A Bakersfield left-turn accident lawyer helps victims prove fault, gather evidence, and secure compensation when another driver causes a crash during a left turn.
Left-turn accidents often involve complex liability questions because California law requires turning drivers to yield to oncoming traffic, but fault can shift when the other driver was speeding, ran a red light, or violated traffic laws.
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we have decades of experience investigating these crashes and fighting insurance companies that try to unfairly blame the drivers who turned.
Left-turn collisions frequently result in serious injuries due to the side-impact nature of these crashes, and victims face mounting medical bills while dealing with insurance adjusters who minimize payouts.
Our Bakersfield car accident lawyers understand the specific evidence needed to prove your case, including traffic signal data, vehicle black box information, and witness testimony that shows who actually had the right-of-way.
Why Hire Kuzyk Law for Your Bakersfield Left-Turn Accident Claim?
We at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
Our team brings decades of experience to left-turn accident cases throughout Kern County. We understand how insurance companies try to blame turning drivers, even when the other party was speeding or running a red light.
The advantages of working with our firm include:
Local Bakersfield Presence:
Our office is located at 5300 California Ave, suite 220g, Bakersfield, CA 93309, so we understand local traffic patterns and court procedures
24/7 Client Support:
We offer around-the-clock availability and services in both English and Spanish, ensuring you always have someone to turn to for help
No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee:
You pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case, which means our goals are aligned with yours
Proven Left-Turn Experience:
We know the tactics insurance companies use to deny left-turn claims and exactly how to defeat them
Call us at any time to set up your free case review with a Bakersfield left-turn accident lawyer who has been in the business for a long time.
Who Is at Fault in a California Left-Turn Crash?
California Vehicle Code Section 21801 is the law that governs left turns. This means the driver making a left turn must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that poses a hazard.
While this often places fault on the turning driver, California uses pure comparative negligence. This means fault can be shared between both drivers based on their actions.
Several factors can shift partial or complete fault to the other driver:
Excessive Speed:
If the oncoming driver was traveling significantly over the speed limit, they may share responsibility for the collision
Traffic Signal Violations:
An oncoming driver who runs a red or yellow light is often found negligent
Distracted Driving:
Evidence of texting, phone calls, or other distractions can place liability on the straight-traveling driver
Impaired Driving:
A drunk driving accident involving an oncoming driver creates liability regardless of right-of-way rules
Protected vs Permissive Left Turns
Understanding the type of traffic signal is crucial for determining the fault. The signal type determines who had the legal right-of-way at the time of the crash.
A protected left turn gives you a green arrow. This means you have the exclusive right-of-way to make your turn safely because oncoming traffic must stop.
A permissive left turn shows a solid green light. This means you may turn only when it is safe and there is no approaching traffic that poses a hazard.
“A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic. Failing to do so can make you liable in a crash.”
When the Oncoming Driver Speeds or Runs a Red Light
If an oncoming driver enters the intersection illegally by speeding or ignoring a red light, they can be held partially or fully liable for the crash. The key is proving their illegal behavior through solid evidence.
Evidence like skid marks, eyewitness statements, and a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder can prove their excessive speed. Video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses often captures red light violations clearly.
Motorcycle, Pedestrian, and Cyclist Left-Turn Cases
Left-turn accidents involving vulnerable road users are especially severe and often result in catastrophic injuries. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 to prevent a pedestrian accident.
Motorcyclists are often harder to see, but drivers have a legal duty to look carefully before turning to avoid a motorcycle accident. The failure to see the argument rarely works in court when a driver strikes a motorcyclist who had the right-of-way.
What Evidence Proves a Left-Turn Claim?
Building a strong left-turn accident claim requires immediate and thorough evidence collection. This evidence is time-sensitive and essential for proving who had the right-of-way and what caused the crash.
The most important types of evidence include physical evidence from the scene, electronic data from the vehicles, and witness testimony from people who saw the accident happen.
Traffic Signals and Phase Logs
Traffic signal phase data shows the exact timing of when a light was green, yellow, or red. The city or Caltrans maintain these official records and can definitively prove which driver had the right-of-way.
Phase logs are electronic records that track signal changes down to the second. We can subpoena these logs to support your case and prove the signal status at the exact moment of impact.
Video and EDR Data
A vehicle’s Event Data Recorder, or black box, captures critical information like speed, braking, and steering moments before a crash. This data is stored in the vehicle’s computer system and provides objective proof of what happened.
Video footage can provide indisputable proof of fault and is often the most substantial evidence in a left-turn case. Sources for video evidence include:
- Traffic cameras at intersections managed by the city
- Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses, like gas stations and restaurants
- Dashboard cameras from other vehicles that witnessed the crash
- Residential doorbell cameras like Ring, which may have captured the accident
Witness and Police Documentation
Independent witness testimony provides an unbiased account of the accident from someone who saw it happen. These witnesses can testify about vehicle speeds, signal colors, and driver behavior.
A police report documents the officer’s initial findings, road conditions, and statements from both parties. While police reports are not always conclusive, they are vital for establishing the basic facts of the case and any citations issued.
What Compensation Is Available After a Left-Turn Collision?
Victims of left-turn accidents are entitled to seek compensation for all their losses, both economic and non-economic.
Our car accident lawyers in Bakersfield help calculate the full value of your claim to ensure you seek maximum recovery.
The types of compensation available include:
Medical Expenses:
Coverage for all past and future medical care, including hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and prescription medication
Lost Wages:
Reimbursement for any income lost due to time off work for medical treatment and recovery
Future Lost Earnings:
Compensation if your injuries impact your long-term ability to work or earn the same income
Property Damage:
Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other damaged personal property
Pain and Suffering:
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
Wrongful death:
When something horrible happens, it hurts more than just emotionally; it can also leave your family with financial problems and a deep sense of loss. You deserve justice if someone else was careless and caused the death of a loved one.
Even though money can’t bring them back, a wrongful death claim can give you the cash you need to grieve and start over.
You can file a claim for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship that can’t be replaced if you lost someone you loved. Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of your sadness and offer you a low settlement.
You need a legal team that will fight for you with strength and compassion. Call our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers for a free, private meeting. We will help you understand your rights, determine the extent of the damage your family has suffered, and fight hard to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
What to Do After a Left-Turn Crash in Bakersfield
The steps you take immediately after a left-turn accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights. Stay calm and follow this guide to protect yourself and your claim.
Acting quickly and correctly can make the difference between a successful claim and a denied one.
Get Medical Care and Call 911
Your health is the top priority after any accident. Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, as this creates an official record of your injuries that insurance companies cannot dispute.
Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Emergency responders will also create an official accident report.
Call Police and Document the Scene
Request a police officer to respond to the scene to create an official accident report. This report becomes crucial evidence for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings.
Use your phone to take pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, street signs, and any visible injuries. Take photos from multiple angles to capture the full scope of the accident scene.
Preserve Photos, Video, and Vehicle Data
Do not release your vehicle to the insurance company or have it repaired until your attorney can inspect it and download the EDR data. This electronic evidence can be lost forever if not preserved quickly.
Back up all photos and videos you took at the scene to cloud storage or email them to yourself. This ensures the evidence cannot be accidentally deleted.
Avoid Recorded Statements
Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting your lawyer first. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask leading questions that can be used against you later.
You are only required to report the accident to your own insurance company. Your Bakersfield left-turn accident Lawyer should handle any statements to the other party’s insurer.
Call Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers
Contacting an experienced attorney promptly allows us to immediately start preserving evidence, communicating with insurers on your behalf, and building your case. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case becomes.
We handle all communications with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery without the stress of dealing with adjusters.
Common Left-Turn Scenarios and Liability
The fault in a left-turn collision depends on the specific circumstances of the crash. Our Bakersfield auto accident attorneys analyze the evidence to determine liability and build the strongest possible case.
Different scenarios result in different fault allocations:
| Scenario | Typical Fault | Key Evidence |
| Turning on a Solid Green Light | The turning driver, for failing to yield | Witness statements, video footage, signal timing |
| Turning with a Green Arrow | The oncoming driver, for running a red light | Signal phase logs, police report, traffic cameras |
| Oncoming Driver Was Speeding | Shared fault; percentage depends on speed | EDR data, accident reconstruction, skid marks |
| View Was Obstructed | Can be shared fault | Scene photos, witness testimony, signal visibility |
| Motorcycle or Bicycle Crash | Usually the turning driver, for failure to see | Witness statements, helmet cam video, road position |
| Rear Vehicle Pushed Into Turn | The rear vehicle that caused the push | Police report, vehicle damage patterns, witness accounts |
How Our Bakersfield Left-Turn Accident Lawyers Help
After a serious left-turn accident, you need a legal team dedicated to managing every aspect of your claim while you focus on healing. We take immediate action to protect your interests and build the strongest possible case.
We immediately send preservation letters to secure critical evidence before it is lost or destroyed. Our firm works with accident reconstruction experts to analyze crash data and prove fault when liability is disputed.
Our team meticulously calculates all your damages, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity, to ensure you seek the maximum possible compensation. We understand the long-term impact of serious injuries and fight for full recovery.
Our experienced negotiators handle all communications with the insurance companies, protecting you from lowball settlement offers and bad faith tactics. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
We’ll take care of the fight for you. Our Bakersfield left-turn accident lawyers will take care of every part of your case, from gathering evidence to going to court. This way, you can focus on what matters most: your health.
Don’t take the chance of getting a low offer by doing this on your own. Set up a free, private case review with our team today. We’re ready to hear you out and help you get started on your path to justice. To get started, call us at (661) 583-0388 or go to our contact page.
Deadlines, Fees, and Next Steps
Acting quickly is essential to protect your right to compensation under California law. The state places strict time limits on filing a personal injury claim, and missing these deadlines can cost you your right to recover.
Understanding these critical deadlines and our fee structure helps you make informed decisions:
Statute of Limitations:
You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in civil court.
Government Claims:
If a government entity like a city bus or public works vehicle is at fault, you have only six months to file a formal claim.
Contingency Fees:
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless and until we win your case
Free Consultation:
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options without any upfront cost
Types of Injuries in Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents often result in severe injuries due to the angle and force of impact. The side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear, making occupants more vulnerable to serious harm.
Common injuries from left-turn collisions include:
Traumatic brain injuries:
Head impacts with windows or door frames can cause concussions, skull fractures, and permanent brain damage
Spinal cord injuries:
The twisting motion of a side impact can damage the spine, potentially causing paralysis
Broken Bones:
Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis fractures are common due to the crushing force of the impact
Internal Organ Damage:
The liver, spleen, and lungs can be injured by the sudden deceleration and compression
Whiplash and Neck Injuries:
The sudden jerking motion can cause severe soft tissue damage and herniated discs
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. Our Bakersfield left-turn accident lawyer works with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Insurance Company Tactics in Left-Turn Cases
Insurance companies use specific tactics to minimize payouts in left-turn accident cases. They often try to place full blame on the turning driver, even when the other party was clearly at fault.
Common insurance company strategies include:
Quick Settlement Offers:
They offer low amounts before you understand the full extent of your injuries
Recorded Statements:
Insurance companies ask leading questions designed to get you to accept blame for the accident
Delay Tactics:
They drag out the claims process, hoping you will accept less money due to financial pressure
Biased Investigations:
They conduct one-sided investigations that ignore evidence favorable to your case.
Our experienced attorneys know these tactics and how to counter them effectively. We protect you from insurance company manipulation while building a strong case for maximum compensation.
Left-Turn Accident FAQs
Does Having a Green Light Always Protect the Turning Driver?
No, having a green light does not automatically protect you from liability when making a left turn. A solid green light is permissive, meaning you must still yield to oncoming traffic. Only a green arrow gives you the protected right-of-way.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. Your percentage of fault will reduce your final compensation, but you can still receive substantial compensation.
How Long After a Left-Turn Accident Can I File a Lawsuit?
You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in civil court. However, if a government entity is involved, you must file a formal claim within six months. Acting quickly is essential to preserve your rights.
What If the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an unfairly low settlement, you need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights. We can file a lawsuit and take your case to trial if necessary to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Left-Turn Accident Lawyer?
At Kuzyk Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows you to get quality legal representation without financial risk.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most left-turn accident cases settle out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Today And Speak With A Bakersfield Left Turn Accident Lawyer
If you get into an accident while making a left turn in Bakersfield, don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you. They are not on your side and will use what you say to pay you as little as they can. You need a legal team with extensive experience that will protect your rights and fight hard for the money you deserve.
For decades, Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers has been handling complicated left-turn accident cases in Kern County. We know how to investigate these accidents, determine who was at fault, and work with insurance companies to get the most money for our clients. No one else is as dedicated to their clients as we are.
You can read our company profile to find out more about our commitment to justice. We know a lot about all kinds of vehicle accidents, including car accidents.
Our team is here for you 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the support you need during this tough time. We offer our services in both English and Spanish to better meet the needs of our diverse community.
Take the first step toward getting justice. You can get a free, no-obligation consultation right now by calling (661) 583-0388. You can also go to our contact page and fill out our online form. You don’t have to pay anything until we win your case. Call us right away to protect your claim for a left-turn accident.
Let our skilled left-turn accident lawyers take care of the legal details so you can concentrate on getting better.
