How Texas Law Handles Fault in Left-Turn Collisions
In Texas, left-turn accidents are among the most common types of car crashes at intersections and some of the most dangerous. What many people don’t realize is that a left-turn crash often results in automatic assumptions of fault. The driver making the turn is usually blamed. But in reality, fault isn’t always that simple.
Whether the collision involves two cars, a commercial truck, a motorcyclist, or a pedestrian, the aftermath can be devastating. In places like Laredo, heavy traffic, high speeds, and poor visibility can combine to create a recurring and serious problem with left-turn accidents. Some intersections are more prone to left-turn collisions, including:
- Loop 20 and McPherson Rd
- I-35 frontage roads near Shiloh Dr or Del Mar Blvd
- San Bernardo Ave and Calton Rd
- Guadalupe St and Meadow Ave
- Intersection-heavy commercial zones like S Zapata Hwy
These areas are used daily by commuters, school buses, delivery vans, and commercial trucks. Many intersections lack dedicated left-turn lanes or have signals that don’t give enough time for a protected turn. As a result, drivers are forced to turn across oncoming traffic, often under pressure, and the risk of a serious crash goes up.
Who Is Liable When a Driver Turns Left and Causes a Crash?
Under Texas law, drivers making a left turn must yield to all oncoming traffic unless they have a green arrow or it’s otherwise safe to proceed. In most cases, the turning driver is presumed to be at fault. But that presumption can be challenged if there’s evidence that the other driver was speeding, ran a red light, or engaged in reckless behavior.
Determining fault depends on the specific facts of the case, including:
- Signal phasing and timing
- Speed and location of both vehicles at the time of impact
- Dash cam or surveillance footage
- Witness statements or police reports
- Vehicle damage and skid mark analysis
Crashes involving commercial trucks or motorcycles often result in more serious injuries, and determining fault can be more complex. In truck cases, the driver may be following company delivery routes that pressure unsafe turns. With motorcycles, drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the rider, which is a frequent problem in left-turn crashes.
Common Causes Behind Left-Turn Collisions
While every crash is unique, left-turn accidents in Laredo often involve similar patterns. These are the most frequent contributing factors that lead to serious collisions:
- Inadequate Gaps in Traffic: Left-turning drivers are required to wait until there’s a safe and clear opening before proceeding. Misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles is one of the most common reasons they’re found at fault.
- Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Texas law places the burden on the turning driver to yield to oncoming traffic unless protected by a green arrow. Turning in front of another vehicle without the legal right to do so typically results in primary liability.
- Distracted or Impatient Driving: A driver who makes a left turn while texting, using GPS, or reacting impatiently to traffic delays may be found negligent for failing to observe safe turning conditions.
- Speeding or Red Light Violations by the Oncoming Vehicle: If the oncoming driver was speeding or ran a red light, that may shift or share fault. Proving this requires clear evidence, such as traffic camera footage or eyewitness testimony, but it can be critical in turning the case in favor of the turning driver.
- Poor Visibility or Weather Conditions: Limited visibility does not excuse a dangerous turn. A driver who proceeds through fog, rain, or glare without a clear view of oncoming traffic can be held liable for turning blindly into a hazard.
- Hitting a Pedestrian or Cyclist in the Crosswalk: Drivers making left turns must watch for people in the crosswalk or bikes approaching from the opposite side of the road. Failing to check these zones, or misjudging timing, can lead to serious injury and full legal responsibility.
Establishing exactly what happened, and who is liable, requires a detailed investigation. Insurance companies may try to pin fault on the turning driver by default, but the full picture often reveals shared or shifted liability.
What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident in Laredo
Anyone injured in a left-turn crash in South Texas should act quickly to protect their rights. Important evidence can disappear fast, and there are strict legal deadlines for filing injury claims in Texas. Knowing what to do in the moments and days after the crash can help strengthen any future claim.
Here are several steps that can make a major difference in the outcome:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Call the police and make sure an accident report is filed
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle positions, and any visible injuries
- Get names and contact info from witnesses or other drivers
- Avoid giving statements to the other driver’s insurance company without legal advice
- Speak with a personal injury lawyer who understands Texas traffic laws and local crash patterns
The aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, but it’s also a time when victims must make important legal and financial decisions. An experienced Texas injury attorney can investigate the scene, preserve key evidence, and advocate for full compensation.
Injured in an Accident? Get Justice with John
Injury victims in Laredo and across South Texas have a limited time to file a claim after a serious accident. Evidence must be preserved early, and legal filings must meet Texas statute of limitations rules. Delaying can make it more difficult to prove fault or recover what is owed.
John R. Solis, Attorney at Law, has over two decades of experience fighting for injured Texans and their families. From left-turn crashes to high-impact truck accidents, our law firm takes on tough cases and holds negligent drivers accountable.
If a left-turn accident has disrupted your life or left a loved one seriously hurt, don’t go it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
"Amazing law firm. Very friendly staff. Whenever I had a question, they helped me out. Very efficient and professional. I am very grateful for everything they did with my case. I 100% recommend this law firm." - Miguel D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐