How to Win a Left Turn Accident Case in Chicago

Left-turn crashes are one of the most disputed types of car accidents in Illinois. These cases often hinge on subtle details, such as timing, traffic flow, and witness credibility. Knowing how to win a left-turn accident means understanding the laws that govern right of way, how to collect evidence properly, and what arguments work best when dealing with insurance companies or in court.

If you were injured in a left-turn car accident, you may already be facing medical costs, lost wages, and a disrupted life. The good news is that Illinois law provides the ability to receive compensation if you can establish that the other driver was wholly or partially responsible.

This article breaks down how to build a strong left-turn accident case, what information you need, and when to seek legal representation to protect your rights.

Determining Fault in Left-Turn Accidents

Fault in a left-turn accident case typically falls on the motorist turning left, especially when a collision happens with a vehicle traveling straight through an intersection. However, it’s not always that simple. If the oncoming traffic was speeding, ran a red light, or was engaged in distracted driving, the presumption of fault may shift.

To win your left-turn accident case, your legal team must show how the left-turn car accident happened and whether the right of way was violated. The fact that a driver was turning doesn’t automatically make them 100% liable. It’s often just a matter of gathering the right evidence.

The Presumption of Fault Against the Left-Turning Driver

Under Illinois law, the left-turning driver is generally presumed to be at fault when a crash occurs with a vehicle coming straight from the opposite direction. The law assumes the driver making the turn did not wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic or failed to yield the right of way.

Exceptions to the Presumption: When the Other Driver May Be at Fault

There are exceptions where the other driver could be liable, even in a left-turn collision:

• The oncoming driver ran a traffic light or stop sign
• The other vehicle was traveling at an excessive speed
• The opposing driver was distracted (texting, phone use)
• There was a mechanical failure in the other driver’s vehicle

These situations can shift some or all liability away from the driver turning left.

Unprotected vs. Protected Left-Turns

A left turn made on a green arrow is considered protected, meaning the left-turning driver has the legal right-of-way. If a left-turn crash occurs under these conditions, the focus often shifts to the actions of the approaching driver.

On the other hand, turning left at a standard green light without a designated arrow requires the driver to yield to oncoming traffic. Failing to wait for a safe gap increases legal risk and makes it more difficult to recover damages in the event of a collision during a turn.

Illinois’ Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this rule, you can recover compensation after a left-turn accident case only if you’re found to be 50% or less at fault. If you’re 51% or more responsible, you are barred from receiving damages.

This becomes especially important in turn-related car accidents where both parties may share blame, such as when the other driver’s negligence involves distracted driving, speeding, or running a red light.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Left-Turn Accident

Winning a left-turn car accident claim starts at the accident scene. What you do next can make or break your case.

Check for Injuries and Move Vehicles

If you can, check for injuries and move vehicles out of traffic. Seek medical help if needed.

Call the Police and Obtain a Police Report

Request that a police officer respond to the accident scene. The police report will document what happened and may include observations about the left-turning driver’s behavior.

Exchange Information with Other Drivers

Collect the other driver’s name, contact information, license plate, and insurance policy. This information is essential to file a motor vehicle accident claim.

Document the Accident Scene

Photograph vehicle positions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Visual documentation supports your claim and can help prove fault.

Identify and Speak to Witnesses

If anyone saw the accident, get their name and contact info. Witness statements are crucial to corroborating your version of the events.

Seek Medical Attention, Even for Minor Injuries

Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Medical records created shortly after the accident strengthen your claim for medical expenses and lost income.

Do Not Admit Fault or Talk with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

Avoid statements that could be misinterpreted as an admission of fault. Direct any communication with the other driver’s insurer to your attorney.

Building a Strong Case with Evidence

To win a left-turn accident case, you need more than your statement. Proving fault is critical. Strong evidence helps clarify what happened during the left-hand turn and shifts the blame away from you.

Accident victims who gather this kind of evidence are in a better position to protect their right to compensation and push back against insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. Knowing how to win a left-turn accident starts with building a solid case rooted in facts.

Police Report

The responding police officer often includes driver statements, witness input, citations, and observations in the report. If the driver turning left is cited for failure to yield or an improper turn, this strengthens your car accident case significantly.

The report can also note the oncoming traffic flow, signal color, and road conditions, making it a valuable foundation for gathering evidence.

Witness Testimony

Neutral bystanders help verify what happened during the accident, especially if the other driver denies fault. Witnesses can confirm if the oncoming driver was speeding or engaged in distracted driving, such as texting, at the time the left-turn collision occurred.

These witness statements can tip the balance in your favor, especially at trial.

Photos and Video Footage

Pictures and dashcam footage showing the left-turn maneuver, vehicle positioning, the status of the yellow light, or road signage provide critical context. If the accident happened in an intersection monitored by a traffic camera, your attorney can subpoena the footage.

Capturing the traffic signals and the behavior of oncoming traffic helps establish the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

Medical Records

Detailed medical documentation shows the severity of your injuries and ties them directly to the car crash. In many left-turn accident cases, soft tissue damage, broken bones, and long-term therapy are common. Your patient records not only support your claim for medical bills but also serve as evidence of how seriously the incident affected you.

Expert Witnesses

Accident reconstruction experts can create a technical model of how the left-turn car accident occurred. These professionals analyze skid marks, vehicle angles, and speed data. Medical professionals may also testify to the treatment you require and whether your condition is consistent with the impact described.

This kind of legal assistance strengthens your case and increases your chances of winning a left-turn dispute.

Traffic Data and Surveillance Footage

Many intersections now feature traffic cameras that record the traffic light, turn signal timing, and vehicle behavior. Surveillance footage from local businesses may also capture the actual accident, which is vital if an oncoming vehicle fails to obey a stoplight.

This digital evidence is especially useful in contested auto accident claims.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

After a left-turn accident, the insurance companies involved may try to minimize their policyholders’ fault or suggest that you caused the crash. In some auto accident cases, they’ll claim you misjudged how much space you had to turn or failed to wait for a clear green arrow.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys push back, presenting a complete account backed by solid evidence and expert input. Without help, you risk being misled or settling for less than you deserve.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Left-Turn Accident Case

When another vehicle strikes you during a turn, the physical, financial, and emotional toll can be crippling. Depending on the severity of the crash and your injuries, you may have the right to pursue financial relief for your losses.

Here are common types of compensation that may be available in these cases:

• Healthcare and rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical treatment costs
• Property damage
  

Why You Need an Experienced Left-Turn Accident Attorney

Knowing how to win a left-turn accident takes a strategic approach tailored to the facts of each case. An experienced attorney will gather evidence that supports your version of events, including camera footage, intersection layout, and whether the turn was made on a green light or arrow.

They also examine factors like speed limit violations and improper use of the left lane or turn lane, helping you win a left-turn claim based on facts, not assumptions. With legal guidance, you’re better equipped to push back on weak defenses and pursue the full extent of the damages you’re owed.

Book a Free Consultation

Understanding how to win a left-turn accident case starts with knowing your rights. Our car accident lawyers will review your case, explain your legal options, and build a strong claim on your behalf. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.Call us today at (888) 424-5757 or through our form to schedule your consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.