Atlanta Left Turn Accident Lawyer

Traffic accidents can be a sudden and disruptive force in anyone’s life, often leaving individuals feeling confused, injured, and uncertain about the future. If you have been injured in Georgia due to an accident caused by a left turn, you are likely thinking about the steps you can take to recover.

While left turns are a routine part of driving, they are also recognized as a maneuver that carries significant risk and frequently leads to collisions. If you find yourself the victim of an accident caused by a left turn accident, then you should contact an Atlanta left turn accident lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm at 404-975-1775 to help you through the complex legal process of getting the compensation you deserve.

About Left Turn Accidents in Georgia

Across the United States, a substantial proportion of accidents that occur at intersections involve a vehicle making a left-hand turn. For instance, studies have shown that nearly 61% of all crashes at intersections involve a left-turning vehicle, and 22% of all car accidents overall involve a vehicle that is turning left. There is also data that shows that 50% of the combined total of fatal and injury crashes occur at or near intersections. Given that left turns are a common maneuver performed at intersections, these statistics further show the dangers of left turns.

The fact that a high percentage of intersection-related crashes are attributed to left turns suggests that this type of accident is a significant concern for drivers in Georgia as well, especially in congested urban areas such as Atlanta.

Common Contributing Factors to Left-Turn Accidents

Understanding the common reasons behind left-turn accidents can be invaluable for those involved, as it can help identify potential negligence and strengthen a personal injury claim. Driver error stands out as a primary cause in the majority of left turn accidents. Several examples of this include failure to yield, a misjudgement of speed and distance, a driver not observing traffic correctly, distracted driving, obscured visibility, illegal maneuvers, or driving under impairment.

Determining the cause of the left turn accident is crucial to proving negligence and liability of the other driver, which is why at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm we are dedicated to discovering the details of your case to get you the most out of your compensation.

Determining Fault in a Georgia Left Turn Accident

In the aftermath of a left-turn accident, a critical question is often who was at fault. Determining fault is essential for pursuing a personal injury claim and seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. In Georgia, the general rule is that the driver making the left turn is frequently presumed to be at fault for any resulting accident. This presumption stems from the legal requirement that the driver turning left must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. When a left-turn accident occurs, the police report generated at the scene can be an important piece of evidence. Law enforcement officers will investigate the accident and often provide their opinion on who was at fault based on their initial assessment. While the police report can be influential, it is not always the final determination of fault, and further investigation may be necessary. Witness statements and possible footage from traffic cameras will also help prove that the other driver was at fault in your left turn accident case.

Georgia law recognizes the concept of negligence per se, which means that when a driver violates a traffic law, such as failing to yield the right-of-way while making a left turn, that violation is considered negligence as a matter of law. If this negligence directly causes an accident, it can significantly strengthen the case against the at-fault driver.

Similarly, if the oncoming driver ran a red light and struck a vehicle making a legal left turn, the driver who disobeyed the traffic signal would likely be deemed at fault. In some cases, if the oncoming driver took sudden or unexpected action, making the left turn unavoidable, the fault determination might shift.

It is also important to note that Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are injured in a left-turn accident, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 50%.

However, the amount of compensation you can receive will be reduced by your degree of fault. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering any damages. The legal system in Georgia is extremely complex and not one that you should take on alone, which is why an Atlanta left turn accident lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm is here to discuss your case for free when you call us at 404-975-1775.

Common Injuries Resulting from Left Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the specific circumstances of the collision. The types of impacts that commonly occur in these accidents often contribute to the nature and extent of the injuries sustained.

One frequent type of collision in left-turn accidents is a T-bone collision, where the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These types of accidents can be particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles typically are less structurally sound compared to the front or rear. Occupants on the side of the vehicle that is struck are at a higher risk of serious injury. Another type of collision that can occur in left-turn accidents is a head-on collision, which can happen if a driver misjudges a turn and enters the path of oncoming traffic. Head-on impacts often result in severe injuries due to the combined force of the two vehicles colliding.

Although injuries may vary in left turn accidents, some common injuries sustained in left-turn accidents can include whiplash, back injuries, head injuries, TBIs, fractures, soft tissue injuries, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, lacerations, bruises, and emotional distress.

The specific injuries sustained in a left-turn accident are highly dependent on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact, and the safety features of the vehicles. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly after an accident, even if you do not feel immediately injured, as some injuries may not present symptoms right away.

Tips for Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim in Georgia

If you have been injured in a left-turn accident in Georgia due to the negligence of another driver, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages. Understanding the general steps involved in this process can help you navigate the legal landscape.

The first and most crucial step is to seek immediate medical attention if needed for any injuries you have sustained. This is vital not only for your health but also for documenting the nature and extent of your injuries, which is essential for your legal claim.

Next, you should gather as much evidence of the accident if you can safely do so. This includes obtaining a copy of the police report, collecting contact information from any witnesses, taking photographs of the accident scene and any vehicle damage, and keeping records of all medical treatments and expenses, as well as any documentation of lost wages.

When you are ready, it is recommended to contact an experienced Atlanta left turn accident lawyer to help you with all the steps of your case. These steps could include negotiating with the insurance agency, or filing a lawsuit on your behalf if negotiations do not produce the compensation you are satisfied with. You should keep in mind that personal injury lawsuits need to be filed within two years from the date of the accident, or you may lose your opportunity to seek any compensation for the accident. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, an Atlanta left turn accident lawyer is here to guide you step by step through the legal process and will get you the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation Available in Left Turn Accident Cases Resulting in Injuries

If you have been injured in a left-turn accident due to another driver’s negligence in Georgia, you may be entitled to seek various types of compensation for your losses. These damages are intended to help make you whole again, both financially and emotionally, to the extent possible under the law.

Some examples of damages that you may recover would be past and present medical bills, lost wages from work you have already missed or work you cannot perform anymore, any medical scans, repair work done to your vehicle or costs to replace personal belongings that were damaged in the accident. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we will go over your case in detail to make sure you get compensated for everything you lost in the accident so you can get back to your life.

Contact an Atlanta Left Turn Accident Lawyer Today and Schedule a Free Consultation

Being involved in a left-turn accident can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. The complexities of Georgia traffic laws, the process of determining fault, and the intricacies of pursuing a personal injury claim can be difficult to navigate on your own.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we understand the difficulties you are facing and are dedicated to providing experienced and compassionate legal representation to accident victims throughout Georgia. Our team has a deep understanding of the laws surrounding left-turn accidents and a proven track record of protecting the rights of our clients.

An Atlanta left turn accident lawyer is committed to thoroughly investigating each case, gathering the necessary evidence, and building a strong claim on your behalf. If you have been injured in a left-turn accident, do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation at 404-975-1775. We are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.