By Farhan Naqvi, Personal Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas

One of the most common scenarios where car, truck, and SUV accidents occur is during left turns – and many of these result in injury or death.

One such fatal car accident happened in southern Las Vegas near I-215 (Interstate 215) when a woman was trying to make a left turn from Eastern Avenue onto Serene Avenue around 3pm when her 1995 Nissan Maxima sedan was rammed by a 2004 Dodge pickup truck. As a result, 78-year old woman died from her injuries. The 28-year old male driver of the truck suffered minor injuries.

Metro Police are still investigating the accident and what caused it. None of the press reports indicate whether the woman or the man had the right of way at the intersection, which is controlled by a traffic signal. Once authorities determine which motorist was at fault, it could have significant ramifications for any wrongful death lawsuit which might be filed by the victim’s heirs.

However, this incident highlights why left turn wrecks are so dangerous. All vehicles are designed to protect the driver in the event of a frontal crash (which is probably why the pickup driver only sustained minor injuries). But when cars are struck from the side, their occupants are exposed to more potential harm because of the relative lack of protection provided in these areas of vehicles. It should be noted that in model-year 1995, Nissan Maximas were not equipped with side impact airbags.

About the Editor: Farhan R. Naqvi is a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims injured in car accidents, drunk driver crashes, truck wrecks, slip and falls, taxi cab accidents, and bicycle crashes. He also has experience handling spine injury, product liability, underinsured/uninsured driver, and wrongful death cases. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident in Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, Boulder City, Green Valley, or Pahrump, give Farhan a call at 702-553-1000 for a free, no-hassle consultation.