car accident

Common Injuries Caused by Left Turn Accidents in New Jersey

By Greg Kohn
Partner

Failing to yield the right of way is one of the most common traffic offenses that lead to car accidents. Left-turn accidents may occur at intersections, but they are common on any divided road. Generally, drivers turning left must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.

Making a left turn can be one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers. A slight miscalculation or distraction can result in a devastating car accident. Because of the position of the vehicles, left turn accidents can result in head-on collisions and side-impact crashes. These automobile collisions have a high risk of causing life-threatening conditions and catastrophic injuries. If you are ever involved in a left turn accident a New Jersey car accident attorney can help you with legal assistance.

Injuries Caused by Left Turn Accidents in New Jersey

When vehicles collide head-on, there is a high chance of the passengers being thrown from the vehicle or crushed between the steering wheel and seat. In addition, side-impact crashes are dangerous because there is very little protection between the occupant and the vehicle hitting their car.

Injuries that are common in left-turn accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Multiple broken bones and fractures
  • Crushing injuries
  • Loss of limbs and amputations
  • Injuries to internal organs
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Injuries caused by airbags and seatbelts
  • Disfigurement and scarring

An accident victim may sustain a permanent disability resulting in ongoing medical care or nursing care. They may require long-term personal care and be unable to work. Some injuries could reduce the victim’s future earning potential. Victims are entitled to compensation for past and future damages.

Proving Fault for a Left Turn Accident in New Jersey?

You have the burden of proving fault for the cause of a left-turn accident. Our legal team investigates the accident to gather evidence proving fault. Evidence that might be used to prove fault includes but is not limited to:

  • Video of the collision from traffic cameras, dash cams, or surveillance cameras
  • Photographs of the accident scene
  • Statements from drivers, passengers, and eyewitnesses
  • Copies of police reports and accident reports 
  • Opinions from accident reconstructionists and other experts 
  • Copies of cell phone records, information from vehicle data recorders, data from driving apps

Gathering sufficient evidence to prove fault is essential for obtaining maximum compensation for a left-turn accident. New Jersey’s comparative negligence laws bar recovery for damages if you are 51% or more to blame for the cause of the accident. If you are less than 51% to blame, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of blame for the cause of the crash.

Therefore, the insurance company for the other driver may argue that you contributed to the cause of the left-turn accident. For example, it may argue you ran a yellow light or red light. Running the light contributed to the cause of the collision. If a jury agrees, you could receive much less money for your injury claim.

Contact Our Law Office for a Free Consultation with Our New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney

Car accidents can result in traumatic injuries. The financial losses can be substantial. The pain and suffering can be debilitating. You deserve fair compensation for all damages caused by a negligent driver. Call our law firm to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers. Our legal team thoroughly investigates these accidents to prove fault and liability.

About the Author
Greg Kohn is a partner at Nagel Rice and specializes in complex civil litigation cases, including professional malpractice, personal injury, class actions, wrongful death, products liability, and commercial litigation.  He has extensive experience representing clients in both state and federal court. Greg has tried many jury trials to verdict and has recovered over $50 million in settlements and verdicts in all types of personal injury matters including automobile accidents, wrongful death cases, slip and falls, and other catastrophic injury cases. Greg also handles medical malpractice cases, involving misdiagnoses, wrongful birth, and delayed cancer diagnosis. If you have questions regarding this article, you can contact Greg here.