Houston Right Turn Accident Lawyer

Right-turn accidents are more common and legally complex than most drivers realize. A small misjudgment, like failing to yield or missing a pedestrian in the crosswalk, can quickly escalate into a serious crash. The aftermath often involves confusing insurance claims, unclear liability, and unexpected medical bills. That’s where a Houston right turn accident attorney becomes essential, helping you make sense of the situation, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

An experienced attorney can clarify the details of your case, manage difficult discussions with insurance companies, and help you seek fair compensation. Do not allow the consequences of a right-turn collision consume your life. Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for a free case review and get the help you need to move forward.

Understanding Right Turn Accidents and How They Occur

Right-turn accidents typically happen when a vehicle tries to turn right at an intersection and collides with another oncoming vehicle. These accidents usually occur due to speeding and distance miscalculations, failing to yield, or noncompliance with traffic regulations.

Depending on the accident’s severity, it can cause property damage and injuries, ranging from minor to severe.

Common Causes of Right Turn Accidents in Houston

Failure to Yield

This is one of the primary causes of right-turn accidents. Drivers who ignore traffic regulations or signals may provoke an accident, especially those approaching from the opposite side of the road.

The most common reasons drivers cause these accidents include lack of attention on the road, speeding, misinterpretation of traffic rules, and aggressive behavior when driving. The driver who failed to yield is usually liable, especially if one of the above reasons caused the error. 

Speeding

When turning right, it’s crucial to assess the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles in order to avoid collisions. Misjudging these factors, especially when turning too quickly, can significantly increase the risk of a crash. Moreover, it increases the severity of injuries in the event of a collision.

Distracted Driving

Chatting, talking, or texting on the phone may also be a contributing factor to a right-turn accident. Before making the right turn, drivers must check for pedestrians, traffic signals, and oncoming traffic. Not doing so because of a lack of attention will increase the risk of a collision.

Faulty Turn Signals

Turning signals alert other drivers that you intend to make a right turn. When these signals are not functioning, other drivers may remain unaware and, for instance, fail to reduce their speed.

Reckless Driving

This includes excessive acceleration and a lack of caution when turning right, which increases the risk of right-turn accidents due to several reasons, including high speeds that reduce the ability to control the vehicle, as well as the time to react in the event of an accident.

Intoxicated Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal but also one of the leading causes of right-turn accidents. Being under the influence impairs the senses needed to determine the right moment to make a turn and diminishes vehicle control.

Injuries From Right Turn Accidents in Texas

Injuries resulting from a right-turn accident can vary depending on the hit. Common injuries include whiplash, neck and back injuries, as well as emotional and psychological consequences.

It’s crucial that after a car accident, you see a doctor right away, even if the injuries seem minor at first, as some symptoms may not appear until later.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion of the head, similar to the cracking of a whip. This rapid movement can strain or tear the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the neck. It’s commonly associated with rear-end car accidents but can also result from sports injuries or physical trauma. Some of the symptoms include: 

• Reduced neck range of motion.
• Headaches that typically begin at the base of the skull.
• Tenderness or pain in the shoulders, upper back, or arms.
• Tingling or numbness in the arms.
• Tiredness
• Dizziness

It is recommended to get checked by a medical professional if you are experiencing neck discomfort or other whiplash symptoms as a result of a right-turn vehicle accident. Additionally, seeing a doctor can help eliminate the possibility of serious injuries, such as fractures or other significant damage.

Back and Shoulder Injuries

After a right-turn accident, back and shoulder injuries are common. These injuries can vary in severity, ranging from muscle strains and sprains to herniated discs or fractures. It is crucial to consult a doctor after a car accident, as this can significantly impact the case’s value, outcome, and legal strategy.

TBI’s

A TBI, or Traumatic Brain Injury, is a dangerous medical illness caused by a violent jolt, blow, or collision that affects normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild (like concussions) to severe (such as brain bleeding or skull fractures), and car accidents, including right-turn crashes.

TBIs are often invisible injuries, and symptoms like confusion, headaches, memory loss, or mood changes may not appear immediately. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention after any accident, even if you feel fine at first.

Shoulder Injury 

Shoulder injuries are frequently reported after right-turn accidents, especially when the body twists unexpectedly or absorbs the force of impact through the seatbelt or door. The shoulder, in particular, is vulnerable due to its wide range of motion and complex structure. Pain, stiffness, or reduced motion may indicate more serious injury.

Seeking prompt medical attention is essential for your recovery and plays a crucial role in documenting the full extent of your injuries, which is vital for building a strong legal claim.

Why You Need a Houston Right Turn Accident Lawyer in Texas

After an accident, you should take time to recover from your injuries. You may be taking medication, attending follow-up consultations with your doctor, or undergoing physical or occupational therapy. Do not jeopardize the healing process by taking legal action as well.

While you are recovering from the vehicle accident, personal injury attorneys may handle your claim. They can assist you in avoiding missing essential filing dates and making errors that reduce the validity of your claim.

Here are the main reasons why you should leave your case with DeHoyos Accident Attorneys

1. We Help You Get the Insurance Compensation You Are Entitled To. 

Your lawyer will negotiate with the other party and your insurance company, so you don’t have to. Our goal is that you can have a stress-free recovery. That’s why, while you rest, we are going to protect your rights throughout the whole settlement process.

2. We Help You to Identify the Damages You Can Recover

To properly evaluate your damages, you must provide records of your medical expenses and any other financial losses incurred because of the accident. Your attorney will assist you by obtaining necessary documentation and comprehending the various costs you could potentially receive reimbursement for. Your vehicle accident lawyer can then calculate an appropriate compensation amount.

3. To Meet Legal Deadlines

Texas has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims, giving you only two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. A lawyer can help ensure all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time, protecting your right to seek compensation. 

4. Maximizing Compensation

Insurance companies might offer low settlements, particularly if the injuries seem minor at first. A lawyer guarantees that you seek full compensation for: 

• Medical costs (including future treatment)
• Lost wages 
• Pain and Suffering
• Property damage.

Who’s at Fault in a Yellow Light Accident?

When a driver makes a right turn during a yellow light, questions about yielding, timing, and awareness come into play. Understanding how these factors contribute to fault is key to getting a full picture of what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.

Right-of-Way Rules

Texas traffic regulations give clear criteria for right-of-way at intersections:

• Drivers who see a yellow light must stop if they can do so safely before approaching the intersection.

• If a car has already approached an intersection when the light turns yellow, it has the right to proceed through it.
• Drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic, even if the signal is yellow.
• The driver with a green light has the right of way over those with yellow or red signals.

Intersection Entry Timing

Understanding exactly when each vehicle entered the intersection is a key part of determining fault in a yellow light accident. Timing can reveal whether a driver acted responsibly or contributed to the collision. Investigators and insurers often look at questions like:

• Did either driver enter the intersection after the light had already turned red?
• How long had the light been yellow before each vehicle approached?
• Was one of the drivers already in the intersection when the signal changed?

Driver Actions and Speed at the Time of the Accident

The conduct of each driver before and during the collision significantly influences the assessment of blame. In these cases, the following factors are taken into consideration:

• The speed of the drivers.
• Adherence to traffic rules, particularly regarding yellow lights.
• The use of appropriate signals.
• Whether either driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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

Being held liable for a right-of-way accident doesn’t automatically mean you are not going to receive compensation for the damage or injuries caused. Texas follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that the parties involved in the accident will receive compensation depending on the amount of fault they had in it. 

For example, if you were found 20% liable, you would receive 80% of the compensation amount. This rule mandates that people can receive compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. 

Here are some examples of situations where you may be found partially at fault in a right-turn accident

• Failing to signal before turning.
• Turning without yielding to pedestrians or cyclists. 
• Turning on a yellow light without checking for oncoming traffic.
• Blocking a crosswalk or bike lane mid-turn.
• Ignoring or misinterpreting traffic signals. 

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

Life does not stop after a crash, and we understand how a right-turn accident may affect everything, from your health to your finances. At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, we are committed to supporting Houston accident victims in regaining control and beginning the rehabilitation process. 

Whether we’re negotiating with insurance companies or defending clients in court, we approach each case with strength and compassion. Our team of professionals is motivated by a strong sense of justice and a proven track record of achieving positive results for our clients.

With DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC on your side, you can be sure that your case is in competent hands. We take the time to listen, understand your position, and fight for the compensation you deserve both now and in the future.

Houston Right Turn Accident Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

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

In a right-turn accident, determining fault depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. Typically, the driver making the right turn may be found at fault if they fail to yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists. However, if the other driver was speeding or ran a red light, fault could be shared between both parties.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor right-turn accident?

Even in minor accidents, injuries and damages can add up. A lawyer can help protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you don’t accept a low settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term needs.

How long do I have to claim for a right-turn accident in Texas?

The Texas statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. It is recommended that you speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and establish a strong case.