The other driver turned left in front of you. Who is at fault?

Why is the turning driver usually at fault?

In every state, a driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. When a left turning driver cuts across your path and you hit them, the starting presumption is that the turning driver failed to yield.

That is why police reports in these crashes so often cite the turning driver. It is also why these impacts are so violent: the oncoming driver usually has little or no time to react.

This is the classic serious motorcycle crash too. Drivers turn left because they never registered the motorcycle coming toward them, and the rider has almost no protection. If you were on a motorcycle, the same fault presumption applies, and the injuries are often worse.

What exceptions do insurers reach for?

A strong presumption is not a guarantee. The turning driver's insurer will look for any argument that shifts some blame onto you.

• Claiming you were speeding, so the turning driver could not judge your approach
• Claiming you ran a red light or entered the intersection on a stale yellow
• Claiming the turning driver had a green arrow and you did not have the right of way
• Claiming you were in the wrong lane or passed illegally before the impact

What evidence matters at an intersection?

Intersections are among the best documented places on the road, which usually works in your favor when the other driver turned across your path.

• Intersection and traffic camera footage, which can be erased quickly, so ask early
• Dashcam video from your car or vehicles behind you
• Witness statements about the light and who had the right of way
• The police report and any citation for failure to yield
• Damage locations on both cars, which show angles and timing

What should you do in the first few days?

See a doctor first, even if you walked away. Left turn impacts often cause neck, back, chest, and head injuries that do not fully hurt until days later, and an early medical record ties them to the crash.

Then focus on preserving evidence. Camera footage at intersections is often overwritten within days or weeks, so this is one crash type where acting early on evidence genuinely matters.

Do not let the insurer rush your decisions. In most states you have years, not days, to file an injury claim, and the exact deadline depends on your state. You are not forced to settle fast, but do not wait on medical care.

What mistakes can hurt a left turn claim?

Even with a fault presumption on your side, a few missteps give the insurer openings.

• Guessing about your speed or the light when talking to any insurer
• Giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before you understand your claim
• Accepting a quick settlement before delayed pain has had time to show up
• Skipping the doctor or leaving long gaps between appointments
• Not asking about camera footage until it has already been erased

How does Alex help?

Alex is a free AI case assistant, available any hour by chat or phone. Tell Alex how the crash happened, and Alex explains how fault usually works in left turn cases, what your options are, and what a case like yours could be worth in general terms.

No pressure and no commitment. If you want, Alex can connect you with a highly rated independent attorney in your area for a free review.

Is the left turning driver always at fault?

Usually, but not automatically. The turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic, so the presumption is against them, but insurers argue exceptions like speeding or a red light on your side.

What if I was going a little over the speed limit?

You may still have a claim. Many states allow recovery even when you share some fault, though it can reduce what you receive, and how that works depends on your state.

Does it matter if the other driver had a solid green instead of a green arrow?

Yes. A solid green requires the turning driver to yield to oncoming traffic, while a green arrow gives them the right of way. Which light was showing is often the central question.

I felt fine at the scene but hurt now. Is that normal?

Yes, delayed pain is common after intersection impacts, especially in the neck, back, and head. See a doctor as soon as symptoms appear so your records connect the injury to the crash.

What could a left turn accident case be worth?

There is no standard number. It depends on your injuries, treatment, lost income, and how clear fault is. Alex can explain in general terms what a case like yours could be worth, free.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In most states you have years, not days, but a few states allow as little as one year, and evidence like camera footage disappears much faster. Alex can explain your state's general timeline.