Left-Turn Collisions

Left turn collisions create more liability disputes than any other type of accident. The reason for this is very simple. ARS 28-772, the Arizona statute for left hand turns, states that a “driver intending to turn left shall yield the right of way.” However, the same statute requires the opposing vehicle to be within the intersection or so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.  The argument often hinges on whether the opposing driver was so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.

Based on the immediate hazard issue insurance companies will often argue that they do not have to pay 100% for your injuries and damages. It is for this very reason that speaking with an attorney after being involved with a left hand turn accident is very important. Arguments from either party may be that “the left turn arrow was green,” “the other driver was speeding,” “the other driver didn’t have their headlights on,” “the other driver didn’t use their turn signal,” or “their turn signal was on and they didn’t turn.”

The issue of where fault is placed generally comes down to the location of the vehicles at the point of impact. If the vehicle turning left is hit at the rear tire it is extremely likely there will be a dispute in liability, especially if the other driver was in the far right lane. Ultimately, it comes down to how much time both parties would have had to react.