You probably make left-hand turns every day without realizing just how dangerous they can be. This is one of the riskiest traffic maneuvers because it requires splitting your attention between several hazards while judging the speed of oncoming vehicles.
Left-turn accidents are also complicated because multiple parties may share liability. This is why it’s important to consult with an experienced Philadelphia left-turn accident lawyer if you have been hurt in a collision.
At Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers, we put more than 80 years of combined experience to work on your behalf. We advocate for victims hurt in left-turn crashes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our law office at (215) 875-7030 for a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help.
How Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help with Your Left-Turn Accident Case in Philadelphia
A left-turn crash in an intersection can happen so quickly and leave you with serious accidents without even knowing exactly what happened. An experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help by investigating your crash and serving as your advocate throughout the claims process.
Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered more than $50 million on behalf of accident victims like you. We have over 80 years of combined experience handling car accident cases in Philadelphia, PA. Our attorneys have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers; we are ready to put our experience to work for you.
Here is how our personal injury law firm in Philly can help you after your accident:
- Gather evidence, including witness statements and camera footage
- Identify all parties who may be liable for your injuries
- Work with experts to build your case
- Negotiate on your behalf and handle all the paperwork
- Serve as your advocate and protect your legal rights
- Take your case to trial if necessary
You deserve an advocate who will fight for the compensation you deserve and hold the negligent driver accountable. Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Philadelphia car accident attorney.
How Common Are Left-Turn Accidents in Philadelphia, PA?
In 2022, there were 43,290 intersection accidents in Pennsylvania, which accounted for 37.4% of all traffic accidents in the state. Young drivers and older drivers accounted for a disproportionate amount of these crashes:
- Young drivers (16 to 21): 10,463 or 24.2%
- Older drivers (65 to 74): 6,491 or 15%
- Older drivers (75+): 4,216 or 9.7%
Older drivers may struggle with intersections and left-hand turns in particular. This is because it’s harder to split their attention and perform complex movements, in addition to their possibly reduced reaction time. Young drivers are also more likely to be involved in left-turn crashes due to inexperience and a higher rate of distracted driving.
There were 13,079 crashes in Pennsylvania caused by improper turning in 2022, with 63 fatal accidents. Most of these accidents involve an improper left-hand turn.
A total of 18,705 accidents in Pennsylvania involved a vehicle turning left. In Philadelphia, 1,232 left-turn crashes were reported, according to PennDOT.
What Damages Are Available in a Philadelphia Left-Turn Accident Case?
If a negligent driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial or economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages from a crash may include:
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Future anticipated medical expenses
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses like travel to doctor’s appointments
- Lost wages and benefits of employment
- Reduced earning capacity
You are also entitled to non-economic damages. This includes pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, scarring or disfigurement, fear, anxiety, and other intangible losses.
Insurance Considerations for Car Accidents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of just three states with a “choice no-fault” insurance system. When you buy auto insurance, you must choose between “full tort” (at-fault) or “limited tort” (no-fault) coverage. With full tort coverage, you have more options to recover compensation after you are hurt in a crash.
With no-fault or limited tort coverage, you may need to turn to your own insurance policy for compensation. While your policy covers damages like lost wages and medical bills, you are generally unable to recover for mental distress, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver if you suffered serious injuries or if another exception applies.
With full tort coverage, you can generally make a claim against the at-fault driver and sue them for the full extent of your losses.
We encourage you to contact us for a free case review regardless of whether you have limited or full tort coverage. During your consultation, we can look into your legal options.
Who Is Liable for a Left-Turn Accident in Pennsylvania?
In many cases, the driver turning left is at fault for a left-turn crash. This is because they have the duty to yield to traffic, stop for bicyclists and pedestrians, and maintain adequate surveillance.
Still, there are many cases in which another driver is completely or partially liable for a crash. Common reasons the driver turning left may not be at fault include:
- An oncoming driver was driving recklessly or dangerously
- The oncoming driver was speeding and going well over the speed limit
- Another driver ran a stop sign or red light
It’s common for two or more drivers to share liability for a crash in an intersection. Pennsylvania uses the modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar to assign liability. Under this rule, a percentage of fault is assigned to each party.
You can still recover compensation from the other party as long as you are less than 51% to blame for the crash. Your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your share of assigned fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering compensation.
The insurance company has an incentive to shift as much blame to you as possible to reduce the amount they must pay out. If they can push your assigned fault to 51%, they are not responsible for paying anything for your damages. This is why it’s critical to hire an experienced car accident lawyer if you are being blamed for your accident.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim in Philadelphia?
You have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of your crash. If you fail to bring your claim before this deadline, you will be barred from recovering anything for your damages.
However, note that there are exceptions for some cases. For instance, if your claim involves a government entity like the City of Philadelphia, the deadline is even shorter.
Don’t wait to contact a personal injury lawyer after your accident. Your lawyer will begin gathering evidence that may be lost otherwise and building the strongest case possible.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Philadelphia Left-Turn Accident Lawyer
If you were involved in a serious left-turn accident, you deserve a legal advocate on your side to fight back against insurance tactics and protect your best interests. At Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers, we are prepared to put our extensive legal experience to work fighting for you.
Contact our law office today to schedule a free initial consultation with a Philadelphia left-turn accident lawyer, at which time we can review your case.
