Many car accidents in Georgia occur at intersections and involve one vehicle making a left turn. While every left turn accident has unique characteristics, the general rule is that the driver turning left must yield to traffic coming toward them. That typically makes the driver turning left at fault for these crashes.
What Are the Rules for Making a Left Turn in Georgia?
As a Georgia driver, you must follow specific rules to make a lawful left turn at an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway. Specifically, Georgia law says that you must first determine whether any vehicles are approaching you from the opposite direction. If another vehicle is already in the intersection or is close enough to pose a hazard, you must yield the right of way to that vehicle. Once other vehicles with the right of way have passed and the road is clear, you can make your left turn.
The law also specifies that you must use the correct lane if you are approaching an intersection and intend to turn left. You should approach the intersection in the farthest left-hand lane that is legally available for traffic moving in your direction. Turn in the left of the intersection’s center and aim to exit the intersection in the same left-hand lane you were in when you entered.
What Are the Differences Between Protected and Unprotected Left Turns?
A protected left turn occurs when a traffic signal displays a green left-turn arrow. This arrow means that you can make your left turn safely because you have the right of way, while oncoming traffic has a red light and must stop. You shouldn’t have to worry about vehicles coming from the opposite direction while you turn.
On the other hand, an unprotected left turn is when the traffic signal is a flashing yellow arrow or steady circular green light without an arrow. This signal means you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing the street before you turn. It’s your responsibility to wait for a clear gap in traffic to complete your turn safely. This type of turn requires more attention because you must accurately judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles.
Can You Turn Left on a Red Light in Georgia?
Georgia law allows you to turn left on red in limited circumstances. If you are driving on a one-way street facing a steady circular red traffic light, you can turn left onto another one-way street where traffic flows to the left. However, you must first come to a complete stop, check for pedestrians, and yield the right of way to them as necessary. You must also yield to any other traffic that has a green light and is moving through the intersection according to the traffic signal. Importantly, you are never allowed to make this type of left turn at intersections where signs explicitly prohibit turning left on a red signal.
Can You Pull into the Intersection When Turning Left in Georgia?
Pulling your vehicle into an intersection while waiting to turn left in Georgia is legal. This means you can enter the intersection and wait in the middle until it’s safe to complete your turn. You should only do this at a green light, yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians first. However, you should only enter the intersection if you believe you can complete your left turn without getting stuck in the intersection once the light changes.
How Do Left Turn Accidents Happen?
Left turn accidents commonly occur when drivers overlook oncoming traffic or misjudge the speed or distance of other vehicles. When turning left, the driver must wait for a gap in oncoming traffic. If a driver thinks the gap is big enough but misjudges the speed of any approaching cars, they can collide with oncoming traffic. Similarly, if a driver doesn’t see an oncoming vehicle because of blind spots or distractions, they might turn directly into that vehicle’s path.
Another frequent cause of left turn accidents is drivers ignoring or misunderstanding traffic signals. For example, a driver might turn left on a green light without realizing they don’t have a protected turn and must yield to oncoming traffic. Left turn accidents can also occur if drivers speed up to beat yellow lights before they turn red and make rushed and unsafe turns.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Left Turn Accident in Georgia?
In Georgia, the driver who makes a left turn is often held liable for accidents that occur during this maneuver. This is because the law requires the turning driver to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic close enough to pose a hazard.
However, there are exceptions. If the oncoming driver was speeding or running a red light, they might be at fault, or both drivers might share the blame. When poor road conditions contribute to an accident, other parties might be liable, such as the local government agency responsible for road maintenance.
How Do You Prove Who Is At Fault for the Accident?
Lawyers and other investigators use various types of evidence to determine how a left turn accident occurred and who is at fault. This could include evidence such as:
- Traffic camera recordings
- Dashcam videos
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Photographs of vehicle damage
- Cell phone records
- GPS data
- Vehicle “black box” data
- Traffic light timing information
- Weather reports
- Road condition reports
- Diagrams of the intersection
- Expert witness testimony
- Medical records of injuries
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Skid mark analysis
- Alcohol and drug test results
- Debris from the accident scene
- Traffic citations
Our Georgia Car Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help You
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a Georgia left turn accident and unsure who is at fault, contact Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. for a free initial consultation. Our team is here to handle all the legal details and pursue the compensation you need so you can focus on recovering.
