Left Turns and Pedestrian Accidents: Why These Are Some of the Deadliest Collisions

Pedestrians and cars are a bad mix. Although pedestrians have the legal right of way in California, that is small consolation to the person hurled through the air by a speeding car. The most hazardous place for car-pedestrian interactions is the left-turn lane. According to Department of Transportation statistics, up to 25% of all pedestrian vs. car accidents occur when a car is turning left.

California’s vehicle code gives pedestrians the right-of-way when crossing at a marked crosswalk or intersection (CVC 21955). However, pedestrians still have to exercise caution when crossing the street. Even when you’re in a crosswalk and the light is green, you must be careful and watch for approaching vehicles.

On Your Left: Why are Left Turn Intersections Dangerous?

Although the situation has improved since the early 1980s, Southern California is notorious for its lack of controlled left turn lanes. Cars must sit in the intersection and wait for breaks in traffic to make a left turn, or wait till the light changes, and rush to make their left turn against the red light.

For drivers, this means watching oncoming traffic instead of possible foot traffic in the crosswalk. When a chance to turn comes, they take it, and that may mean running into a pedestrian. For pedestrians, this means that cars may suddenly zoom through the crosswalk, even though they have the right of way.

For both parties, the problem is made worse by the fact that the driver cannot stop and risk blocking the oncoming traffic lane. Once they commit to the left turn, they must continue through the intersection or take a chance on being struck by a vehicle in the opposite lane.

Liability for Left Turn Accidents

Under California’s Vehicle Code, pedestrians have the right of way in a crosswalk. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk no matter what the conditions. In most cases, if a driver hits a pedestrian in a crosswalk, the driver is automatically liable.

However, the law also requires pedestrians to use “due care” when crossing the street. Courts have interpreted this to mean pedestrians must give drivers time to see them and stop before they go through the crosswalk. A pedestrian who leaps from the curb and runs across the intersection a second before the light changes may be partially at fault for their accident.

California decriminalized jaywalking, but you can receive a citation if the act is performed in an unsafe manner. Crossing outside the crosswalk or against the light and causing an accident would be such an act.

Preventing Left-Turn Accidents

The best way to avoid becoming a left-turn accident victim is by waiting until you have a clear signal to turn or cross before entering the intersection. Many California intersections have timers that indicate how long pedestrians have to cross safely. If the timer shows less than five seconds, you should wait for the next cycle. In uncontrolled intersections, where drivers must make left turns against the light, always keep your eyes on the turn lane.

If you’ve been injured in a left-turn accident, you may need legal assistance with your legal claim. Contact the Brand Law Group for help with your documentation so we can help you get the compensation you need after your accident.