Call Us Now
202-463-3030
Schedule a Free Consultation
Left turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers on DC roads, where one misjudged gap in traffic can have devastating consequences. Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC car accident lawyers bring nearly 200 years of combined experience to investigating these complex crashes. Our board-certified attorneys know how to prove fault in split-second collisions, from timing sequences and sightline issues to vehicle speed and driver distraction.
Backed by over 100 5 star Google reviews, we employ our significant resources and skills to secure life-changing outcomes for our clients. Our award-winning attorneys have achieved multiple eight-figure recoveries, including $15 million, $14 million, $10.6 million, and $10 million for victims of severe car accidents. With two partners ranked among the top 1% of the nation’s trial lawyers, we front all case costs, retain expert witnesses, and fight tirelessly to ensure full and fair compensation.
Were you injured in a left-turn accident in Washington, DC? We know how quickly a routine drive can change everything. Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will call you back personally. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.
Complete this form and our team will get back to you as soon as possible
This unfortunate scenario is all too common with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting that left turns cause approximately 53% of cross-path crashes. In 2023 alone, 40,901 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes at intersections and non-intersection junctions across the United States.
Depending on the traffic light at the time of the collision, the left turn may be an unprotected left turn or a protected left turn. An unprotected left turn is one where there is no green left-turn arrow in the present light cycle, but drivers can turn left so long as they yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and wait for a safe opening between cars to turn.
A protected left turn is one where there is a green arrow, meaning the driver turning left had the right of way.
In the case of there not being a traffic light–such as turning into a driveway, parking lot, side street, etc., the driver turning left must abide by traffic laws, meaning they must yield to oncoming traffic, must wait for all cyclists and pedestrians to cross, etc. Then, when it is safe to do so, they can turn.
Often, the driver turning left will be given blame at the scene of the accident, even if it’s not clear if they were truly at fault. This is often because of the right-of-way laws in place in most states including Washington, DC.
However, determining fault can be complicated. While there are ways to show that perhaps the left-turning driver did have the arrow and therefore had the right of way, in the case where there are no traffic lights, and it’s one driver’s word against another, this can be difficult to prove.
This is where having a car accident attorney to represent you becomes critical. A car accident lawyer can help determine who was at fault in the car accident after a left turn by:
Â
While most often, the driver turning left is blamed for a car accident, there are exceptions.
In some situations, the driver turning left is at fault for the collision. Commonly, drivers turning left when there is no traffic arrow signaling them to go may misjudge the space or have a limited view of oncoming traffic and collide with the oncoming vehicle.
In some cases, both drivers may share in the car accident liability involving a left turn. Cases like speeding, distracted driving, etc., may show that while one driver was the catalyst in the collision, both drivers were not in control of their vehicles.
Further, in cases where more than one vehicle is involved in a left-turn car accident, such as a multi-vehicle accident, there may be even more liable parties in the accident.
In these cases where two or more drivers share fault, each driver may be assigned a percentage of fault. In Washington, DC, if the injured driver shares in any fault, they cannot recover damages. That’s why speaking with a car accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long is so important to learn about your legal options.
Whether you are the driver turning left or colliding while crossing through an intersection, the Washington, DC car accident lawyers of Regan Zambri Long can guide you through the fault process in left-turn car accidents.
A car accident attorney can help you by:
If you are injured in a left-turn car accident as a result of the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your property damage and resulting injuries.
A car accident attorney can help you seek compensation for:
Be mindful that the statute of limitations for your state’s car accident claims begins after the accident. The time to act is now.
Choosing the right lawyer after a left-turn crash can make all the difference in how your case moves forward. For almost 30 years, the car accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long have helped injured people and their families rebuild after devastating collisions. Our lawyers combine deep legal knowledge with compassion and the drive to win justice for every client.
Â
Over the past three decades, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims, including several multi-million-dollar car accident awards:
Â
Â
Our firm’s work has earned recognition across Washington, DC, and the nation:
Â
Â
Our partners also hold leadership roles in respected legal organizations that promote fairness and integrity in the justice system:
Â
Â
All three named partners hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review rating available, reflecting their dedication to excellence, ethics, and proven trial experience.
For a no-obligation, free consultation, contact the DC car accident attorneys of Regan Zambri Long at 202-978-4851 or by connecting with us online.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.