Right hand turns are a common driving maneuver we do at four-way stops, red lights and many other intersections. However, because we do them so often, it is easy to get distracted. It only takes a split second to get into an accident because we forgot to come to a complete stop or to check for pedestrians, bicyclists and other traffic.
Rizk Law talks about right-hand turns, who may be at fault and important reminders about taking steps to protect yourself and others during a right-hand turn.
Our firm offers free, no-obligation initial consultations to victims injured by a negligent driver. We use this time to discuss your accident and potential legal options. There is no risk to you if we represent you, because there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. In fact, we do not get paid until the end of a case, and only if we recover compensation for you.
Causes of Right-Turn Crashes
Very often, a right-turn accident will happen simply because the driver failed to fully stop or check for other cars and other vulnerable road users at the intersection. Other types of driver errors that cause this kind of car crash include:
- Using a cellphone or engaging in other types of distracted behavior
- Driving while impaired
- Failing to properly check for oncoming vehicles
- Turning right on red at an intersection where it is not allowed
- Neglecting to fully stop before beginning to turn
- Failing to properly signal to indicate to other cars, pedestrians and bicyclists that you are turning
- Neglecting to properly look in your mirrors or check around the side of your vehicle for pedestrians or bicyclists
Even collisions that happen at slow speed can cause serious damage. If you were injured by a driver who was negligent while turning, our Portland car accident lawyers are prepared to help you recover compensation for your losses.
Failure to Yield
Many right-turn accidents happen because one or both drivers failed to yield to other traffic. Driving defensively at an intersection can make a huge difference in protecting you and others from negligent motorists who may ignore safe driving laws. Similarly, if you fail to fully stop at an intersection to look for oncoming traffic and vulnerable road users who may be out of sight of your mirrors, you could be at fault for the damages and injuries you cause.
Simple steps you can take to help to prevent an accident while turning right:
- Use your turn signal properly to give other cars and road users time to respond.
- Always come to a full and complete stop before beginning your turn.
- Check your mirrors and to the right of your vehicle for pedestrians, bicycle riders and other traffic.
- Make sure there is no oncoming traffic, even if you have the right of way.
If You Are Involved in a Right-Turn Accident
Even when we take precautions, accidents can still happen. If you are involved in a right-turn car crash, it is very important that you take steps immediately after the accident to protect your health and any potential claim for damages.
We strongly recommend these first actions after an accident:
- Call 9-1-1 to get police and first responders on the scene.
- Check to see if you and any others are injured.
- Cooperate with police, but do not admit any fault or say anything that can be interpreted as admitting fault.
- Look around to see if there is a camera at the intersection and note the location of the accident so you can get video footage later.
- Take pictures if you can do so safely; photograph vehicle damage, and any other information that may tell more about how the crash happened.
- Get statements and contact details from witnesses.
- Get medical attention immediately after the accident to protect your health.
- Seek legal representation.
Recovering Damages if Both Parties Share Fault
Right-hand turns can lead to accidents that cause serious injuries, including back or neck injuries, concussions, spinal cord damage, rotator cuff injuries, whiplash, even a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If the victim was a pedestrian or bicyclist, being struck by a car at even a slow speed can cause serious harm.
Sometimes, fault in this type of crash is clear-cut, especially if the other driver exhibited careless behavior such as speeding through a red light and hitting you while you were in mid-turn. More often, there are multiple parties who may share liability for an accident. In this type of situation, according to Oregon’s modified comparative fault system, you can still pursue a claim. If you are assigned liability in the crash, your share of fault will be paid out of any compensation awarded.
At Rizk Law, in addition to protecting your legal rights, we strive to make sure our clients are not assigned more than their fair share of fault for an accident, and then we pursue the maximum compensation available. Read what some of our clients have said about our services, and then contact our firm to schedule your completely free consultation.
