At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., a Los Angeles auto accident law firm, we recently represented two wonderful clients, who were severely injured in an auto accident.

Our legal team at Fassonaki Law Firm P.C. investigated the details of the accident, collected all the relevant evidence, and worked diligently to prove that our client was not at fault. In this case, the adverse party's insurer refused to accept the full liability.

Under California law, drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles reasonably and safely while considering the safety of others on the road. The adverse driver who struck our client's vehicle was engaged in dangerous and reckless behavior that put others at risk. Their reckless maneuver violated California Vehicle Code § 21801(a).

According to California Vehicle Code § 21801(a), a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety. The adverse driver's conduct breached their duty of care under California law.

Thanks to the efforts of our team, we achieved a resounding victory. As a result of our dedicated work, the adverse party's insurer eventually accepted that their client was entirely responsible for the accident and paid out their full policy limits which means the maximum amount their insurer can pay for the accident to our clients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Left-Turn Car Accidents in California

Who is usually at fault in a left-turn accident in California?

Fault depends on the circumstances of the collision. Under California law, a driver making a left turn generally must yield to approaching vehicles that are close enough to constitute a hazard. Evidence showing the movements of both vehicles and the conditions at the time of the crash can help determine liability.

What does California Vehicle Code § 21801(a) require?

California Vehicle Code § 21801(a) generally requires a driver intending to make a left turn or U-turn to yield the right-of-way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are close enough to constitute a hazard. The turning driver must continue yielding until the turn can be made with reasonable safety.

Is the left-turning driver always at fault for an accident?

No. A left-turning driver is not automatically responsible for every collision. Liability depends on the specific facts, including vehicle speeds, distance, traffic signals, visibility, right-of-way, and the conduct of each driver.

What happens if an insurance company disputes liability for a left-turn accident?

When liability is disputed, evidence becomes particularly important. Accident-scene photographs, vehicle damage, witness statements, police reports, video footage, and other available evidence may help establish how the collision occurred and which party was responsible.

Can an insurance company eventually accept full liability after initially disputing fault?

Yes. An insurer's initial position on liability does not necessarily determine the final outcome of a claim. Additional evidence and investigation may establish that its insured was responsible for the collision, which can affect subsequent negotiations.

What are policy limits in a California auto accident claim?

Policy limits are the maximum amounts an insurance policy may provide for a covered claim, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. A policy-limits settlement occurs when an insurer pays the available applicable limits to resolve a claim.

What happens if my damages exceed the at-fault driver's insurance policy limits?

If an injured person's damages exceed the available liability insurance, additional sources of recovery may sometimes be available. These can depend on the circumstances, applicable insurance coverage, responsible parties, and available assets.

How can a Los Angeles auto accident attorney help with a disputed liability claim?

An auto accident attorney can investigate the collision, gather evidence, analyze applicable California traffic laws, communicate with insurers, document the client's damages, and challenge attempts to improperly assign fault. The attorney can also pursue available compensation based on the facts and insurance coverage involved.

Schedule a consultation with our proficient attorney at Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., a Los Angeles auto accident law firm at 323-524-8994 and take the first step towards resolution.