Chicago Left-Turn Accidents Attorney

Left-turn crashes are among the most dangerous car accidents in Chicago. Drivers turning left must judge gaps in oncoming traffic while also watching for pedestrians and cyclists. A small mistake can lead to serious or even fatal injuries.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps victims of left-turn accidents recover compensation. If another driver failed to yield or misjudged the speed of an oncoming vehicle, they could be responsible for your damages. Our legal team fights for victims to recover medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

These crashes often occur at dangerous intersections, where drivers must react quickly. Some involve t-bone accidents, where a turning car collides with another vehicle traveling straight. Others include pedestrian accidents when drivers fail to see people in crosswalks. If you were hurt in a left-turn crash, legal help can make a difference in getting the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn crashes are common in Chicago. They often happen at intersections when a driver misjudges oncoming traffic or fails to yield the right of way. These crashes can be severe, leading to t-bone accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other serious injuries.

Many factors contribute to left-turn collisions, including driver mistakes, poor visibility, and traffic control devices not being followed. Understanding why these accidents occur can help victims build a strong case.

Why Left-Turn Accidents Are Dangerous

Left-turn crashes are dangerous because they involve high-speed impacts and limited reaction time. When a driver turns left, they must judge the speed of oncoming vehicles while also checking for pedestrians and other cars. If they make a mistake, a collision is likely.

T-bone accidents are a major risk in left-turn crashes, occurring when a turning car is hit on the side by a vehicle going straight. Side impacts can cause spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and head trauma. Pedestrians are also at risk in left-turn crashes. Drivers may focus on oncoming traffic and fail to see a person in a crosswalk. Pedestrian accidents at intersections often result in severe injuries, especially if the driver was speeding or distracted.

Left-turn crashes are especially dangerous at intersections with poor visibility, unclear traffic control devices, or heavy traffic. In these areas, drivers must be extra cautious to avoid collisions.

Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents

• Failure to yield – The left-turning driver does not wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic.
• Misjudging speed – The driver underestimates how fast an oncoming vehicle is approaching.
• Running a red light – A driver turns left when a red light signals them to stop.
• Distracted driving – The driver is texting, adjusting the radio, or not paying attention.
• Poor visibility – Weather conditions, blind spots, or parked cars block the driver’s view.
• Traffic control device violations – Ignoring stop signs, red lights, or lane markings leads to unsafe turns.
• Pedestrian crosswalk errors – The driver turns without checking for people in crosswalks.

Common Locations for Left-Turn Crashes in Chicago

• Busy intersections – Areas with high traffic, such as Michigan Avenue and Congress Parkway, see frequent intersection accidents.
• Unprotected left turns – Locations without turn signals force drivers to judge oncoming traffic, increasing risks.
• Dangerous intersections – Some roads have poor signage, making it harder to spot oncoming vehicles in time.
• Crosswalk areas – Pedestrian accidents happen when drivers turn left without checking for walkers.
• High-speed roads – Fast-moving oncoming vehicles make it harder for left-turning drivers to react.

Determining Fault in a Left-Turn Accident

In most left-turn accidents, the driver making the turn is at fault. They must wait until oncoming traffic is clear and yield the right of way. If they turn too soon, they can hit another car, a motorcycle, or even a pedestrian.

However, fault is not always simple. Other drivers or road conditions can also play a role. Understanding Illinois traffic laws helps decide who is responsible when an accident occurs.

Illinois Traffic Laws on Left Turns

Under Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-801, drivers intending to turn left must approach the intersection in the leftmost lane available for their direction of travel. After entering the intersection, the left turn should be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.

In addition, when a special lane for making left turns by drivers proceeding in opposite directions has been indicated by official traffic-control devices, a left turn shall not be made from any other lane, and a vehicle shall not be driven in the lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway or when preparing for or making a U-turn when otherwise permitted by law.

When the Left-Turning Driver Is at Fault

The left-turning driver is usually at fault if they:

• Did not yield – Turning without waiting for a clear gap in oncoming traffic.
• Misjudged speed – Thinking an oncoming vehicle was slower than it was.
• Ran a red light – Turning left when a red light signaled them to stop.
• Ignored traffic signals – Disobeying traffic control devices that limit turns.
• Hit a pedestrian – Turning without checking crosswalks.

In these cases, the left-turning driver may be responsible for paying damages like medical bills and lost wages.

When the Other Driver May Be at Fault

The other driver may be responsible if they:

• Were speeding – If an oncoming vehicle was going too fast, the left-turning driver may not have been able to judge the gap.
• Ran a red light – If a driver ran a red light and hit a turning car, they are at fault.
• Were distracted – If the driver going straight was texting or not paying attention, they may share fault.
• Drove recklessly – If the driver was weaving between lanes or ignoring signals, they could be responsible.

A traffic camera footage review can help prove fault in these cases. A lawyer can also gather evidence to show who is responsible.

Shared Fault in Left-Turn Accidents

In some left-turn accidents, both drivers may share fault. Illinois follows a comparative fault rule, meaning a driver can still recover compensation if they are less than 50% responsible for the crash. However, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if a left-turning driver misjudges oncoming traffic but the other driver is speeding, both may share responsibility. If a driver turning left had a green arrow but another driver ran a red light, the fault may also be split. Other factors, such as traffic camera footage, skid marks, or witness statements, help determine fault. If a pedestrian was involved, the driver who failed to yield the right of way may bear more responsibility.

A lawyer can help gather evidence to prove fault and fight for fair compensation. Even if partial blame is assigned, victims may still recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Injuries and Damages in Left-Turn Collisions

Left-turn crashes can cause serious harm. Since these accidents occur at intersections, vehicles may collide at high speeds, leading to severe injuries for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The repercussions often cause long-term medical issues and financial strain.

Common Injuries

• Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine can cause paralysis, nerve pain, or mobility issues.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – A head injury from a crash can lead to memory loss, dizziness, or long-term cognitive issues.
• Broken bones – The force of a t-bone accident or head-on crash can fracture arms, legs, ribs, or the pelvis.
• Internal injuries – Damage to organs from impact can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery.
• Whiplash and neck injuries – A sudden jolt from the collision can strain muscles, causing chronic pain.

Financial and Emotional Impact

The cost of recovering from a left-turn accident can be overwhelming. Victims often face high medical bills from hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Those with severe injuries may require long-term therapy or assistive devices.

Beyond medical expenses, lost wages add to financial stress. If injuries prevent a victim from working, they may lose income for weeks or months. In some cases, injured persons may never return to their previous job, reducing their earning potential.

Emotionally, victims often experience anxiety, PTSD, or depression after a crash. The trauma of a t-bone accident or hitting a pedestrian can leave lasting psychological effects. Some may fear driving again, making daily life difficult. A lawyer can help victims recover compensation for both financial and emotional damages. They fight to ensure victims are not left struggling after an accident caused by another driver’s negligence.

FAQs

Contact a Chicago Left-Turn Accidents Attorney Today

A left-turn accident can leave victims with serious injuries, high medical bills, and emotional distress. If another driver failed to yield the right of way or misjudged oncoming traffic, you may have a case for compensation. However, dealing with an insurance company alone can be difficult. They may try to reduce your payment or deny your claim altogether.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers is here to help. Our legal team handles personal injury claims for victims of intersection-related accidents, including yield accidents and crosswalk accidents. We gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight to recover what you deserve. Compensation can cover medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case. There is no cost unless we win. Contact us today to speak with a personal injury lawyer who will protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.