In urban or suburban areas, intersections are hotspots for motor vehicle collisions, and a significant number of these involve left turns. These accidents often occur when drivers misjudge the flow of oncoming traffic or the speed of other vehicles, or when they fail to observe traffic signals. Several other factors contribute to the risk, such as obstructed views, inclement weather and poor visibility.

Although New Jersey’s no-fault insurance law controls many automobile accident claims, a driver or passenger who is seriously injured may be able to bring a lawsuit to recover damages. If you've been involved in a left-turn accident at an intersection — whether you were making the turn or were driving another vehicle — your relative degree of fault, if any, will affect your right to financial compensation. 

NJ Rev Stat 39:4-115 requires drivers making left turns at intersections to exercise proper care to avoid accidents. Unless there is a left-turn green light, this generally means coming to a full stop, observing traffic in all directions and yielding to oncoming vehicles. Failing to stop or yield can often place fault on you in the event of a collision. If you were proceeding straight and another vehicle turned left into your path, you may be partially at fault if you failed to slow down to avoid the collision.

Accidents can also occur if either driver misjudges the time it will take to complete the left turn. Visibility issues or distractions can play a role as well. In some cases, both drivers might share responsibility.

Should you be found partially at fault, New Jersey’s comparative negligence law will affect the outcome of your claim. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Your recoverable damages will be reduced by your actual percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30 percent responsible, you can recover only 70 percent of your proven damages. 

An experienced New Jersey automobile injury attorney can help you understand your rights and your potential compensation, regardless of whether you were making the left turn or were the other driver involved in the accident. An attorney can also defend you against allegations that you were primarily responsible for the accident and make the strongest case possible to establish the other driver’s fault. 

The law firm of Brown, Novick & McKinley Attorneys at Law, located in Woodbury, represents auto accident victims across Gloucester County and throughout New Jersey. To schedule a free consultation, call 866-942-4909 or contact us online.