Making a lefthand turn into an intersection is one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration, which reports that 53.1% of cross-path crashes involve left-hand turns. If you were hurt in a left-turn accident in Reno, NV, that was someone else’s fault, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
The Reno left-turn accident lawyers at Battle Born Injury Lawyers can help fight for your fair recovery. Contact our law office in Reno, Nevada, at 775-535-7768 today to schedule a free consultation with a Reno left-turn accident attorney.
How Can Battle Born Injury Lawyers Help After a Left Turn Accident in Reno?
For 14 years, Battle Born Injury Lawyers has championed the rights of accident victims, recovering more than $100 million for our clients throughout Nevada. Our award-winning legal team has been recognized by Nevada Business Journal Legal Elite, American Society of Legal Advocates – Top 40 Under 40, Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Rising Star, Avvo Perfect 10, and Avvo Clients’ Choice Award.
Our Reno personal injury lawyers can use our over 85 years of combined experience to:
- Discuss your legal rights and options during a free case review
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove liability
- Compile evidence regarding the full extent of your damages and demand just compensation for them
- Handle communications with the insurance company and other parties
- Pursue every avenue for financial compensation
We encourage you to call our law office in Reno, NV, today for a free consultation with a Reno car accident attorney. Our Reno left-turn accident lawyers are prepared to handle every aspect of your claim.
What Makes Lefthand Turns So Dangerous?
Lefthand turns are the “critical event” in 22.2% of all motor vehicle accidents, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. During a left-hand turn, drivers must cross traffic, possibly multiple lanes of traffic. This increases the likelihood of a collision if a driver crashes into a vehicle while turning. If a collision does happen, it may be a T-bone or head-on collision, which tends to result in more serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and other catastrophic injuries.
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
A left-turn accident could be worth considerable compensation.
The potential compensation depends on various factors, such as:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- The value of your economic and non-economic damages
- Whether your injuries result in permanent disabilities or impairments
- The length of your medical treatment and pain and suffering
- The insurance coverage available for your case
- Whether you contributed to the accident
You can get a better idea about the potential value of your case by calling an experienced personal injury lawyer today.
Common Causes of Left-Hand Turn Accidents
Various factors can affect left-hand turn accidents, including:
Misjudging the Speed and Distance of Oncoming Vehicles
Drivers may think that it’s safe to cross traffic because they think another vehicle is far away enough. They could also misjudge gaps in traffic. These misjudgments can cause them to cross when it is not safe to do so.
Blind Spots
Left-hand turn accidents can also occur when a driver with an obstructed view turns. For example, there could be a building, tree, sign, or other thing blocking the driver’s vision. These obstructions can also affect the driver traveling straight, who may be unable to see the driver turning.
Natural elements can also affect visibility, such as:
- Rain
- Snow
- Fog
- Bright sunshine
- Darkness
These elements can cause the driver to misjudge the space or distance of other vehicles.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are distracted may not be paying attention to other motorists.
Drivers may be distracted for many reasons, including:
- Texting or using cell phones
- Talking on the phone
- Changing audio in the vehicle
- Adjusting dials in the vehicle
- Engaging with an infotainment system
- Talking to passengers
- Looking out the window
- Tending to pets or children in the vehicle
When drivers are distracted, they can take longer to recognize and respond to hazards.
Heavy Traffic
Heavy traffic can make it more difficult for motorists to execute left turns safely. Drivers may have to cross multiple lanes of traffic, increasing the likelihood that they can crash into one of them or not spot a vehicle behind another one. Drivers may get impatient waiting to turn and lurch into traffic when it is unsafe.
Who Is Responsible for a Left-Hand Turn Accident?
Determining liability after a left-hand turn accident can be challenging. Typically, the car accident case starts with an assumption that the driver turning is at fault. This is because Nevada law gives vehicles traveling straight the right-of-way.
Turning drivers must not execute a turn if doing so would constitute an immediate hazard. However, the same law states that once a driver is turning left, other drivers must yield the right-of-way to them.
Either or both drivers could be at fault for this type of accident. Additionally, business owners or government agencies could bear liability if road design, construction, or obstructions contributed to the accident.
In the event that more than one person is at fault for the accident, the negligence of each person is determined. The victim can still pursue a personal injury claim as long as their negligence is not greater than the defendant’s, per Nevada’s comparative negligence law. However, the victim’s compensation is reduced by their degree of fault.
What Financial Compensation Can I Recover in a Car Accident Case?
Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
You may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Let our lawyers fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Nevada Personal Injury Cases?
In Nevada, the time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the accident date. If you fail to bring your claim before the statute of limitations expires, you’ll be barred from recovering compensation in court.
Contact a Reno Left-Turn Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Left-turn accidents in Reno, Nevada, can cause devastating injuries and fatalities. The legal team at Battle Born Injury Lawyers is here to help guide you through the personal injury claim process. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with a Reno left-turn accident lawyer.
