Left turn collisions happen all the time at Arizona intersections. Someone misjudges a gap in traffic, doesn't yield when they should, and suddenly you're dealing with serious injuries. If you've been hurt in one of these crashes, understanding how state law assigns fault isn't just helpful. It's necessary.

Who Has The Right Of Way At Arizona Intersections

The law's pretty clear on this one. According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-772, drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic that's close enough to create a hazard. That means you can't just go whenever you feel like it. You've got to wait until it's actually safe to complete the turn without interfering with other vehicles. Turning left puts the responsibility squarely on you. You're expected to wait, watch carefully, and make a sound judgment about whether there's enough time and space. Oncoming drivers have the right of way in most situations, period.

Common Causes Of Left Turn Crashes

Why do these accidents keep happening? There are several reasons:

  • Misjudging how fast oncoming vehicles are traveling
  • Not seeing motorcycles or smaller cars
  • Turning on a yellow or red light
  • Failing to check blind spots before making the turn
  • Getting distracted while waiting to turn
  • Poor visibility from weather or obstructions

Sometimes the fault gets shared between both drivers. If someone's flying through the intersection way over the speed limit or runs a red light, they might bear some responsibility even though the other vehicle was turning left. At Wyatt Injury Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we've seen how devastating these crashes can be. The injuries affect every part of people's lives, and knowing your legal rights helps you figure out what comes next.

How Arizona Determines Fault And Liability

Arizona uses something called comparative negligence. What's that mean? Multiple parties can share blame for an accident. Your compensation gets reduced by whatever percentage of fault you carry, but you can still recover damages as long as you're not entirely responsible.

Most left-turn accidents start with a presumption that the turning driver is at fault. But that's not set in stone. Evidence tells the real story. Police reports matter. So do witness statements, traffic camera footage, and sometimes accident reconstruction.

Who Pays For Damages After A Left Turn Accident

Usually, the at-fault driver's insurance covers your losses. Arizona requires all drivers to carry liability coverage, which pays for injuries and property damage they cause. The minimum limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, though many drivers carry more.

What can you recover? Quite a bit, actually:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages if your injuries keep you from working
  • Future medical costs for ongoing treatment
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage to your vehicle

What happens if the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't carry enough? You might use your own underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. This protection kicks in when the other driver can't pay what you're owed. A Phoenix Car Accident Injury Lawyer can investigate what actually happened and build a case that accurately reflects who was negligent. We don't let insurance companies get away with lowball tactics.

Proving Negligence In Left Turn Cases

Winning your claim requires proving four things. First, the turning driver owed you a duty of care. Second, they breached that duty by turning unsafely. Third, their breach caused the accident. Fourth, you suffered real damages as a result.

Documentation makes or breaks these cases. Get medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Grab copies of the police report. Take photos of vehicle damage, the intersection layout, and any visible injuries you've got. Collect contact information from anyone who saw what happened. Timing matters too. Arizona's statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wait too long and you lose your right to compensation entirely.

We handle these cases regularly. We investigate what happened, deal with insurance companies that don't want to pay, and fight for fair compensation. A Phoenix Car Accident Injury Lawyer on our team can review your situation and explain your options without any pressure. Don't let insurance adjusters rush you into accepting less than you deserve.