What Drivers Need to Know and When to Call a Left Turn Accident Lawyer
Left-hand turn accidents are among the most common—and dangerous—collisions on Arizona roads. These crashes often involve intersections, higher speeds, and side-impact (T-bone) collisions, making them more likely to cause severe injuries. Understanding Arizona’s left turn laws is essential not only for safe driving, but also for establishing fault in a personal injury case.
If you’ve been injured in a left-turn crash in Scottsdale, Lake Havasu, or anywhere in Arizona, knowing your legal rights is the first step. The next is contacting a trusted Arizona personal injury attorney.
Arizona Left Turn Laws: Who Has the Right of Way?
The General Rule: Left Turns Must Yield
Under ARS §28-772, any driver attempting a left-hand turn at an intersection must yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles that pose an immediate hazard. This means:
- Left-turning drivers must wait until the turn can be made safely.
- If an accident occurs, the turning driver is often presumed to be at fault—but not always.
Green Light vs. Green Arrow: Know the Difference
Solid Green Light (No Arrow)
- You must yield to all oncoming traffic.
- Only proceed when the intersection is clear and safe.
Green Left Turn Arrow
- You have the right of way.
- Oncoming traffic must stop.
- If another driver runs a red light, they may be fully or partially at fault.
Even with a green arrow, accidents can happen if another driver speeds through a yellow or red light.
Why Left Turn Accidents Happen in Arizona
These crashes are rarely caused by a single mistake. Common contributing factors include:
- Speeding by oncoming vehicles
- Distracted driving or phone use
- Misjudging timing or distance
- Running yellow or red lights
- Poor visibility or obstructions
- Road design issues
Shared Liability: Arizona’s Comparative Fault System
Arizona uses a pure comparative negligence system:
- Multiple drivers can share fault.
- Your compensation is reduced based on your percentage of fault.
- You can still recover damages even if you’re partly responsible.
For example: If you made a left turn but the other driver was speeding or distracted, both parties might share liability. This makes it critical to contact a left turn accident lawyer who understands Arizona traffic law.
Common Injuries in Left Turn Crashes
These accidents often result in serious or catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord or neck injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Side-impact collisions offer little protection to the driver or passenger on the struck side.
Why Insurance Companies Blame the Left-Turning Driver
Insurers often presume the left-turning driver is entirely at fault. But a deeper investigation may uncover:
- The other driver ran a red light or was speeding
- Visibility was impaired by weather or road design
- Witness statements or dashcam footage contradict police reports
Never accept fault without legal guidance. Doing so can limit your ability to recover compensation.
When to Call a Left Turn Accident Lawyer in Arizona
Consult a lawyer if:
- You suffered serious injuries
- Fault is unclear or contested
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- The insurer denies or undervalues your claim
- You are being unfairly blamed
An experienced attorney can collect evidence, reconstruct the accident, and fight for your right to compensation.
Contact Rideout Law Group: Arizona Left Turn Accident Lawyers
Whether you’re in Scottsdale, Lake Havasu, or elsewhere in Arizona, Rideout Law Group is here to help. Our personal injury attorneys know how to handle left-turn crash cases, including disputes over fault and aggressive insurance tactics.
What We Offer:
- Free case reviews
- Extensive knowledge of Arizona traffic law
- Offices in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu
- Decades of combined courtroom experience
📍 Scottsdale Office
11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📞 (480) 584-3328
📍 Lake Havasu Office
2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 (928) 854-8181
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.