How Liability is Determined for a Right-Turn Car Accident in Austin, TX
One of the essential rules of the road that helps govern a driver’s decisions is this: drivers must respect the right of way. If you have the right of way, other drivers are required to let you pass. If you do not have the right of way, you are required to let other drivers pass.
Following this rule is essential for preventing a crash when making a turn. Failure to follow this rule often leads to a crash. Generally, drivers who are found to be at fault for a crash failed to respect the right of way.
However, there are many other factors to consider when assessing fault for a right-turn crash. The experienced attorneys at Lorenz & Lorenz discuss those factors below. If you were injured in a crash while making a right turn and you have questions about securing compensation, give our firm a call today. The initial consultation is free of charge and comes with no obligation to take legal action.
Factors to Consider After a Right-Turn Crash
Your attorney must review the crash to determine if you may have a case for compensation. There are many factors he or she is likely to consider, including:
- Who had the right of way at the time of the crash?
- Was there a stop sign or stoplight at the intersection?
- Was the light green, red, or yellow?
- Was the at-fault driver paying attention to the road or distracted by something?
- Were you or the other driver speeding?
- Did the crash happen at night? Were your headlights working? Were the other driver’s headlights working?
- Were you exiting a parking lot when making the turn?
- Did you come to a complete stop before making the turn?
If you had a green light when you made the turn and another car traveling in the direction you are heading hits you, the other driver is probably going to be liable.
However, if the light was red, things may be more complicated. If you got hit by an oncoming car and the driver was speeding, he or she may bear some amount of fault, even if you did not have the right of way (learn more about partial liability laws for accidents in Texas).
If a driver changed lanes in the middle of the intersection as you were turning – so you did not see them – they may be entirely at fault. However, if you did not come to a complete stop, it may have been more difficult for you to assess the situation. Maybe you would have seen the driver changing lanes if you had taken an extra second to come to a complete stop.
If the oncoming driver’s headlights were not working and you were driving at night, it may have been much more difficult to see him or her. Even though you may have pulled out into the intersection too soon, you may not be at fault. Even if you are at fault, your percentage of fault is likely to be quite small. It would not prevent you from seeking compensation for your injuries.
Using Caution When Turning Right
It is always important to be patient when preparing to make a right turn. You should not begin making the turn until you are certain you can do so without causing an oncoming car to hit you. If you have doubts you can make the turn safely, you should simply wait.
Come to a complete stop before turning so you have enough time to check for oncoming traffic. If you get into the habit of not coming to a complete stop, you may not check for oncoming traffic or you may only take a quick glance and miss a car.
Make sure to watch for cars that may be making a left turn onto the road you are turning onto. This usually only applies if you are making a right turn while the light is green. Drivers often forget to check for these oncoming cars, and drivers of the oncoming cars may forget to watch for drivers who are turning right.
Call Lorenz & Lorenz for Legal Assistance After a Crash
If you have been injured in a crash in the Austin area, contact an Austin auto accident lawyer from our firm. The initial consultation is free, and our firm has a proven track record of recovering compensation for car crash victims.
We are prepared to guide you through the legal process, including investigating the crash, interviewing witnesses, negotiating with the insurance company, and preparing for trial if it becomes necessary.