The Danger of Left Turns
Left turns might seem simple, but they’re actually one of the most dangerous moves you can make while driving.
Every year in Missouri, a large number of car crashes happen when someone tries to turn left across traffic. These crashes often lead to serious injuries, as well as arguments about who was at fault. The truth is, left-turn crashes are more complicated than most people think.
Why Do Left-Turn Collisions Happen So Often? People Misjudge Speed and Distance
When you’re turning left, you have to quickly decide if you have enough time to go before oncoming cars reach you.
That means judging:
• How fast the other car is going
• How far away it is
• Whether you can safely make the turn
Even a small mistake can lead to a crash.
The Law Usually Favors the Other Driver
In Missouri, the driver making the left turn is supposed to yield to oncoming traffic. Because of that:
• The turning driver is often blamed right away
• Insurance companies usually assume they are at fault
But that doesn’t always mean they are 100% responsible.
The Other Driver Might Be Speeding
Speeding can often play a big role in left-turn crashes. Sometimes:
• The oncoming driver is going much faster than expected
• The turning driver thinks they have more time than they actually do
In those situations, fault can be shared.
Yellow Lights Cause Confusion
Intersections are a common place for left-turn collisions.
A typical situation looks like this:
• One driver starts turning left on a yellow light
• The other driver speeds up to beat the light
• They collide in the middle of the intersection
These cases often come down to timing and who entered the intersection first.
Views Can be Obstructed
Sometimes drivers simply can’t see oncoming traffic as well as they need to.
This can happen because of:
• Large trucks or SUVs blocking the view
• Hills or curves in the road
• Parked cars, street/traffic signs or other obstacles
When visibility is limited, the risk of a crash goes up.
Distracted Driving
Distractions play a role in many of these crashes.
Either driver could be:
• Looking at their phone
• Not paying attention
• Reacting too late
This can affect who is at fault.
These Crashes Are Often Severe
Left-turn collisions are often side-impact (T-bone) crashes, which are very dangerous.
That’s because:
• The side of a car doesn’t protect you as well
• The impact hits passengers more directly
These crashes often cause:
• Head injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Broken bones
Who Is at Fault in a Left-Turn Crash?
Most of the time, unless the other driver ran a red light, the driver turning left is blamed. However, that’s not always the full story.
In Missouri:
• Fault can be shared between drivers
• You can still recover money even if you were partly at fault
For example, the other driver might share blame if they were:
• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Distracted
Why These Cases Are Often Fought Hard
Left-turn collisions are some of the most disputed cases because:
• Drivers often tell different stories
• There may not be clear witnesses
• Small details can change who is at fault
Insurance companies use this to their advantage. They may try to:
• Deny your claim
• Blame you more than they should
• Offer less money than your case is worth
What Evidence Helps Your Case
If you’re involved in a left-turn crash, these things can be very important:
• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Traffic camera footage
• Vehicle damage
• Phone records (to show distraction)
The sooner this evidence is gathered, the better.
What You Should Do After a Left-Turn Collision
If you’re hurt in a crash:
1. Get medical help right away
2. Call the police
3. Take pictures of everything
4. Talk to witnesses, if you can
5. Avoid giving a recorded statement to insurance
6. Speak with a personal injury attorney
Final Thoughts
Left-turn crashes happen all the time in Missouri, but they’re rarely simple.
Just because someone was turning left doesn’t mean they are completely at fault. Speed, visibility, and driver behavior all matter.
If you’ve been injured in a left-turn crash, it’s important to understand your rights and make sure your side of the story is fully told.
