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Left Turn

New York Left Turn Accident Lawyer

Left turns are one of the most dangerous maneuvers a driver can make. Not only do they involve crossing over the lane of oncoming traffic, but they require the ability to accurately judge the speed and distance of other vehicles on the road. However, while drivers who are making left turns have a responsibility to do so safely, others on the road must also take measures to avoid a collision with the turning car.

If you’ve been hurt, or lost a loved one in a left turn accident, you may be entitled to monetary recovery for your damages. Handling each case with skill and precision, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. offers aggressive representation to car accident victims who have suffered the devastating consequences of another driver’s negligence. 

Causes of Left Turn Accidents

It’s nearly impossible to avoid making a left turn in New York. Whether you were turning left across a busy intersection, onto a street, or into a driveway, the potential for an accident can be high, especially if there is no left turn signal light directing traffic. In the event that the turning vehicle made a mistake in judgment — or the driver of the oncoming vehicle was careless — the results can be catastrophic.      

There can be many reasons left turn accidents occur, including:

  • Obstructed view when turning
  • Speeding
  • Turning into a blind spot
  • Failure to use a blinker
  • Disobeying traffic signals
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Misjudging the gap at an intersection
  • Distraction or inattention


Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1141, a driver turning left must yield the right of way to an approaching vehicle going in the opposite direction that is close enough to be a hazard. Violation of the statute may constitute negligence per se and result in liability for the driver who made the left turn. 

Although the driver of the vehicle that turned left may be to blame for the accident, the actions of the driver who was proceeding straight may also have contributed to the crash. New York follows the rule of comparative negligence when it comes to determining liability in a car accident. This means that whether you were 1% at fault for a left-hand turn accident, or 99% responsible for the collision, you may still be eligible to recover compensation for your accident-related injuries.

The personal injury lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. strive to ensure the negligent party is held accountable to the fullest extent for their share of fault — and you obtain the maximum amount of compensation to which you’re entitled.      

Common Left Turn Accident Injuries

Injuries in a left turn collision can be significant or fatal in severe cases. Depending on the force of the impact, the occupants of a vehicle involved in a left turn accident may sustain a variety of serious injuries. A left turn accident victim may suffer from soft tissue injuries, fractures, nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, paralysis, disfigurement, and permanent disability.

Following a left-hand turn accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Car accidents may cause internal bleeding and injuries that may not fully develop until weeks later. Getting prompt medical assistance can help rule out any serious physical damage and ensure you receive the care you need before your injuries worsen. Your doctor might recommend various diagnostic tests to determine the extent of your injuries, including X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and EMG-NCVs.      

Often, victims of left turn accidents must undergo extensive medical treatment for their injuries, which can include physical therapy, chiropractic care, and the use of medical equipment. Certain left turn injuries may also require surgical intervention. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s guidelines not only to get better, but also to document the extent of your physical injuries and prove your case in court.

At The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., we understand the impact that left-hand turn accident injuries can have on your everyday life and livelihood. With a focus on providing high-quality legal services and obtaining the best possible results, we handle every case with personalized attention and the utmost attention to detail.

Proficient Representation to Maximize Compensation for Your Injuries

Generally, no-fault insurance may cover a certain amount of lost wages and up to $50,000 in medical expenses for left turn accident victims, regardless of who caused the collision. However, due to the severity of the injuries that can arise in a left turn accident, no-fault benefits are rarely enough to fully compensate a victim for their losses. It also doesn’t provide monetary recovery for your physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

If you have sustained what New York Insurance Law defines as a “serious” injury in a left turn accident, you may be entitled to recover damages beyond the benefits that no-fault insurance provides. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to obtain compensation for your economic damages, including unreimbursed medical expenses, lost earnings, and out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with the accident. In addition, a jury may also award you compensation for the pain and suffering you were forced to endure as a result of your injuries.

When you are represented by The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., you can rest assured that you have effective counsel and an accomplished advocate on your side who will fight for the highest verdict or settlement possible in your case.

Contact a Qualified New York Left Turn Accident Lawyer

Left turn accidents can result in severe injuries that could significantly affect your life. If you sustained injuries due to another driver’s negligent left-hand turn, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you secure the maximum amount of compensation obtainable for your case. For more than 30 years, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has been representing victims of left turn accidents and achieving favorable results.

The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland, and Long Island in Nassau County and Suffolk County. Contact us for a consultation.