A left turn yellow light accident occurs when a motorist proceeds to turn left during a yellow light across the path of oncoming traffic. The motorist turning left either strikes the oncoming vehicle or is hit by the oncoming vehicle.
According to the Annual Motor Vehicle Collision Report issued by The City of Edmonton there were 1,601 left turn across path collisions in Edmonton in 2018. More than 90 percent of those collisions occurred in an intersection, and they were the second leading cause of injury collisions in the city. Most commonly, drivers and passengers involved in a left turn across path accident can suffer whiplash, internal bleeding, spinal and head injuries. These accidents can be very serious for those involved.
Who is at Fault for a Left Turn Yellow Light Accident?
In the majority of cases liability can be placed on the driver turning left but there are exceptions. Liability may not be so clear if the oncoming vehicle was proceeding during a red light, or was committing another violation that contributed to the crash, such as speeding or distracted driving. It’s important to seek the advice of an experienced Edmonton accident lawyer as soon as you can to help you piece together the details of your crash.
Common Causes Of Left Turn Yellow Light Collisions
- Turning with an obstructed view
- Not signaling before making a turn
- Trying to beat the light or approaching drivers
- Improperly judging the speed or distance of an oncoming vehicle
As the second most common cause of collision injuries in Edmonton, left turn yellow light accidents are serious. Care and attention should be paid in the days and weeks following to ensure the proper parties are being held responsible.
“If you have questions about the circumstances leading to your collision, or you need support to help you with your case we are here to assist you. Between your interactions with police, the other driver and your insurance company it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We can help you reach a fair settlement if you’ve been injured and we are here to act as your advocate following the crash,” says Founder of Tarrabain Law, Senia Tarrabain.