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Determining Liability for a Left-Turn Car Accident
Posted on behalf of Peter T. Nicholl in Car Accidents Published on August 7, 2020 and updated on May 8, 2026.
Making a left turn is one of the most dangerous maneuvers a driver can make on the road. He or she must yield to oncoming traffic at an intersection. This is why drivers turning left are often presumed to be at fault in a crash. However, there are certain situations when determining liability in these cases is not so straightforward.
Who is usually at fault in a left-turn car accident in Maryland?
In most Maryland left-turn accidents, the driver making the turn is liable for failing to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. Establishing fault often involves proving the turning driver acted negligently and directly caused the collision, injuries, and resulting financial damages.
If you have been injured in a left-turn car accident, our Baltimore car accident lawyers are here to help. We know what it takes to investigate an accident, gather evidence and pursue fair compensation in a claim. An initial consultation is completely free and confidential with no obligation to retain our services.
Why Left-Turn Car Accidents Often Happen
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, more than half of all accidents involve vehicles turning left and crossing the path of oncoming traffic. In Baltimore, about 5,000 left-turn crashes are reported every year. The majority of these accidents happen at intersections when the driver is making a left turn and are often caused by:
- Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic approaching
- Trying to beat the light or other approaching vehicles
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Miscalculating the distance across the intersection
- Failing to signal before turning
- Having an obstructed view while turning
Even if a driver has the right-of-way, but he or she sees another vehicle begin to make a left turn, it is important to always yield to that vehicle rather than risk getting into an accident.
When a Driver Not Turning Left May Be at Fault
In most situations, when a car accident happens at an intersection, the driver making the left turn is usually responsible. However, there are instances when the other driver may be at fault, such as:
- When the driver turning left has a green arrow, giving him or her the right-of-way
- When the driver coming from the opposite direction runs a red light or stop sign
- When the driver approaching the intersection was excessively speeding
- When the traffic light at an intersection is not working properly
- When the driver turning left is rear-ended, causing his or her vehicle to obstruct the intersection
Determining Liability in a Left-Turn Car Accident
Maryland is an at-fault state, which means that the driver who is found liable for the car accident is responsible for damages. Generally, these costs will be paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
An experienced lawyer could help determine liability in a left-turn car accident by reviewing state traffic laws to see whether the driver made an illegal left turn. Under Maryland Transportation Code §21-601, drivers who make left turns must approach the intersection in the extreme left lane to traffic moving in the same direction. When the driver leaves the intersection, he or she must follow the flow of traffic.
The driver must abide by traffic lights at an intersection. If the driver turns left on red and hits another driver, he or she is clearly liable for the crash. Left turns at a red light are only legal in certain situations, such as when the driver is turning left from a one-way street to another.
Drivers who turn left at an intersection must also yield the right-of-way to any vehicles approaching from the opposite direction in accordance with Maryland Transportation Code §21-402.
State traffic laws are a great starting point to determine whether the driver who made the left turn or the driver who was approaching the intersection is liable for the crash. You cannot always assume that the driver who turned left is to blame.
Many other factors must be considered, including the speeds of the drivers and whether any of the drivers involved were distracted or intoxicated.
FAQs About Liability for a Left-Turn Crash in Baltimore
Who is liable for a left-turn crash in Maryland?
Liability often falls on the driver making the left turn if they failed to yield to oncoming traffic. The legal issue is whether the turning driver acted reasonably, followed traffic signals, judged the gap safely, and avoided creating a preventable collision.
Can I sue if a driver turned left in front of me?
Yes, you may be able to sue if a driver turned left in front of you and caused the crash. The claim would focus on whether the driver failed to yield, misjudged oncoming traffic, ignored a signal, or entered the intersection when it was unsafe.
What evidence helps prove fault in a left-turn accident?
Important evidence may include the police report, traffic camera footage, dashcam video, witness statements, intersection photos, vehicle damage, and medical records. The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl can review this evidence to evaluate whether the turning driver’s actions caused the collision.
Can the oncoming driver be blamed in a left-turn crash?
Yes, the oncoming driver may be blamed if there is evidence of speeding, running a red light, distraction, or unsafe driving. Maryland’s contributory negligence rule makes fault disputes especially important because even partial fault can affect the ability to recover compensation.
What injuries are common in left-turn collision cases?
Left-turn crashes often cause neck injuries, back injuries, concussions, broken bones, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, and soft tissue trauma. Medical documentation helps connect the collision to the injury, treatment costs, missed work, pain, and any long-term physical limitations.
What if the other driver says I was speeding?
If the other driver claims you were speeding, the case may depend on independent evidence such as crash damage, skid marks, witness statements, traffic cameras, and reconstruction findings. The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl can assess whether the speeding allegation is supported by the facts.
When should I take legal action after a left-turn accident?
You should take legal action quickly after a left-turn accident, especially if injuries, disputed fault, or insurance delays are involved. Early action helps preserve camera footage, identify witnesses, document medical treatment, and protect the claim before filing deadlines apply.
How does The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl handle left-turn crash claims?
The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl can investigate the intersection, review traffic signals, gather witness statements, examine medical records, and address insurance fault disputes. These claims often turn on proving failure to yield, causation, injury severity, and the full impact of the crash.
Reach Out for Legal Help Today
If you have been involved in a left-turn crash, reach out to The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl as soon as possible. A member of our legal team is ready to provide a free consultation and discuss the legal options available to you. We have the knowledge and resources to help prove negligence and show that the other driver was at fault for the damages done to you.
There is no risk in calling us to learn more about your rights and no obligation to hire our firm. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we do not get paid unless you obtain compensation.
Free Consultation. Ph: 410-244-7005.
