Left-hand turns cause a high number of car accidents in South Carolina because they require drivers to cross oncoming traffic lanes with precise timing. If a driver mistimes one of these turns, they could easily get into a sideswipe or T-bone collision, which can cause any number of physical and psychological injuries. If you get into a car crash while taking a left-hand turn, let our Charleston car accident lawyers tell you what you need to know.

Why Are Left-Hand Turn Accidents So Dangerous?

Many drivers take left-hand turns at busy intersections—and at these intersections, heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and poor visibility can create prime conditions for accidents. You need to monitor oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists while also responding to changing traffic signals, and a minor misjudgment or lapse in attention could have serious consequences.

South Carolina’s roads and intersections can have poorly marked lanes or faded signage, which can make it all the more difficult to execute a safe turn.

What Does South Carolina Law Say About Left-Hand Turns?

South Carolina law says that turning drivers should yield the right of way to oncoming traffic, especially when you need to cross opposing lanes. If you fail to yield appropriately, you may face responsibility for any accident that occurs—but if the other involved driver speeds, runs a red light, or drives while distracted, their actions could force them to share fault with you or shift or bear it entirely.

South Carolina’s comparative negligence theory means that the two parties in a collision can share fault based on their actions, and the financial amount that they end up paying can change accordingly. For example, if you failed to signal your turn, but the other driver ran a red light due to texting on their phone, you may bear 30% of the responsibility and see 30% less compensation as a result.

How Do Investigators Determine Fault?

Investigators examine evidence such as eyewitness statements, skid marks, vehicle damage, and surveillance footage to reconstruct the events leading to the crash and determine who may have caused the accident.

If you choose to file an insurance claim to cover your associated costs, the appropriate insurance companies will review these reports, analyze photographs or video footage of the scene, and make their claim determinations.

Unfortunately for victims in South Carolina, insurance companies often attempt to shift the blame in order to save money and pay out a smaller amount. In these instances, we highly recommend hiring an experienced car accident lawyer in Charleston, as they can collect all the necessary evidence, build your strongest possible case, negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, and help you demand maximum compensation for your accident.

Claim What Is Yours After a T-Bone Crash with the Charleston Car Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC

If you need a seasoned legal team in your corner after an accident involving a left-hand turn, call the Charleston car accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC at 843-727-6500 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Our office locations in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina allow us to serve clients throughout South Carolina.