Left-Turn Accidents at Busy California Intersections: Proving Fault

Left-turn collisions are among the most dangerous types of roadway accidents in California. Whether it’s a busy Los Angeles boulevard, a San Francisco intersection packed with pedestrians, or a rural highway junction, these crashes often occur at high speeds and can cause devastating injuries. Yet proving fault in a left-turn accident isn’t always straightforward. Drivers frequently blame each other, witnesses may give conflicting accounts, and insurance companies use the confusion to deny or minimize claims.

Below, we dive into how fault is determined in California left-turn crashes, what evidence is most persuasive, and how an experienced lawyer can help victims recover full compensation.

Why Left-Turn Crashes Are So Common

California intersections are complex. Multiple lanes, short green arrows, heavy foot traffic, and impatient drivers all contribute to risk. Common scenarios include:

• Misjudging Gaps in Traffic: A driver turning left under a green light without a protected arrow miscalculates the speed of oncoming vehicles.

• Running a Stale Yellow or Red: Drivers accelerate to “beat the light,” colliding with a left-turning car.

• Obstructed Views: Large SUVs, buses, or poorly designed medians block sight lines.

• Distracted Driving: A split-second of inattention leads to entering the intersection when it’s unsafe.

Because these crashes often involve head-on or side-impact collisions, injuries can be severe, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures.

California’s Right-of-Way Laws

California Vehicle Code §21801(a) states that a driver intending to turn left “shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard.”

Only after yielding may the driver turn left, and they must also continue to yield if oncoming traffic is “an immediate hazard.”

This means that, in most situations, the left-turning driver is presumed to be at fault.
However, that presumption can be overcome if the through-traffic driver:

• Ran a red light,

• Was speeding excessively,

• Or otherwise violated traffic laws.

Comparative Negligence in Left Turn Accidents

California uses a pure comparative negligence system. Each party can be assigned a percentage of fault, and damages are reduced by the victim’s share of responsibility.

Example: A jury finds that a left-turn driver is 70% at fault and the through driver is 30% at fault for speeding. If damages total $200,000, the left-turn driver could still recover $60,000.

This system allows victims to recover even when they bear partial responsibility—but it also gives insurance companies incentive to exaggerate a victim’s percentage of fault.

Critical Evidence to Prove Fault

Because both drivers often claim to have had the green light or sufficient time to turn, objective evidence is crucial:

• Traffic Camera Footage – Many California intersections have red-light or surveillance cameras that can confirm signal phases and vehicle speed.

• Witness Statements – Neutral third-party accounts carry significant weight, but must be collected quickly before memories fade.

• Police Reports – Officers document skid marks, signal timing, and driver statements that may indicate fault.

• Vehicle Event Data Recorders – “Black box” data can show speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before impact.

• Intersection Design Records – Short yellow intervals, obstructed views, or faulty signals may support claims against a city or county.

An attorney can issue preservation letters to ensure video footage and electronic data are not destroyed.

Potentially Liable Parties Following a Left-Turn Crash

1. Drivers – The turning driver, the oncoming driver, or both.

2. Employers – If either driver was on the job (delivery, rideshare, company car), the employer may share liability.

3. Vehicle Manufacturers – Brake or steering defects occasionally contribute to crashes.

4. Government Entities – Faulty traffic signals or dangerous intersection design can create a claim against a city, county, or Caltrans.
   Note: A government claim must be filed within six months under the California Government Claims Act.

Steps to Take After a Left-Turn Accident

1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, medical records create essential evidence.

2. Gather Evidence if Safe – Take photos of the intersection, traffic signals, vehicle damage, and skid marks.

3. Collect Witness Contacts – Independent witnesses are critical in “he said, she said” cases.

4. Avoid Recorded Statements – Insurance adjusters may try to get admissions of partial fault. Refer all communications to your attorney.

5. Contact a Personal-Injury Lawyer Quickly – Intersection camera footage may be erased within days.

Damages You May Recover After a Left Turn Accident

Victims of left-turn accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• In some cases, punitive damages for reckless conduct (e.g., extreme speeding or DUI)

B|B Law Group works with medical and economic experts to accurately calculate these damages.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Left-Turn Accidents

Is the left-turning driver always at fault?

No. While California law presumes the left-turn driver must yield, that presumption can be overcome if the through driver ran a red light, was speeding excessively, or otherwise violated traffic laws.

What if both drivers say they had the green light?

This is common. Your attorney will gather objective evidence—traffic camera footage, signal timing records, witness statements, and black box data—to establish who had the right of way.

Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Under pure comparative negligence, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you were mostly responsible, you may still receive compensation for the other driver’s share.

What if the traffic signal malfunctioned?

If a defective signal contributed to the crash, you may have a claim against the city, county, or Caltrans. You must file a government claim within six months of the accident before you can sue.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Most personal-injury lawsuits in California must be filed within two years of the accident. Claims against public entities require the six-month government claim first.

Do I need a lawyer if the police report favors me?

Yes. Insurance companies often dispute police findings and attempt to shift partial fault to reduce payouts. An attorney ensures critical evidence is preserved and negotiates aggressively for full compensation.

Why Choose B|B Law Group

Left-turn accidents are rarely clear-cut. Drivers blame each other, insurers fight over percentages of fault, and government agencies may be involved when signals or design defects play a role. The personal-injury team at B|B Law Group has decades of experience investigating complex intersection crashes, obtaining crucial video evidence, and holding negligent drivers—and public entities—accountable.
We prepare every case for trial, giving us leverage to secure the maximum possible settlement or verdict.

Bottom Line

A left-turn crash can leave you with serious injuries and a mountain of medical bills. California law protects victims, but proving fault requires immediate action and sophisticated evidence gathering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a left-turn accident, contact B|B Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll investigate every angle, preserve vital evidence, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.