Is a car making a left-hand turn always at fault for a traffic accident in New Jersey?

A: Depending on the kind of traffic accident in which you are involved, you may have concerns about whether you will be automatically deemed at-fault, such as a case of a rear-end collision or left-hand turn. There are certain exceptions to the rule based on the specific circumstances related to your left-hand turn accident. 

If a car that makes a left-hand turn causes an accident, the driver may be held liable. This can change if there was a green arrow for the driver making the turn, or if the crash did not occur at an intersection. By law, the approaching traffic always has the right-of-way unless there is an intersection with a left-hand turn traffic signal.

Since a left-hand turn would mean crossing over an opposing traffic pattern, the driver is required by law to yield at all times. The driver's violation may be inexcusable, because the driver making the left-hand turn is expected to see the approaching traffic and only proceed when the road is clear.

The exceptions to the automatic rulings are generally in cases where the other driver was speeding or running a red light. For example, if you were preparing to make a left-hand turn at an intersection after seeing that it was clear to do so, but were then struck by a speeding car that came through the intersection well above the posted speed limit, you may not be found liable for the accident.

Nevertheless, the primary rule is that if a driver wants to make a left-hand turn, he or she must always yield to incoming traffic in order to avoid a left-hand turn accident.

As much as you try to be extremely cautious, some accidents are unavoidable. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible to recover damages that are a result of someone else's negligence or fault. If you've been injured in a left-hand turn accident and want to file a personal injury claim, contact White and Williams Attorneys at Law to speak with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney who can investigate your case. Call now for a no cost consultation - 1-877-944-8396.