Speak With a Phoenix Left-Turn Accident Lawyer Today
Left-turn accidents are some of the most common—and most dangerous—car crashes in Phoenix. These collisions often occur at intersections when one driver misjudges speed, distance, or right-of-way, resulting in violent side-impact or head-on crashes. Because left-turn accidents frequently involve disputed fault, insurance companies are quick to deny responsibility or shift blame onto injured victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a left-turn collision, working with an experienced Phoenix left-turn accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue full compensation.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to left-turn accident victims throughout Phoenix. Our legal team is prepared to investigate your crash and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Why Left-Turn Accidents Are So Dangerous
Left-turn accidents typically occur when vehicles are traveling in opposite directions, often at full speed. Unlike rear-end collisions, these crashes give drivers little time to react or brace for impact.
Left-turn accidents are especially dangerous because:
- Side-impact (T-bone) crashes expose occupants directly
- Head-on collisions may occur during improper turns
- Pedestrians and cyclists are often involved
- Airbags and crumple zones offer limited protection
- Injuries are frequently severe or fatal
Phoenix’s wide intersections and high-speed arterial roads increase the force and severity of these crashes.
Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents in Phoenix
Most left-turn accidents are preventable and caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a protected green arrow.
Misjudging Speed or Distance
Drivers often underestimate how fast an oncoming vehicle is traveling.
Distracted Driving
Texting, phone use, or inattention can prevent drivers from seeing oncoming vehicles or pedestrians.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug impairment significantly affects judgment and reaction time.
Rushing Through Yellow Lights
Drivers attempting to “beat the light” may initiate unsafe turns.
Where Left-Turn Accidents Commonly Occur
In Phoenix, left-turn accidents frequently happen:
- At major intersections
- On multi-lane arterial roads
- Near shopping centers and plazas
- At highway on-ramps and off-ramps
- In areas with complex signal timing
Intersections without protected left-turn arrows are especially dangerous.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Left-Turn Accidents
Due to the angle and force of impact, injuries are often severe.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Broken ribs and internal organ damage
- Pelvic and lower extremity fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death injuries
Victims may require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Determining Fault in a Left-Turn Accident
Fault in left-turn accidents is frequently disputed. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault may be shared among parties.
Liability may depend on:
- Traffic signal phase and right-of-way rules
- Whether a protected arrow was present
- Vehicle speed
- Driver attentiveness
- Visibility conditions
- Intersection design or signal malfunction
Insurance companies often attempt to place partial blame on injured victims, making legal representation critical.
Evidence Used to Prove Liability
Strong evidence is essential in left-turn accident cases. This may include:
- Police accident reports
- Traffic signal timing data
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Event data recorder (“black box”) information
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Preserving this evidence quickly can significantly strengthen your claim.
When Government Entities May Be Liable
Some left-turn accidents are caused by unsafe roadway design or signal issues, such as:
- Poorly timed traffic signals
- Lack of protected turn arrows
- Inadequate signage or lighting
- Confusing lane markings
Claims involving government entities require strict notice deadlines and specialized legal handling.
Compensation Available to Left-Turn Accident Victims
If your injuries were caused by another driver’s failure to yield, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Ongoing medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In severe cases, future medical and life-care costs may be included.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Left-Turn Accident Claims
Insurance companies often challenge left-turn accident claims by:
- Disputing right-of-way
- Arguing shared fault
- Questioning vehicle speed
- Minimizing injury severity
Without legal representation, victims may accept settlements far below the true value of their claims.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Left-Turn Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand how complex left-turn accident cases can be. Our legal team conducts thorough investigations and builds strong, evidence-based claims.
We focus on:
- Preserving traffic and signal data
- Identifying all negligent parties
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Accurately calculating damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Left-Turn Accidents
Most personal injury claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities may require earlier notice.
Acting quickly helps protect evidence and your right to recovery.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Left-Turn Accident in Phoenix
If you or a loved one has been injured in a left-turn accident, do not let insurance companies shift the blame or undervalue your injuries.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix left-turn accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Sources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Intersection and Turning Crashes
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Left-Turn Crash Research
https://www.iihs.org - Arizona Department of Transportation – Intersection Safety
https://azdot.gov
