Improper turning car accidents occur daily in Los Angeles and throughout the country. When a negligent driver makes an improper or illegal turn, they can cause a devastating car accident—drivers who make unsafe left-hand turns expose their vehicles to oncoming traffic. The resulting car accident can result in catastrophic personal injuries or even death.
If you were struck by a driver making an unsafe turn, you might be entitled to compensation. Discussing your case with a personal injury attorney can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, and more. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Saeedian Law Group today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about your rights and legal options.
Examples of Improper Turns
Whenever a driver turns in a way that breaks traffic laws or compromises others’ safety, they make an improper turn. The turn doesn’t necessarily have to violate Los Angeles traffic laws for victims to recover compensation for their injuries. When a driver fails to use reasonable care under the circumstances when making a turn and causes an accident, the victim can hold the negligent driver financially responsible for his or her injuries. Common examples of dangerous and proper turns include the following:
- Turning at a red light with a “No Turn on Red” sign posted
- Turning without using a turn signal
- Turning at a traffic signal without fully coming to a stop
- Making a left-hand turn on a yellow light that is unsafe
- Making an unsafe U-turn
- Making an unsafe turn into a pedestrian or bicyclist who has the right of way
- Making a turn into oncoming traffic
Proving Negligence After Being Injured By an Improper Turn
Under California law, all drivers must use reasonable care to prevent injuries to others on the road. Drivers must understand traffic laws before operating a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, drivers continue to make improper turns regularly.
To recover compensation for your injuries, you must prove that the driver who caused the accident was negligent. Examples of negligent driving that can lead to making unsafe or improper turns include:
- Failure to pay adequate attention to surrounding traffic, including oncoming traffic
- Driving while distracted by text messaging, videos, talking, or any other distraction
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or influence
- Making a turn while unable to clearly see due to low visibility
- Making a turn at excessively high speeds
- Driving while excessively fatigued
Improper Turns Can Cause Side Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. Unsafe or improper turns are the leading cause of dangerous side-impact collisions. Side-impact collisions are also referred to as T-bone collisions. When a negligent driver turns into your vehicle, the driver or passenger on the impacted side is at risk of severe injuries.
The force of the collision can cause brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, back and neck injuries, and/or death in severe collisions. In addition to causing serious injuries, a side-impact collision can result in significant property damage to your vehicle. Some T-bone collisions cause severe damage to vehicles wherein the vehicle is totaled.
What to Do After Being Injured in an Accident
Knowing what to do after a car accident can seem overwhelming. However, you don’t have to handle the claim by yourself. After you receive medical attention, we recommend reaching out to an attorney who can begin gathering evidence and protecting your rights. The attorneys at Saeedian Law Group have the experience and resources needed to thoroughly investigate your case and advocate vigorously for the best possible outcome. In addition to getting medical and legal help after your collision, you should take the following steps:
- If you can do so safely, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Write down the contact information of all witnesses and the at-fault driver
- Contact 911 and request an ambulance and law enforcement.
- Seek medical treatment for all of your injuries
It’s also essential to write down your symptoms and how your injuries affect your day-to-day life. Keep track of the days you’ve had to miss from work because of your injuries. You can also write down the anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms you are experiencing from your accident. Make sure you attend your doctor’s appointments and take your prescription medication.
Compensation Available in an Improper Turn Accident
Two main ways to obtain compensation after a car accident are an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and a personal injury lawsuit. In both cases, the injured party can pursue economic damages for past, current, and future medical expenses, property damage, durable medical equipment, lost income, loss of earning capacity, and more. Non-economic damages for pain, suffering, disfigurement and disability are also available.
Obtaining Punitive Damages for Reckless Behavior
Drivers who operate their vehicles recklessly can also be held liable for any injuries they cause. For example, when drivers intentionally ignore traffic signals, such as red lights, use extreme speeds, street race, drive while intoxicated, or engage in reckless behaviors, can cause an accident.
When drivers engage in reckless, willful, and wanton behavior, victims may be able to obtain additional punitive damages. The attorneys at Saeedian Law Group will thoroughly investigate the accident that caused your injury so we can determine which party or parties are responsible for your financial damages and gather evidence proving liability.
Discuss Your Car Accident Case with a Skilled Attorney
If you or your loved person has been seriously injured in an improper turn accident, you are not alone. Saeedian Law Group is prepared to review your case and help you understand whether you have a valid compensation claim. We will handle every aspect of your case, from the investigation to the negotiation process. Find out more about the best way to handle your car accident claim by contacting Saeedian Law Group to schedule your free initial consultation.
