Left-Turn Accidents: Why These Collisions Are So Common in Maine

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Many car accidents in Maine occur when one driver makes a left-hand turn. Whether a driver is making a left turn at an intersection or another motorist is struck by a turning vehicle, these collisions can be serious, complicated and confusing legal matters. They’re also one of the most common types of car accidents.

So why do so many left-turn accidents happen in Maine? What are common causes of these collisions? Who’s at fault for causing them? And what if you’re wrongly blamed for causing a left-turn accident? What are my legal options? Our experienced Maine car accident attorneys explain what you need to know.

What are common causes of left-turn accidents?

Left-turn accidents often occur in Maine because one driver made a mistake. Specifically, one driver often behaved in a reckless or dangerous manner, resulting in a left-turn crash. Common specific reasons why these accidents occur include:

Speeding drivers who misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic and think they have enough time to turn.
Aggressive drivers who fail to yield the right of way when making a left turn at an intersection.
Distracted drivers, such as texting drivers, drivers adjusting the radio or looking up directions, causing them to not see oncoming cars.
Reckless driving during hazardous weather conditions, including snow or ice.
Turning without signaling or failing to check for vehicles in other lanes before completing the turn.

These causes show how quickly a left-turn accident can happen when someone makes a careless decision. Even a brief mistake can result in a serious crash. For victims, this often means facing long-term medical care and financial struggles. That’s why knowing the root causes can be so important when building a strong legal case.

What injuries are common in left-turn accidents?

Left-turn crashes often cause severe injuries, especially for drivers or passengers hit directly by a vehicle turning left. This type of collision frequently happens at intersections, which can magnify the damage and injuries. Victims are often caught off guard and may suffer both immediate and long-term medical problems. Even low-speed accidents can result in significant harm, including:

Whiplash injuries caused by the sudden jerking of the neck at impact
Broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs or pelvis from the force of the collision
Head trauma such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Chest injuries from seatbelts or airbags deploying during the crash
Spinal injuries including herniated discs or fractured vertebrae that may cause chronic back pain
Internal injuries that may not appear right away but can be life-threatening if untreated
Cuts and lacerations from broken glass or impact with sharp surfaces inside the vehicle

These injuries often require emergency care, follow-up treatment and sometimes long-term rehabilitation. Victims may miss work, face high medical bills and struggle with lasting physical pain. Recovery can take months or even years depending on the severity of the injuries. That’s why legal support is often critical in making sure victims are fully compensated for what they’ve endured.

Who is usually at fault in a left-turn accident?

In most situations, the driver making the left turn is considered at fault. This is because Maine law requires drivers turning left to yield to oncoming traffic before crossing. If a turning driver fails to do so, they are usually responsible for causing the collision. The law assumes that the driver going straight has the right of way.

However, there are cases where fault is not so clear. For example, if the oncoming driver was speeding, it may change how liability is assigned. Similarly, if the oncoming driver ran a red light or stop sign, they may bear some or all of the responsibility for the crash.

Each accident must be carefully investigated to determine fault. Witness statements, police reports and evidence from the scene are often necessary to sort out what happened. A lawyer can identify whether the turning driver or the oncoming driver is primarily responsible and make sure the injured party has the strongest possible legal case.

Can the driver going straight ever be at fault?

Yes, the driver going straight can sometimes be at fault for a left-turn accident. If they were breaking traffic laws at the time of the crash, they may share blame for what happened. Speeding, distracted driving or running a traffic signal can all put fault on the driver who was traveling straight ahead.

Even if the turning driver had a duty to yield, the other driver’s reckless actions may change how liability is decided. In Maine, this is especially important because comparative negligence laws apply. This means more than one driver can be held legally responsible for causing a collision.

If the driver going straight was texting, speeding, or driving under the influence, their actions could have directly caused or contributed to the accident. Evidence must be reviewed carefully to determine which driver is at fault. This can affect how much compensation is available and how it is awarded to each driver.

Who determines who was at fault in a left-turn accident?

Determining fault in a left-turn accident often requires an official review of all the evidence. Several different people and groups may play a role in deciding who caused the crash. Each one looks at the evidence from a different perspective and sometimes with a different agenda.

Police officers at the scene often make an initial determination of fault based on their observations and witness statements.
Insurance adjusters for both drivers will review the police report and other evidence to make their own decision. However, it’s important to understand that insurance companies often have a financial interest in determining who was at fault.
Accident reconstruction experts may provide professional opinions on how and why the crash occurred.
Courts or juries may ultimately decide fault if the case goes to trial.

Determining who was at fault can be a complicated process. This is especially true if both sides cannot agree about what happened. Fault is not always clear right away, and it can take time to resolve disputes. Victims should not assume that the initial determination is final. With the right legal help, additional evidence can be presented to make sure fault is assigned fairly.

How do insurance companies determine fault in left-turn crashes?

Insurance companies often rely heavily on their own investigations when assigning fault after a left-turn accident. They start with the police report, which usually provides a detailed account of what happened at the scene. Witness statements are also reviewed closely to understand how the crash occurred.

Adjusters then look at whether any traffic laws were broken and who had the legal right of way. Insurance companies also review physical evidence such as vehicle damage and skid marks. This helps them reconstruct the accident and determine speed, braking and positioning. Photos and videos from nearby cameras may also play a major role in their decision.

This might all sound fair. But in reality, many insurance companies have one goal in mind – to limit the amount they pay out. This is why left-turn accident injury victims should always be skeptical of any insurance company decisions. Having legal representation on your side can help make sure your side of the story is heard loud and clear.

What kind of evidence is important in a left-turn crash case?

Strong evidence is critical when proving who caused a left-turn accident in Maine. Without it, insurance companies may downplay your injuries or even try to blame you for causing the crash. Gathering the right evidence early on can make a big difference in your case. Such evidence can include:

Police reports that describe the crash and document any traffic violations
Witness statements from people who saw the accident happen
Photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage and road conditions
Traffic camera or video surveillance footage that shows the collision
Medical records that link your injuries directly to your accident
Accident reconstruction reports prepared by experts
Vehicle inspection reports that document damage and safety issues

Strong evidence creates a clear picture of exactly what happened. It also strengthens your ability to challenge false claims and protect your legal rights. Insurance companies are more likely to take your case seriously when faced with strong documentation presented by your lawyer. This is why acting quickly after your accident is so important.

Can both drivers be found partially at fault?

Yes, in Maine, both drivers can be found partially at fault in a left-turn accident. This is because Maine follows a comparative negligence system, which allows responsibility to be shared. Even if one driver failed to yield, the other driver’s actions may have contributed to the crash.

For example, if the oncoming driver was speeding, they may share blame with the turning driver. Comparative negligence reduces the amount of compensation based on fault. If you are found 20 percent at fault, your damages (the legal term for compensation for financial losses) may be reduced by that percentage.

However, you can still pursue compensation for your losses. The exact division of fault depends on the evidence presented and how strongly each side can argue their case. This makes legal representation critical in these cases.

Can I be compensated if I’m partially at fault for my left-turn accident?

Yes, you can still receive financial compensation, even if you are partially at fault for a left-turn accident in Maine. The state’s comparative negligence law allows drivers who share some responsibility to recover compensation. However, you cannot receive any compensation if you are primarily (more than 50 percent) at fault, according to Maine’s comparative negligence law.

For example, if your accident expenses add up to $100,000 but you are found to be 25 percent at fault, your recovery will be reduced to $75,000. This system allows injured drivers to still receive help with medical bills, lost wages and other costs. It also means you should not assume you have no claim just because you may share some responsibility.

Every case is unique, and fault is not always straightforward. That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney review your situation. A lawyer can make sure that fault is calculated fairly and that you receive the maximum possible compensation.

What if I’m wrongly blamed for causing a left-turn accident?

Being wrongly blamed for causing a left-turn accident in Maine can be frustrating and overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your legal rights. With the right evidence and legal help, you can prove what really happened. Such steps often include:

If your accident claim has been denied, ask for your denial letter in writing so you can review it closely with your lawyer.
Request a copy of your police report and carefully review it for accuracy.
Preserve all evidence from the accident scene, including photos and videos.
Obtain witness statements that support your version of events.
Provide medical records that show your injuries are consistent with being hit, not causing the crash.
Be prepared to present your case in court with your attorney.

In each case, your lawyer can work with you to build a strong case that clearly shows you did not cause your left-turn accident. You didn’t do anything wrong. You shouldn’t be punished for someone else’s mistakes. Talk to a lawyer to learn more about your legal options.

How can a lawyer help with my left-turn accident case?

Having an experienced Maine car accident lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Left-turn accident claims and lawsuits can be complex legal cases. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Your lawyer can take on these challenges and fight for your rights in many different ways:

Investigate the accident thoroughly to determine exactly what happened.
Collect evidence such as police reports, photos, videos and witness testimony.
Consult with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
Negotiate with insurance companies to seek fair settlements.
File a car accident lawsuit on your behalf.
Make sure all deadlines and filing requirements are met.
Represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

With strong legal support, you can focus on your recovery instead of fighting insurance companies. Attorneys know the strategies insurers use and how to counteract them. They also understand Maine’s traffic laws and how they apply to left-turn accidents. Having an experienced Maine car accident lawyer on your side can give your case the edge you need to succeed.

Learn how a Maine car accident attorney can help you

Left-turn car accidents often quickly turn into complicated legal cases. This is especially true if you sustained a serious injury and the at-fault driver denies causing your collision. That’s why it’s critical that you have an experienced Maine left-turn accident lawyer on your side, fighting for your rights every step of the way.

To learn more about how a lawyer can help you with your Maine left-turn accident case, contact our law firm and schedule an appointment with an attorney at Romanow Law Group. We’ve helped injury victims across Maine recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

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