Left turn accidents are among the most dangerous collisions on the road, often resulting in serious injuries and complicated questions about who bears responsibility. When a driver makes a left turn, they must cross oncoming traffic, yield to pedestrians, and account for vehicles approaching from multiple directions. When something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe, and understanding how fault is determined is essential for anyone involved in one.
If you were injured in a left turn accident, having a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in your case. At Hollis Law Firm, we represent injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians across Kansas and Missouri, including those harmed in collisions throughout Overland Park. Our car accident attorney in Overland Park, KS, is ready to review what happened, identify who is at fault, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Typically at Fault in a Left Turn Accident in Overland Park?
In most left turn accident cases, the driver making the left turn bears the primary responsibility. Drivers turning left are legally required to yield to oncoming traffic before proceeding through an intersection, and when a turning driver fails to do so, the law in both Kansas and Missouri generally presumes them to be at fault.
That said, fault is not always one-sided. If the oncoming driver was speeding, ran a red light, or was driving while distracted, their actions may have directly contributed to the collision, shifting some or all of the liability.
What Factors Determine Fault in a Left Turn Crash?
Determining fault in a left turn accident requires a thorough investigation. According to NHTSA research on intersection-related crashes, the vast majority of intersection crashes are attributed to driver error, including recognition failures and decision-making mistakes.
The following elements are typically evaluated when establishing liability:
- Traffic Signal Status: Whether the turning driver had a green arrow, a solid green light, or had run a red light is critical to the fault analysis
- Speed of the Oncoming Vehicle: If the approaching driver was exceeding the posted speed limit, this may reduce or shift the fault assigned to the turning driver
- Distracted Driving: Phone use, inattention, or other distracted driving behaviors on the part of either driver can significantly affect how liability is assigned
- Witness Accounts: Eyewitness testimony from bystanders or other drivers can help corroborate one party’s version of events
- Traffic Camera and Dashcam Footage: Video evidence can be decisive in confirming the sequence of events before and during the collision
Each of these factors contributes to the overall picture of what happened and who should be held responsible.
How Do Kansas and Missouri Handle Shared Fault?
Both Kansas and Missouri use a modified comparative fault system, but with an important distinction. Kansas follows a 50% rule, meaning an injured person can only recover compensation if they are found to be less than 50% at fault. Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system, allowing injured parties to recover compensation even if they are primarily at fault, though their award is reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
This means that even if you played some role in the accident, you may still have grounds to pursue a claim. An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate the facts and help you understand your options under the applicable state law.
Contact Hollis Law Firm After a Left Turn Accident in Overland Park
The steps you take immediately after a left turn collision can significantly affect the outcome of any future claim. For context on how fault is analyzed in similar situations, information on who is at fault for a motorcycle rear-end collision can be useful. Left turn accidents can produce serious, life-altering injuries, and the legal questions that follow are rarely straightforward.
At Hollis Law Firm, we take the time to understand what happened and work to level the playing field against insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim. If you’ve been injured in a left turn accident, do not wait to get legal help. Call us at (800) 701-3672 or reach out using our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyer today.
