The aftermath of a left-turn accident in Atlanta can leave you feeling overwhelmed by medical bills, income loss, car repairs, and insurance claims. Any accident’s financial, physical, and psychological toll can be significant. Why should you bear the burden of an accident someone else caused?
At Butler Kahn, we understand what you’re going through. Our trusted left-turn accident lawyers can help you through this difficult time by advocating for your rights and demanding the compensation you deserve from the driver who hit you. We represent Atlanta crash victims who have suffered injuries in a range of accidents, including left-turn collisions. With years of experience and a track record of success, we have what it takes to provide the personalized and effective legal representation you need.
Contact Butler Kahn today to speak with one of our Atlanta left-turn accident lawyers. Your initial consultation is free, and you will never pay anything out of pocket to have us start work on your case.
What Are the Main Causes of Left-Turn Accidents in Atlanta?
Left-turn accidents in Atlanta can occur for various reasons. Some common causes include the following:
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Distracted driving
- Misjudging distances
- Poor visibility
- Impaired driving
- Speeding
- Disobeying traffic lights or signs
Where Do Most Left-Turn Accidents Occur in Atlanta?
Most left-turn collisions occur at intersections where two or more roads meet and vehicles must cross in front of one another. Data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) suggests half of all crash-related injuries and a quarter of all crash deaths occur at intersections.
One local news reporter investigated the most dangerous intersections in Atlanta and found the following areas are particularly accident-prone:
- Memorial Drive and N Road in Stone Mountain
- East Park Place and Stone Mountain Highway in Stone Mountain
- Covington Highway and Lithonia Road in Lithonia
- Cobb Place Boulevard and Earnest Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw
- Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross
What Injuries Occur Most Often in Left-Turn Accidents?
Injuries in left-turn accidents can vary based on the vehicles’ speeds, the point of impact, and other relevant factors. Some common injuries from left-turn collisions include:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and bruises
What Are Georgia’s Left-Hand Turn Laws?
Under Georgia law, drivers who intend to turn left at intersections or onto other roads must yield the right-of-way to any vehicles approaching from the opposite direction close enough to be an immediate hazard.
According to Georgia’s Drivers Manual, drivers should follow these steps to complete a legal left turn:
- Use the left-turn signal to give drivers ahead of and behind you enough notice.
- Move into the far left traffic lane or a turning lane if available.
- Keep your wheels pointed straight until it is safe to begin the turn.
- Yield the right-of-way to all other road users approaching from the opposite direction.
- When it’s safe and traffic lights or signs permit, make the left turn.
- Once you have entered an intersection, do not change lanes until you complete the turn.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Left-Turn Accident?
Any of the following parties could be responsible for a left-turn accident in Atlanta:
- The left-turning driver – A driver making a left turn could be liable for an accident if they don’t yield to oncoming traffic, make an improper turn, or otherwise drive negligently.
- Another road user – While the driver turning left is most often responsible for a subsequent collision, other motorists are sometimes to blame. Another road user, such as a pedestrian or cyclist, could also be at fault if they disrupt traffic in a way that contributes to an accident.
- The driver’s employer – If the driver responsible for the accident was on the job at the time, their employer could bear responsibility for the employee’s actions.
- A government agency – When poor road conditions like faulty traffic lights contribute to an accident, the government agency responsible for maintaining local roads could be liable.
- A vehicle or component manufacturer – The company that designed or manufactured the vehicle or its components could be held accountable if a defect like faulty brakes or a malfunctioning steering system causes a wreck.
When May the Driver Turning Left Not Be At Fault?
Most often, the driver turning left is at fault for a left-turn accident. However, there are times when the left-turning driver might not be at fault. For instance, another driver could be liable if they were:
- Speeding
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Impaired
- Violating the right-of-way
- Distracted
What Damages Can Be Recovered for a Left-Turn Accident?
In Georgia, accident victims can recover compensation from liable parties for the following types of accident-related losses:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, you typically have just two years from the accident date to sue. If you try to file a lawsuit after that deadline, the court will almost likely dismiss the case.
Two years might seem like plenty of time to file a lawsuit, but that’s no reason to delay. It takes significant preparation to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you risk losing key evidence and leverage in negotiations with the at-fault party. It’s important to act quickly after a left-turn accident by consulting an attorney who can start preparing your case.
Contact an Atlanta Left-Turn Accident Lawyer
If you have found us because you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, we sincerely hope you’re recovering quickly with the medical care you need. Hopefully, the information here has been useful. If you want to speak with us about your situation, call or contact us online. There is no charge to talk with us about your case.
