While the driver turning left is often at fault for a left-turn accident, that is not always the case. An experienced South Carolina attorney can investigate the incident, review the evidence, determine who is at fault, and demand that they compensate you.
At McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC, we’re here to help you understand South Carolina traffic laws and how they could affect fault for a left-hand turn accident. Contact our firm for a free case review to learn more.
What Are the Left-Turn Laws in South Carolina?
South Carolina law sets specific responsibilities for all road users. Drivers making left-hand turns must always use the farthest left lane to complete their turns. South Carolina drivers also cannot turn left from a middle lane when a left-turn lane exists. Before taking a left turn, drivers must always be cautious and yield the right of way to vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
The South Carolina Driver’s License Manual highlights the rules of left-hand turns. It also includes a section on yielding the right of way, which suggests precautions drivers should take when making turns in and out of intersections, alleys, or private roadways.
What Are Some of the Reasons for Left-Turn Accidents?
Unfortunately, left-hand turn accidents are common in the U.S. Statistics indicate left turns account for nearly 62 percent of all intersection crashes nationwide. Some common reasons for left-hand turn collisions in South Carolina include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Speeding
- Fatigued driving
- Road rage
- Aggressive driving
- Failing to monitor blind spots
- Failing to yield the right of way
Drivers can significantly reduce the risk of left-turn accidents by avoiding distractions and focusing on the road. When you drive in South Carolina, always use your turn signals to let other drivers know your intentions – and never enter an intersection until you know it is safe to go.
What Makes Left Turns More Dangerous?
When drivers turn left, they travel against traffic and into the paths of oncoming cars. To make matters worse, many intersections lack left-turn lights or have left-turn signals that are far too short.
Left turns can also be dangerous because it is harder for drivers to determine the speed and distance of oncoming motorists when turning left. And if there is a sharp curve, hill, or obstruction in the road, it can be even more challenging to tell when the coast is clear. Some studies suggest abolishing the left-hand turn could make our streets safer and improve traffic flow.
When Would a Left-Turn Driver Not Be At Fault?
Determining liability for a left-hand turn accident isn’t always easy. Although most left-turn accidents occur because of the driver turning left, there are situations where another road user could be at fault. For example, a driver safely making a legal left turn who gets hit by someone running a red light would not be at fault for the collision. In this scenario, the driver making the left-hand turn has the right of way – not the driver illegally traveling through a red light.
Proving that another driver is liable for a left-hand turn collision requires strong evidence, especially because insurance companies often blame the driver who was turning left by default. An experienced car accident attorney can help you gather evidence to establish the other driver’s liability and build a compelling claim on your behalf.
Can I Recover Damages Even If I’m Partly Responsible for the Left-Turn Accident?
In South Carolina, it is possible to recover compensation if you are partially to blame for an accident. South Carolina law says you can still file an injury claim if you are partially at fault. However, the amount of compensation available can be reduced based on how much you contributed to the crash. And if your share of responsibility is more than 51 percent, you could lose your right to seek compensation from others.
Technically, this rule only applies when left-turn accident cases go to court. However, insurance adjusters use the rule as a guideline when establishing the value of a car accident claim. It’s still a good idea to review your case with an attorney who can explain how the law applies to your case.
What Should I Do After a Left-Turn Accident?
Immediately after a left-turn car accident, always remember the basics. Call the authorities, seek medical attention, document the scene, and exchange information with other parties. Then, you can protect your rights and strengthen your injury claim by:
- Continuing medical treatment – Never skip appointments or discontinue your treatments after an accident. Attend all follow-up appointments and take your medications as prescribed. Medical records showing your commitment to improving your health can be compelling evidence in your accident claim.
- Avoiding social media – Do not post information or pictures about the accident online. It is best to avoid social media entirely until an attorney resolves your claim. The information you share on social media might be used against you by an insurance adjuster or opposing attorney.
- Keeping all receipts – To help your attorney calculate the value of your claim, keep copies of all medical bills, repair receipts, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash.
- Contacting an attorney – You can make sure you demand the full compensation you’re owed when you get help from an experienced car accident attorney.
Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
Left-turn accident claims can be complicated. But there’s no reason to handle one on your own. At McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC, we want to help you if someone hurt you in a left-hand turn accident in South Carolina. Contact our office today for a confidential legal consultation and get the answers you need.
