Last updated: August 2026
To win a left turn accident case, it’s important to show that you followed all the traffic rules. Left turn accidents can be confusing and stressful, but understanding the rules of the road and knowing how to prove fault can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the process to win a left turn accident case into easy-to-follow steps.
How to Win a Left Turn Accident Case Step-by-Step
1. Ensure Safety First: After an accident, prioritize safety. Move to a safe location, check for injuries, and call for emergency assistance if needed.
2. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Include names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. This documentation can be crucial in proving fault.
4. Collect Witness Statements: If there are witnesses, collect their contact information and statements. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony in determining fault.
5. Contact the Police: It’s advisable to contact the police after an accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine initially, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and documentation of medical treatment can strengthen your case.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Provide them with all the information and documentation you have collected.
8. Consult with an Attorney: If there are disputes about fault or if you encounter challenges during the claims process, consult with a car accident attorney. For a deeper understanding of how the claims process works in Illinois, read our complete guide to personal injury claims.
Rules of the Road for Left Turns
Green Arrows: A green arrow allows drivers to make a left turn without yielding to oncoming traffic. Follow the arrow’s direction and proceed with caution.
Solid Green Lights: When the traffic light is solid green, drivers can make a left turn but must yield to oncoming traffic. Only proceed if the intersection is clear.
Yielding to Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether you are turning left or right. Failure to do so can lead to serious consequences.
Right of Way: Oncoming traffic generally has the right of way, so it’s crucial to wait for a safe gap before making a left turn. Failing to yield can result in being at fault in an accident.
Common Causes of Left Turn Accidents
Misjudging Oncoming Traffic: Drivers often misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles, leading to collisions during left turns.
Distracted Driving: Distractions like texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio can cause drivers to overlook oncoming traffic, resulting in accidents.
Speeding Through Intersections: Speeding through intersections, especially when making a left turn, increases the likelihood of accidents. Obey posted speed limits for a safer driving experience.
Failing to Signal: Proper signaling is crucial when making a left turn. Failure to signal can surprise other drivers and result in a collision.
Proving Fault in a Left Turn Car Accident
Eyewitness Statement: Eyewitnesses can provide unbiased accounts of the accident. Their testimony can be instrumental in proving who had the right of way.
Traffic Signal Data: If available, traffic signal data can help establish whether a driver had a green light or arrow at the time of the accident.
Traffic Camera Footage: Check for surveillance cameras at or near the intersection. Footage from these cameras can provide a clear picture of the events leading up to the accident.
Cell Phone Records: If distracted driving is suspected, cell phone records can be subpoenaed to determine if the other driver was using their phone at the time of the accident.
How Do You Prepare For a Left Turn?
To turn left safely, follow these steps:
- Signal early and check mirrors.
- Move into the left lane when safe.
- Reduce speed as you approach the intersection.
- Check for traffic from all directions.
- Turn left when the path is clear and safe.
Get Help from Our Left Turn Car Accident Lawyers Today
Have you been injured in a car accident involving a left turn? Don’t face it alone. Reach out to Phillips Law Offices today for the help you need. Our experienced team of lawyers specializes in handling left-turn accident cases in Chicago and can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve for your injury. Call us now at (312) 346-4262 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards justice and recovery.
Left-turn accidents are among the most disputed collision types in Illinois, and location matters for building your case. Our Kane County, Palatine, and Winnebago County auto accident teams all have experience proving fault in disputed left-turn collisions in their local courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the left-turning driver always at fault in a left turn accident?
Usually, but not automatically. Illinois law generally requires a left-turning driver to yield to oncoming traffic, so the left-turning driver is presumed at fault in most cases. That presumption can be overcome with evidence the oncoming driver was speeding, ran a red light, or was otherwise breaking the law.
What evidence matters most in a disputed left-turn case?
Traffic signal timing, any camera footage of the intersection, and independent witness statements carry the most weight, since they don’t depend on either driver’s memory of a fast-moving, split-second event.
Also Read:
Road Rage Accidents: Liability and Legal Options in Illinois
