Chicago Left Turn Accident Lawyer

Compensation for Victims of Left Turn Accidents in Chicago

Chicago left turn accident lawyer representation is often essential after a serious crash caused by a driver’s failure to yield. Left-turn crashes are a leading cause of serious Chicago car accident cases.

They often happen when a driver misjudges traffic or fails to yield the right of way, violating Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-902). At busy intersections—like Michigan Avenue or Lake Shore Drive—accidents in Chicago are common, especially with rideshare traffic and congestion.

Even with city safety efforts, failure to yield accidents still happen in Chicago. An insurance company may dispute fault or blame other vehicles, making recovery more difficult. If you’re facing a denied claim or serious injuries, our Chicago personal injury team can help.

Our personal injury lawyers handle complex claims, including failure to yield crashes, and can deal directly with the insurance company. Schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago left-turn accident lawyers to explore your legal options.

Successful Chicago Personal Injury Settlements

At Rosenfeld Injury Law Offices, we’ve represented victims of yield crashes and helped them recover after serious accidents in Chicago:

• $350,000 Settlement – A pedestrian was struck by a left-turning taxi after her hospital shift, suffering a leg fracture that required surgery.
• $350,000 Settlement – A pedestrian hit in a left-turn collision sustained a broken leg and underwent surgery.
• $8,979,000 Settlement – A motorcyclist was killed when a delivery truck made an illegal left turn. Our attorneys secured a major wrongful death settlement for the family.

How a Chicago Left-Turn Accident Lawyer Can Help

Building a strong personal injury claim after a left-turn accident starts with a thorough investigation. Our personal injury lawyers will visit the accident scene, review reports from the Chicago Police Department, and identify any witnesses. We will also work to collect red-light camera footage and other traffic surveillance that may show the turning driver’s failure to yield.

To support your car accident claim, we may consult accident reconstruction experts who can provide insight into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Our law offices also conduct independent investigations.

These investigations help determine fault under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule, which decreases settlement value in relation to the percentage of fault.

Why Are Left-Turn Accidents So Dangerous?

Left-hand turns are one of the top causes of serious crashes across Chicago. Under Illinois law, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians when turning left. However, in busy areas like Western Avenue, Ashland, and Lake Shore Drive, that doesn’t always happen.

Chicago car accident injury victims are often hit without warning in a failure to yield accident, especially when drivers rush through yellow lights or misjudge gaps in traffic. CTA buses and rideshare drivers are frequent culprits, turning across multiple lanes with limited visibility. For many Chicago accident injury victims, the impact is sudden, and the recovery is long.

Common Injuries in Left-Hand Turn Accidents

In left-hand car accidents, injuries can range from minor to life-altering. Some of the most common injuries our Chicago personal injury team sees include:

• Broken bones – Typically in side-impact crashes involving turning vehicles.
• Whiplash – Caused by the abrupt stop and motion of impact.
• Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Common in high-speed collisions with oncoming traffic
• Spinal cord injuries – May lead to paralysis and long-term disability
• Chest & organ damage – From blunt force or seatbelt pressure
• Internal bleeding – Serious but not always visible right away
• Cuts, bruises, and burns – From shattered glass, airbags, or car fires
• Sprains and strains – Affecting muscles and soft tissue

If you were in an accident involving injuries, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Doing so prevents long-term issues and helps build your personal injury case with medical records.

If the injured party wasn’t at fault and a green arrow or right of way was ignored, a Chicago personal injury lawyer can help start the legal process, especially when the insurance company denies responsibility in a left-hand car accident.

Compensation Available Under Personal Injury Law for Left-Hand Turns

When drivers fail to spot oncoming vehicles and cause a crash while turning left, accident victims may be entitled to compensation under Illinois personal injury law. These claims typically involve two main categories:

Economic Damages

These reflect the direct financial costs and other tangible monetary losses after an accident occurs, including:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income from missed work
• Rehabilitation, therapy, or in-home care
• Other documented monetary losses
  

Non-Economic Damages

These address the emotional and psychological impact of left-hand turn accidents, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
  

In rare cases, such as those involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness, punitive damages may also be awarded to hold the driver accountable and prevent similar behavior in the future.

Illinois Laws That Impact Left-Turn Accidents in Chicago

Understanding local laws is vital when pursuing a left-turn accident case. These legal standards often determine fault and whether compensation can be recovered, especially in cases of Chicago failure-to-yield collisions.

Here are some relevant laws:

• Illinois Right of Way Law – Drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic. Failing to do so often results in car accidents.
• Chicago Traffic Camera Ordinance – Red-light cameras record violations at intersections and can provide key evidence in a car accident case.
• Modified Comparative Negligence Rule – Injured victims can still recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault for an accident in Chicago.

Free Case Evaluation with an Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

At our downtown Chicago law offices, we offer a free case evaluation to help you understand your rights after a left-turn accident. You won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Our legal team is available 24/7 to assist with every step of your claim, from reviewing traffic camera footage to negotiating with your insurance provider. If your claim is denied or undervalued, we’ll fight for a fair settlement that truly reflects your losses.

Book a Free Consultation with a Chicago Failure to Yield Lawyer

Securing justice and rightful compensation following an auto accident is both necessary and challenging. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers prevents the legal process from adding to your stress, offering free consultations to evaluate your situation thoroughly without any financial risk.

If you were hurt in a car accident involving a left-hand turn, our law offices can help you understand your rights and next steps. Schedule a free consultation today for support from an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer.

Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or through our form to discuss your legal options.

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.