Houston Left Turn Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident, you know how fast it is to lose control. But the legal aftermath doesn’t have to be as overwhelming. From collecting evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, a Houston left turn accident lawyer helps you take control of the process and get your life back on track.

These cases may seem minor at first, but they are among the most complex types of collisions. However, an experienced Houston left-turn accident attorney can help you build a solid case and deal with insurers on your behalf.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we’ll walk you through every part of your case so you can make smart decisions with confidence.

Understanding Left Turn Accidents and How They Occur

Busy roads, such as Westheimer Road and Washington Avenue, experience frequent left-turn collisions due to high traffic volumes and speeding. These accidents often happen when someone misjudges how fast another car is coming, doesn’t yield, or makes a turn without a clear view.

Determining fault in these cases can be challenging. It requires a careful look at several key factors: Did both drivers follow traffic laws? Who had the legal right-of-way? Was one of them speeding? Each of these details can significantly affect the outcome of a claim.

For example, a driver attempts a left turn at an intersection on Washington Avenue. The traffic light is green, but there’s no dedicated left-turn arrow.As the driver begins the turn, another car approaches from the opposite direction and slams into the passenger side. Both drivers claimed they had the right-of-way.

One driver claims the oncoming car was going too fast to stop in time. The other insists the turn came out of nowhere. With no traffic cameras and a witness who can’t recall the details clearly, it quickly becomes one story against another. Without solid evidence, it’s hard to prove who had the legal advantage. Speed, timing, and visibility all come into question, and each detail can shift the outcome of the case.

In these situations, it is recommended to consult legal experts to determine liability. A left-turn accident lawyer can serve as both an advisor and a negotiator for insurance claims. When you partner with DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we can also provide, if needed, the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists, also referred to as expert witnesses, who can offer valuable insights into the causes of the accident and liability. 

Common Causes of Left Turn Accidents in Texas

Each case may be unique, but there are common causes that can lead to a left-turn collision in Texas. 

Failure to Yield. 

One of the most frequent causes is failing to yield when making a turn, often as the result of misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles. In Texas, the “left turn on green” rule allows drivers to turn left at a green light, but only after ensuring the way is clear of oncoming traffic and pedestrians. When a driver fails to yield in this scenario, they are typically held liable for the resulting crash.

Speeding

Driving at high speeds reduces the ability to maneuver and avoid a crash, and it is one of the most frequent causes of left-turn accidents.

Distracted Driving

Using a phone or chatting without paying attention to the road increases the likelihood of an accident. These distractions reduce reaction time and make it harder to respond to sudden changes in traffic.

Broken Turn Signals

Turn signals are a driver’s way of communicating with other road users. When they’re not working, that communication breaks down, making it harder for others to anticipate a left-turn and increasing the risk of a collision.

Reckless Driving

This involves ignoring traffic rules, acting aggressively, or taking dangerous risks behind the wheel. In the context of a left turn, this behavior often leads to collisions because it disrupts the careful judgment needed to turn safely across oncoming traffic. 

Drunk Driving

Impairs a person’s ability to make safe decisions, judge distances, and react quickly. When making a left turn, these skills are crucial for drivers who must accurately assess the speed of oncoming traffic and time their turn precisely.

Injuries From Left Turn Accidents Victims

This type of incident can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe, and even fatal outcomes. Understanding the most common physical consequences of such incidents can help you estimate the compensation you may be entitled to.

Whiplash

It’s a neck injury that results from a violent, quick back-and-forth movement of the neck. This movement can cause damage to the neck’s soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and discomfort or numbness in the arms or hands are some of the symptoms that may not appear immediately.

Back Injuries

They can range from simple muscle strains to more serious problems like slipped discs or spinal injuries. Some of the most common issues include herniated discs, broken bones, and damage to muscles or ligaments. It’s essential to see a doctor right away, even if you feel okay at first. Some symptoms can take time to appear, and early treatment can make a significant difference.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are a frequent outcome of car accidents, mainly due to the intense force of sudden impacts. Common injuries include rotator cuff tears, dislocations, fractures, labral tears, and shoulder impingement. These injuries can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and sometimes numbness or tingling.

TBI’s

In left-turn collisions, the sudden impact can cause the head to jerk violently or strike a surface, leading to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even without a direct hit, the brain can be injured from the rapid motion alone.

The Left Turn Yield Laws in Texas

Establishing fault in a left-turn accident involves reviewing specific traffic laws and regulations. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.152, drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming vehicles that are already in the intersection or close enough to pose an immediate danger. 

This rule applies at intersections, alleys, and private roads. Failing to yield while turning left is one of the most common causes of intersection collisions. Even if a driver has a green light, they are still legally required to wait until it is safe to turn. Suppose a crash occurs because the turning driver misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming traffic. In that case, they may be held liable under the statute. This is especially important in personal injury claims, where proving fault is key to securing compensation. In Texas, this process often involves a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Determining fault in a left-turn crash often involves reviewing traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports. If the turning driver did not yield as required by law, they are typically considered at fault, unless the oncoming driver was speeding or ran a red light, which could shift or share liability.

Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for Someone Else’s Left Turn Accident in Texas?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that you can seek compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. If you’re found partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are 35% at fault and your total damages are $50,000, you would receive $32,500. The purpose of this regulation is to maintain fairness by holding all those involved in the accident responsible for their share of the responsibility.

If you’re being held responsible for someone else’s left-turn accident, here are the steps you should take to protect your rights and work toward a fair settlement:

1. Stay calm and gather necessary evidence. 

Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any injuries. Get contact information from witnesses who saw the crash.

2. Call the Police and File a Report 

A police report can provide an objective account of the accident, which is crucial if fault is disputed.

3. Seek Medical Attention 

Even if you don’t see visible injuries, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, and medical records support your claim. 

4. Avoid Admitting Fault 

A police report can provide an objective account of the accident, which is crucial if fault is disputed.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company 

Report the accident, but stick to the facts. Avoid speculation or assumptions about fault. 

6. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers, especially if you’re being unfairly blamed.

You Only Have a Limited Amount of Time to File Your Left Turn Accident Claim in Texas

Under the statute of limitations, a legal rule that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit, you have only two years from the date of the accident to submit a claim. 

Although two years might seem like a long time, it is essential to act quickly because, before filing a claim, you need to have gathered all necessary information, such as witness statements, police and medical reports, and other relevant evidence, including videos and photos.

That’s why filing your claim before the deadline is so important. If you wait too long, you risk losing your right to compensation, even if you have strong evidence. Submitting your claim on time also helps ensure that the evidence remains accurate and reflects your current condition.

If you’re unsure about how to proceed or whether you’re still within the deadline, consulting with a personal injury attorney can be helpful. At DeHoyos Accident Attorney, we can guide you through the process, ensure your paperwork is filed correctly, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorney to Speak With a Houston Left Turn Accident Lawyer for a FREE Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a left-turn accident in Houston, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with injuries, insurance companies, and financial stress all at once. That’s why we offer free first, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.

Led by attorney Ryan DeHoyos, recognized as a top personal injury lawyer in Texas, our firm is committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal support. We don’t treat you like just another case number. Instead, we take the time to listen to your story, investigate the details of your accident, and build a strategy focused on maximizing your compensation.

Whether your accident involved a distracted driver, failure to yield, or a dispute over fault, we’re here to fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve. With over a decade of experience and millions recovered for clients, we know what it takes to win.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery. We’re ready to stand by your side. 

Houston Left Turn Accident Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

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

In most cases, the driver making the left turn is considered at fault because they are required by law to yield to oncoming traffic. However, if the other driver was speeding or ran a red light, fault may be shared.

What should I do immediately after a left-turn accident?

Call 911, seek medical attention, and gather evidence if possible, such as photos, witness contact information, and insurance details. Then, contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are less than 51% at fault, you may still recover damages, though your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.

How much does it cost to hire a left-turn accident lawyer?

DeHoyos Accident Attorneys offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case.