Under Nevada law, drivers making left turns must yield to approaching vehicles already in the intersection or close enough to pose an immediate hazard. Yet left-turn accidents often occur when a turning vehicle crosses the path of oncoming traffic. Determining responsibility requires examining traffic signals, vehicle speeds, road conditions, and driver behavior.
Naqvi Injury Law represents injured drivers throughout Las Vegas and Nevada. Here’s what you should know about left-turn car accident liability and protecting your right to compensation.
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Who Is at Fault in a Left-Turn Accident in Nevada?
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.253 generally requires drivers turning left to yield to opposing traffic already in the intersection or close enough to create an immediate hazard. This makes the turning driver’s actions a key factor in determining fault. However, responsibility also depends on traffic signals, the other driver’s conduct, and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Nevada’s Yield-Before-Turning Law in Plain English
- Drivers turning left at intersections with circular green lights must yield to approaching vehicles.
- Left-turning drivers have the right-of-way when their traffic light displays a green arrow.
Does Making a Left Turn Mean You Are Automatically At Fault?
No. The oncoming driver may share responsibility if speeding, running a red light, or another unsafe action contributed to the collision. Like rear-end accident fault, left-turn liability depends on the evidence, not assumptions about which driver caused the crash.
When Can the Oncoming Driver Be At Fault or Share Fault?
The oncoming driver’s actions, traffic conditions, and other contributing factors may affect liability in a left-turn car accident.
The Oncoming Driver Ran a Red Light or Was Speeding
An oncoming driver who runs a red light or speeds through a Las Vegas intersection may share or bear full responsibility if their actions contributed to the crash. Dashcam footage, witness statements, and traffic-signal records may establish what happened.
A Third Party Contributed to the Collision
Fault may extend beyond the two drivers. Malfunctioning traffic signals, construction-related obstructions, or another driver’s actions may contribute to an intersection accident. Establishing third-party liability requires evidence connecting those conditions to the collision.
The Oncoming Driver Made an Unexpected Lane Change
A sudden or unsafe lane change may place an approaching vehicle directly in the turning driver’s path. Investigators examine lane markings, witness accounts, and vehicle impact points to assess responsibility.
What if Both Drivers Say They Had the Green Light?
Conflicting statements don’t automatically establish fault. Investigators may review surveillance footage, independent witness accounts, traffic-signal timing, and physical evidence to determine which driver had the right of way.
Nevada’s Comparative Fault System and What It Means for Your Recovery
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means multiple drivers may share responsibility for an accident. Car accident injury victims can recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% responsible. However, their compensation decreases proportionately to their share of responsibility.
For example: Suppose you suffer $100,000 in damages after a left-turn collision. If investigators determine you’re 20% responsible, your potential recovery decreases by $20,000, leaving $80,000 before other applicable factors.
If your share of fault exceeds 50%, Nevada’s comparative negligence rule generally prevents recovery.
Fault percentages depend on the strength of evidence and how it’s presented. An experienced car accident attorney may challenge an insurer’s findings when additional information supports a different allocation of responsibility.
What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident in Nevada
Taking the right steps after a left-turn accident protects your health and strengthens your potential injury claim.
- Call 911 and stay at the scene. Report the collision when required and request emergency assistance for injuries. A police report documents key crash details that can strengthen your claim later.
- Document the accident scene. Photograph vehicle damage, traffic signals, lane markings, skid marks, and road conditions when safe.
- Collect witness information. Request contact details from independent witnesses, especially if drivers disagree about the traffic signal.
- Seek medical attention. Get injuries evaluated promptly, even if symptoms develop later. Keep records of your treatment and expenses.
- Avoid admitting fault. Provide accurate information to police, but don’t speculate about speed, right of way, or responsibility.
- Consult an attorney. A Las Vegas car accident attorney at Naqvi Injury Law will review evidence, assess liability, and explain your legal options before you accept a settlement.
Common Mistakes After a Left-Turn Accident That Can Affect Your Claim
Avoid these mistakes that could weaken your injury claim:
- Accepting the insurer’s initial fault decision: Later evidence may demonstrate the full impact of your damages and change how insurers evaluate responsibility.
- Delaying evidence preservation: Surveillance footage, witness information, and other records may disappear over time.
- Missing filing deadlines: Nevada generally allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, although exceptions apply.
- Settling too early: Understand your injuries, medical expenses, and financial losses before signing a final release.
- Posting about the accident online: Insurers may use social media posts to challenge your account or injuries.
Protect Your Rights and Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer
Naqvi Injury Law offers free consultations to injured drivers facing disputed liability after a Las Vegas intersection accident. Schedule yours today to discuss your legal options and protect your right to compensation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Left-Turn Accidents in Nevada
Is the driver making a left turn always at fault in Nevada?
No. Although Nevada requires left-turning drivers to yield to approaching traffic, fault depends on both drivers’ actions and the available evidence.
What if the oncoming driver was speeding when I turned left?
The oncoming driver may share responsibility if speeding contributed to the collision. Investigators evaluate evidence to determine each driver’s percentage of fault.
What if both drivers say they had a green light?
Witness statements, surveillance footage, traffic-signal records, and vehicle damage may clarify which driver had the right of way.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault for a left-turn accident in Nevada?
Yes, potentially. Nevada generally allows recovery when you are less than 50% at fault, but your compensation decreases based on your percentage of responsibility.