St. Louis Left Turn Accident Attorney

Why Left Turn Crashes Are So Dangerous

Left turn accidents typically occur at intersections and often result in dangerous T-bone or head-on impacts.

Left turn accidents are particularly serious because they frequently involve the side of a vehicle, where there’s less protection for passengers. In St. Louis, busy intersections and heavy traffic make these situations even more hazardous.

The turning vehicle is usually moving slowly, while oncoming traffic may be traveling at full speed. This speed difference creates devastating impacts that can cause severe injuries or death.

Who Is At Fault In A Missouri Left Turn Collision?

In Missouri, the turning driver is typically presumed to be at fault This is because the turning driver has a duty to yield and must wait until it’s completely safe before making their turn.

They must judge speed and distance of oncoming vehicles accurately.

However, there are exceptions, which is why our experienced car accident lawyers in St., Louis always do a deep investigation into every crash to fully determine and prove liability. Some exceptions which may suggest the oncoming driver was liable include:

• Red light violations: The oncoming driver ran a red light and entered the intersection illegally.
• Driving with excessive speed: The approaching vehicle was speeding significantly over the limit, making it impossible to judge a safe gap.
• Protected green arrow: The turning driver had a green arrow right-of-way signal, giving them the legal right-of-way.
• Emergency situations: Unexpected events like another vehicle swerving or mechanical failure forced the turning driver to stop mid-turn.

These situations shift responsibility away from the turning driver. Insurance companies will fight these claims aggressively, which is why skilled legal help from Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers is essential.

Common Causes Of Left Turn Accidents In St. Louis

Understanding why left turn accidents happen helps establish fault and build stronger cases. These crashes rarely have simple causes and often involve multiple contributing factors.

Misjudged Gap Or Speed

The most common cause is drivers misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles. A gap that looks safe may actually be too small when the approaching car is traveling faster than expected.

This happens frequently during rush hour when drivers feel pressured to turn quickly. Poor depth perception or inexperience can also lead to these dangerous miscalculations.

Red Or Yellow Light Violations

Drivers who try to “beat” yellow lights or run red lights create extremely dangerous situations. The turning driver may have already entered the intersection, believing it was safe to proceed.

These violations often result in severe T-bone collisions. Our experienced St. Louis left turn accident lawyers have seen over and over how devastating these side-impact crashes can be for victims and their families.

Distracted Or Impaired Driving

Drivers who are texting, talking on phones, or otherwise distracted cannot properly assess traffic conditions. They may turn without seeing oncoming vehicles or misjudge safe gaps.

Alcohol or drug impairment severely affects judgment and reaction times. An impaired driver making a left turn poses serious risks to everyone on the road.

Poor Visibility And Road Conditions

Weather conditions like rain, fog, or bright sun glare make it difficult to see approaching traffic clearly. Wet roads also increase stopping distances for all vehicles.

Some St. Louis intersections have visibility problems due to buildings, parked cars, or overgrown landscaping. These obstructions can hide oncoming traffic until it’s too late to avoid a collision.

Unprotected Lefts And Flashing Yellow Arrows

Unprotected left turns require drivers to yield to all oncoming traffic without signal protection. Many drivers don’t understand they must wait for a completely clear intersection.

Flashing yellow arrows have created additional confusion. Some drivers mistakenly believe these signals give them right-of-way when they still must yield to oncoming traffic.

Injuries From T-Bone And Left Turn Crashes

Left turn accidents often cause T-bone collisions where one vehicle strikes the side of another. The side of a car offers minimal protection compared to the front or rear.

These impacts can cause severe injuries even at relatively low speeds. The lack of crumple zones on vehicle sides means crash forces transfer directly to passengers.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Head impacts with windows, door frames, or deployed airbags
• Spinal cord damage: Severe back and neck injuries that can cause permanent paralysis
• Broken bones: Ribs, pelvis, arms, and legs are vulnerable in side-impact crashes
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs from the force of impact or broken ribs
• Whiplash and soft tissue damage: Neck and back injuries from sudden jerking motions

Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately after the crash. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some conditions like concussions develop over time.

You should always seek medical attention after any accident, even if you feel fine initially. Early medical documentation is also crucial for your legal case.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you were injured in a left turn accident, Missouri law allows you to seek compensation for all your losses. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and how they’ve affected your life.

Economic damages cover your financial losses:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, prescription medications, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages: Income you’ve missed due to injuries and medical appointments
• Future medical costs: Ongoing treatment, therapy, and medical equipment you’ll need
• Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement, plus damaged personal items

Non-economic damages address your personal suffering:

• Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and chronic pain from your injuries
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD following the traumatic accident
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
• Relationship impacts: How injuries have affected your marriage or family relationships

Punitive damages may be awarded in extreme cases involving drunk driving or reckless behavior. These damages punish the at-fault driver and deter similar conduct.

Never accept an insurance company’s first settlement offer. These initial offers are typically far below what your case is actually worth. Contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers for a free evaluation before making any decisions.

What If You Are Part At Fault?

Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence rule that allows you to recover compensation even if you share some fault. Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but you don’t lose everything.

For example, if you’re found 27% at fault in a crash worth $100,000, you can still recover $73,000.

Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto accident victims to reduce their payouts. They may claim you were speeding, distracted, or should have seen the turning vehicle sooner.

We fight these tactics by gathering evidence that shows the true cause of your accident. Even if you made a mistake, the other driver may bear primary responsibility for the crash.

What To Do After A Left Turn Crash

The actions you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your health and legal case. Stay calm and follow these important steps.

At The Scene

Your safety and the safety of others should be your first priority. Move to safety if possible and assess whether anyone needs immediate medical attention.

Essential steps include:

• Call 911: Report the accident and request police and medical assistance
• Document everything: Take photos of vehicle damage, the intersection, traffic signals, and skid marks
• Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number
• Find witnesses: Ask anyone who saw the accident for their contact information
• Avoid admissions: Don’t apologize or say the crash was your fault, even if you think it might be

Don’t leave the scene until police arrive and complete their report. Leaving too early could hurt your case later.

Within 72 Hours

Even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, seek medical attention within the first few days. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away but can become serious problems.

Important actions include:

• See a doctor: Get a complete medical evaluation to identify any hidden injuries
• Report to your insurance: Notify your own insurance company that an accident occurred
• Keep all documents: Save the police report, medical records, and all receipts related to the accident
• Avoid social media: Don’t post anything about the accident online where insurance companies can see it
• Contact Our Skilled Attorneys: Call us for a free consultation to understand your legal rights

Getting medical care quickly also creates important documentation for your legal case. Insurance companies can’t argue that your injuries weren’t serious if you sought immediate treatment.

Insurance Missteps To Avoid

The other driver’s insurance company will likely contact you soon after the accident. Remember that their goal is to pay as little as possible for your claim.

Protect yourself by avoiding these mistakes:

• Don’t give recorded statements: You’re not required to provide detailed statements to the other driver’s insurer
• Don’t accept quick settlements: Initial offers are almost always far below what your case is worth
• Don’t sign any documents: Release forms prevent you from seeking additional compensation later

Why Choose Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers?

Beck & Beck is the only law firm in Missouri that focuses exclusively on Missouri auto accident law. We’ve spent over 35 years mastering the specific laws and procedures that affect accident cases in our state.

Our family-run practice has recovered more than $105 million for clients across Missouri. We treat every client personally and never pass your case off to junior attorneys or paralegals.

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide guidance when you need it most. You’ll always speak directly with experienced Missouri intersection accident attorneys who understand your situation.

Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing upfront and no fees unless we win your case. We invest our own resources into investigating and building your claim because we believe in fighting for justice.

Injured In A Left Turn Crash? Contact Our St. Louis Auto Accident Attorneys Today

If you were hurt in a left hand turn accident, our experienced attorneys will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on healing. We’ll investigate the accident, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers today. We’re here to help you through this difficult time and ensure you get the justice you deserve.

FAQs About Left Turn Accidents In St. Louis

Are Left Turn Drivers Always At Fault When They Have A Green Arrow?

No, drivers with a protected green arrow have the right-of-way. If an oncoming driver runs their red light and causes a crash, they would be at fault instead of the turning driver.

What Happens If The Other Driver Was Speeding When I Turned Left?

Excessive speeding by the oncoming driver can shift fault away from you, especially if their speed made it impossible to judge a safe gap. We investigate speed factors to determine how they affected the accident.

Do Police Reports Automatically Determine Fault In Missouri Left Turn Accidents?

Police reports are important evidence but don’t legally determine fault. Insurance companies and courts make the final fault determination based on all available evidence, not just the police report.

Can I Still Recover Money If I Got A Failure To Yield Ticket?

Yes, a traffic ticket creates a presumption of fault but doesn’t automatically end your case. Other factors like the other driver’s speed or signal violations can still make them partially or fully responsible.

How Quickly Do We Need To Get Traffic Camera Footage From St. Louis Intersections?

Traffic camera footage from St. Louis intersections is often overwritten, so request it as soon as possible. Contact us immediately so we can request this crucial evidence before it’s permanently deleted.

Am I Required To Give A Recorded Statement To The Other Driver’s Insurance?

No, you’re not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. These statements are often used against you, so consult with us before agreeing to any recorded interviews.

Who Pays For My Medical Treatment Right After A Left Turn Accident?

Your own health insurance or Medical Payments coverage on your auto policy typically pays for immediate treatment. These sources are later reimbursed from your final settlement with the at-fault driver.

Is Missouri A No-Fault State For Car Accident Claims?

No, Missouri is an at-fault state where the negligent driver is responsible for paying damages. This means you can pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for your injuries and losses.