Confusion regarding left turn right of way is a major cause of serious car crashes in Los Angeles. There are several situations in which left turns can take place and different rules apply to different situations. Understanding California driving rules is essential to keeping yourself and your family safe on the road. If something goes wrong and you end up injured as a result of another driver’s confusion regarding the right of way, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
Understanding the rules of the road can also be key to assessing who may be at fault in an accident. In disputed claims, it is essential to collect evidence at the scene and visit the hospital or urgent care immediately to secure a medical record of your injury. Eye-witness testimony as well as photo and video evidence can be a crucial aspect of civil litigation regarding personal injury claims. At Arias Sanguinetti, we have to understand the rules of the road to best represent our clients. We bring over 300 years of experience to personal injury cases – we’ve seen how serious the consequences of negligent driving can be. Our team is available to assess your claims – contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
When does the driver turning left have the right of way?
There are certain scenarios in which the driver turning left has the right of way. Even if you are turning left, you have the right of way if you are:
- The First Driver to Arrive at an All-Way Stop. You have the right of way if you were the first driver to arrive at an all-way stop sign, regardless of what kind of turn you’re making.
- Green Arrow Signal. At certain intersections, you can execute a protected left turn when the green arrow pointing left is illuminated. When this arrow is illuminated, you have the right of way.
Turning Left onto a Road Where Another Vehicle is Waiting at a Stop Sign. This is a common point of confusion. Imagine a driver stops while trying to turn left at an intersection where there are no stop signs or traffic lights. At the same time, another car waits at a stop sign on the intersecting road, aiming to turn onto the main road where the first driver is paused. Both vehicles being stationary might suggest an all-way stop scenario, but this is not the case. The driver turning left without a stop sign or light has the right of way, while the driver at the stop sign must yield until the first driver completes their turn. See the graphic below for clarification:
In this graphic, even if driver 1 was the first to arrive at this position, driver 1 must wait until drivers 2 and 3, as well as the biker, are clear to complete their turn. Many serious accidents have occurred due to this confusion. If an accident were to occur because driver 1 went too early, they would be liable and any injured parties could expect financial compensation. Contact us today to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.
When does the driver turning left NOT have the right of way?
In nearly every other situation, a driver turning left comes last in the right-of-way hierarchy. Most drivers are aware of this. Confusion still arises in certain arenas, however. For many drivers, past knowledge from driver education courses and road tests is outdated or simply forgotten. This can lead, in some cases, to negligent driving, such as when drivers forget that the following groups have the right of way over drivers turning left:
- Oncoming Bicycle Riders. For the most part, bicycle riders on the road have the same rights as cars and are subject to the same limitations. In fact, bicycle riders can get speeding tickets!
- Pedestrians in a Crosswalk with a Walk Signal. Especially in Los Angeles, drivers who have been waiting a long time for a window to open in oncoming traffic can forget to check for pedestrians, who also have the right of way over them.
- Oncoming Traffic Under a Flashing Yellow Arrow. A yellow flashing arrow can appear similar to a solid green arrow which does indeed give drivers turning left the right of way. However, a yellow flashing arrow is the same as a yield sign and does not give you the right of way when turning left.
- An Oncoming Car, Even if It’s Slowing Down. You must yield to oncoming traffic when turning left, even if it appears a car is slowing down or letting you in.
- All Lanes of Oncoming Traffic. An extremely common cause of accidents is drivers in the near lane attempting to let an oncoming driver turn left. The driver in the near lane may stop to allow the driver to turn left, but this driver will effectively block the turning driver’s vision of the far lane. Any cars in the far lane will not see the driver turning and this will cause a collision. The turning driver will be at fault.
- Non-Protected Turn at a Green Light. You must wait until there is no oncoming traffic before turning left at a green light.
It is important to keep these rules in mind while driving. These moments of confusion are very often the root of serious car accidents. They are also commonly the cause of failed driver’s tests. It is crucial to understand the rules of the road when you drive, as many others may not.
If you or a loved one has been in a serious car accident that resulted in personal injury or death, it’s time to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney. At Arias Sanguinetti, we understand that the roads of Los Angeles can be scary and dangerous. Our team is here to help you get the financial compensation you deserve. The sooner you choose to reach out, the better we can help you. Schedule a free consultation today.
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