do so. Abiding by the proper traffic laws can keep you and other drivers safe, especially when making left turns.
Improper U-Turns
U-turns can be great for turning around if you make a wrong turn or need to go in the opposite direction. However, doing them properly makes sure you and other drivers remain safe on the road. Improper U-turns can include turning on a one-way street, in areas with a bunch of pedestrians, or turning at an intersection that has a clear sign stating “No U-turns.” All of these maneuvers can lead to a serious car accident that can put you and other drivers in danger.
Improper Right Turns
Right turns tend to be easier than left turns for drivers because you are turning with the flow of traffic. However, this doesn’t mean these turns are completely risk-free. Drivers still need to be aware of their surroundings and the traffic laws around the intersection or traffic light. An improper right turn can include making a turn when it is not safe to do so, turning from the wrong lane, and making a right turn that is too wide. Right turns need to be as close to the curb as possible, while still keeping a safe distance from pedestrians and obstacles on or near the sidewalk.
The Definition of Improper Turns in Los Angeles
The definition of an improper turn can vary slightly depending on the state or city you live in. In Los Angeles, an improper turn consists of making a turn that doesn’t follow the correct traffic laws or compromises the safety of other individuals nearby. This can include:
- Making a right turn on red when there is a “No Turn on Red” sign visible in the intersection
- Turning without using a turn signal
- Turning when there is not adequate space to safely do so
- Not yielding to oncoming traffic or nearby pedestrians
- Making a turn without first coming to a complete stop
Drivers in the Los Angeles area must follow California right-of-way laws. These laws state drivers making a turn without a green light need to yield to oncoming traffic. This means a driver trying to turn needs to wait until all oncoming traffic is gone and it is safe to turn. Failure to do so can result in a collision that puts you and others in danger.
Factors That Cause Improper Turn Accidents
- Distracted Driving: Driving while on your phone or not looking at the road can cause you to miss an oncoming car until it is too late, resulting in an accident.
- Failure to Signal: Turn signals are meant to give other drivers a heads up of where you are moving to so they can prepare and get out of the way if needed. Failure to use this signal can result in an easily preventable car accident and damage.
- Driving Under the Influence: Substances such as alcohol and drugs can impair judgment and reaction time, making drivers more careless and significantly raising the risk of an improper turn-related collision.
Types of Accidents Caused by Improper Turns
- Pedestrian Crossing Accident: Improper turns can put pedestrians on crossings and sidewalks at risk.
- Multiple-Car Accident: An improper turn in a busy intersection can quickly build into an accident involving a multi-car pileup.
- Head-On Collision: A head-on collision occurs when the fronts of two cars collide, potentially resulting in serious injuries. Improper turns can devolve into a head-on collision.
- T-Bone Accident: When the front of one car impacts the side of another car, this is a T-bone accident. An improper turn can lead to a T-bone accident.
What to Do After an Improper Turning Car Accident
- Dial 911 and request law enforcement and emergency medical services.
- If you can, take photos of the scene, the cars involved, and your injuries.
- Get the contact information of any eyewitnesses.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries.
- Contact the car accident attorneys at Compass Law Group, LLP.
Proving Liability in an Improper Turn Accident
To earn the compensation you deserve, you need to confidently prove who was liable or responsible for the car accident. The best way to do this is to collect as much evidence as you can relating to the accident. This evidence can include photos and videos of the accident scene, surveillance footage from nearby buildings, eyewitness testimonies, medical records of your injuries, and even dashcam footage. The more evidence you can collect, the stronger your case will be.
If you are found partially at fault for the accident, don’t panic. You can still earn compensation for the accident. California works on a liability percentage system, meaning your maximum compensation depends on how liable you are for the accident. For example, if you are found 20% liable for the accident, you can have up to 80% of your expenses from the accident compensated.
Available Compensation for Improper Turn Accidents
If you are the victim of an improper turn accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The exact amount of compensation can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident and the amount of financial loss. You can earn compensation for the following financial losses from an improper turning accident:
- Medical Bills
- Rehabilitation and Long-Term Medical Care
- Loss of Income
- Pain and Suffering
- Psychological Ailments Such as PTSD
Discuss Your Car Accident Case with a Skilled Attorney
Driving has become such a common thing we do every day that many of us don’t even bat an eye before making a turn at an intersection. However, a basic turn can quickly become dangerous if you’re not careful. Car accidents caused by an improper turn can be scary to deal with, especially when someone you love has been injured from it. These accidents may seem minor at first, but the damage from them can stick with you for a long time.
When you are navigating the legal system after an accident, you want the peace of mind that comes with working with a reliable and skilled team of car crash attorneys in California. Compass Law Group, LLP is here to point you in the right direction and help you throughout the process. Our client-focused approach ensures your rights are protected and you earn the compensation you deserve. You don’t have to pay us a dime for our services unless we win your case.
Contact Compass Law Group, LLP today or give us a call at (310) 289-7126 to schedule a free consultation with one of our expert attorneys.
Call Compass Law Group Today for a Free Consultation
Have you been injured in a car accident and don’t know where to turn? You’re not alone. These situations can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone.
Compass Law Group’s experienced car accident attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and the unique challenges accident victims face. We will:
-
Investigate your accident thoroughly to determine liability.
-
Fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.
-
Handle all the legal legwork so you can focus on healing.
Don’t wait – time is limited. California has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
Call Compass Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and discuss your legal options moving forward.
We understand the emotional and financial strain a car accident can cause. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
