Left Turn Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX

Injured by a Left-Turning Driver? Contact the Adley Law Firm Today

Discuss Your Next Steps, Claims and Compensation Options with an Experienced Houston Attorney

Left-turn car accidents are among the most frequent and dangerous collisions on Houston’s roads. Left-turn accidents typically occur at intersections, stop signs, and driveways when a driver turning left crosses the path of oncoming traffic. The nature of an unprotected left turn (one without a dedicated green arrow) inherently carries higher risk because it requires judging oncoming vehicles’ speed and distance. When combined with Houston’s heavy traffic and fast-paced driving conditions, a simple miscalculation can lead to a serious wreck.

Sadly, left-turn crashes often result in severe T-bone impacts and broadside collisions. A vehicle making a left turn can be struck directly in the side by an oncoming car at full speed, causing devastating injuries. Passengers on the side of the turning vehicle are especially vulnerable. Such accidents can leave victims with significant injuries, hefty medical bills, and complicated legal questions about who is at fault. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a left-turn accident in Houston, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact the Adley Law Firm for a free consultation, we are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Read More:

Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents
Determining Fault in a Left-Turn Accident
What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident
Seeking Compensation for Injuries
How the Adley Law Firm Can Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Client Reviews

Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents in Houston

Most left-turn accidents boil down to driver error. Houston’s busy intersections and even neighborhood streets see these crashes often, especially when drivers are impatient or inattentive. Some of the most common causes of left-turn collisions include:

Failing to yield the right-of-way: A driver turns left without yielding to oncoming traffic. This often happens during an unprotected left turn (no green arrow) and is a violation of Texas law.
Misjudging oncoming speed or distance: The left-turning driver underestimates how fast an approaching vehicle is or overestimates the gap, causing a collision.
Trying to “beat the light”: The driver attempts a left turn as the traffic light is changing (for example, racing through a yellow or red light), instead of waiting safely.
Distractions: The driver is distracted by a cellphone, GPS, passengers, or other factors and turns without paying full attention to oncoming traffic.
Impairment or fatigue: The driver is under the influence of alcohol/drugs or extremely tired, which impairs judgment and reaction time.

Houston’s mix of high-speed thoroughfares and crowded city streets means these mistakes can easily lead to tragedy. A momentary lapse in judgment during a left turn can result in a violent crash. T-bone collisions (where one car’s front end crashes into the side of another) are common in left-turn accidents, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Poor weather or low visibility can make matters worse, but the root cause is usually a driver’s failure to yield or miscalculation. Staying alert, patient, and following traffic signals is critical when making left turns, yet many drivers don’t, which is why left-turn accidents remain so prevalent in Houston.

Determining Fault in a Left-Turn Accident

After a left-turn accident, one of the first questions is usually: who is at fault? In Texas, the traffic laws clearly state that a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles that are close enough to be a hazard. This means that in most left-turn collisions, the driver making the left turn will be presumed to be at fault for failing to yield. Insurance companies and police officers often point to the left-turning driver as the responsible party, especially if that driver was cited for a failure-to-yield violation.

However, there are important exceptions and nuances. If the oncoming driver was also driving negligently, they may share blame. For instance, the oncoming vehicle might have been:

Speeding excessively through the intersection.
Running a red light or going through a stop sign.
Illegally passing other cars and overtaking in the intersection.

In such cases, fault may not rest solely on the left-turning driver. Texas follows a comparative negligence rule, which means each party’s share of fault can be assessed. If the other driver’s actions (speeding, running a light, etc.) contributed to the crash, they can be held partially liable. For example, if an investigation finds the oncoming driver was 30% at fault and you (the left-turning driver) were 70% at fault, you could still recover some damages (though reduced by your 30% share). On the other hand, if you were more than 50% at fault, Texas law would bar you from recovering damages from the other driver.

Proving you were not (fully) at fault in a left-turn accident requires solid evidence. Key evidence that can strengthen your case includes:

Witness statements: Neutral eyewitnesses who saw the collision can confirm if the other driver was speeding or blew through a light, or if you had a green arrow, etc.
Video footage: Surveillance cameras or dashcam footage can show exactly what happened during the turn and impact.
Police report: The responding officer’s accident report will typically note factors like skid marks, signal colors, and may even assign preliminary fault or cite a driver for traffic violations.
Accident reconstruction: In complex cases, experts can analyze vehicle damage, road evidence, and physics to reconstruct the crash and determine likely fault.

Gathering this evidence can be challenging on your own. This is where an experienced Houston car accident lawyer can make a big difference. The Adley Law Firm can investigate the accident thoroughly, obtain traffic camera footage or witness testimony, and build a compelling case to show exactly how the crash happened. Our goal is to prove the other driver’s negligence (for example, that they failed to stop or were driving recklessly) so that you can “win” your left-turn accident claim and recover the compensation you need.

What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident in Houston

A car crash can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. Here is a helpful step-by-step guide on what you should do immediately after a left-turn accident in Houston:

Ensure safety and move out of traffic. If your vehicle is drivable, carefully pull over to a safe area away from oncoming cars. Turn on your hazard lights. If the car is not movable, or if anyone is injured and cannot be moved, turn on hazards, stay in a safe spot, and wait for help.
Call 911 and report the accident. Texas law requires you to report an accident if someone is injured or there is significant property damage. Dial 911 to alert Houston police and emergency medical services. Tell the dispatcher your location and if anyone is hurt. Even in a minor fender-bender, calling the police is wise, an official accident report will be valuable for any insurance claim.
Seek medical attention immediately. If you or anyone else is injured, request medical assistance when you call 911. Don’t refuse an evaluation by paramedics, your health is the top priority. Even if you feel “okay,” get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Injuries like whiplash or concussions might not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical documentation also connects your injuries to the accident, which will be important for any claim later.
Document the scene. If you are able, gather as much information as possible at the accident scene. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver (name, phone, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license number, license plate). Also collect contact info from any eyewitnesses. Use your phone to take photographs of the vehicles’ positions, damage to all cars, skid marks or debris, the intersection or road layout, traffic signs or signals, and any visible injuries you sustained. This evidence can be invaluable in proving what happened.
Do not admit fault. Be polite and cooperative with the other driver and police, but do not apologize or say anything that sounds like you are admitting blame for the accident. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted later as an admission of fault. When you speak with the police officer, stick to the facts of what occurred. It’s okay to say “I’m not sure” if you don’t know an answer. Never speculate about who caused the crash until all the facts are reviewed.
Notify your insurance company. As soon as reasonably possible (ideally within 24 hours), report the accident to your own auto insurance company. In Texas, you have a duty to inform your insurer of accidents, even if the other driver was completely at fault. Provide the basic facts of what happened. However, avoid giving a recorded statement or discussing fault with the other driver’s insurance adjuster until you’ve sought legal advice (especially if you were injured). Simply let your insurer know the incident occurred.
Consult a car accident attorney. If you were injured or fault is being disputed, it’s wise to speak to a Houston personal injury lawyer before dealing with the insurance companies in depth. An attorney can advise you on your rights, handle communications with the insurers, and start investigating the crash immediately. Remember, the at-fault driver’s insurance will try to pay you as little as possible or might unfairly blame you, having a lawyer on your side helps protect your interests. Most injury attorneys (including Adley Law Firm) offer a free consultation, so it won’t cost you anything to get professional advice.

Seeking Compensation for Left-Turn Accident Injuries

A serious left-turn accident can leave you with mounting medical bills, lost income from missed work, and pain and suffering. Under Texas law, if another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you have the right to seek financial compensation for all these losses. This typically involves filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. In a left-turn scenario, that usually means the claim is filed with the left-turning driver’s liability insurance (if you were the oncoming driver who was hit), or if you were the left-turning driver and the other driver was partially at fault (for example, they were speeding), you would file a claim with their insurer.

Types of damages you may recover include:

Medical expenses – Emergency room visits, hospital bills, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care you’ll need for your injuries.
Lost wages – Income lost due to missing work while recovering, and even future lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work going forward.
Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall impact on your quality of life. Major accidents can lead to PTSD, anxiety, or chronic pain which deserve compensation.
Property damage – The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Other losses – This can include things like car rental costs, towing fees, or in tragic cases, wrongful death damages if a family member was killed in the accident.

The process of pursuing compensation usually begins with an insurance claim. Texas is an “at-fault” state, meaning the driver who caused the accident (and their insurer) is responsible for the damages. After a left-turn accident, an insurance adjuster may contact you to get statements or offer a quick settlement. Be cautious, their job is to save the insurance company money. It’s common for initial settlement offers to be much lower than what your case is truly worth, especially if you have serious injuries that require ongoing care. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf. At the Adley Law Firm, we handle all interactions with the insurance companies to push for a fair settlement that fully covers your losses.

If the insurer will not agree to a reasonable settlement, you have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys are prepared to take a case to court when necessary to fight for justice. Every accident case is unique, so settlement amounts can vary widely. Minor injury cases might settle for a few thousand dollars, while accidents causing life-altering injuries (or multiple surgeries, etc.) can result in settlements or verdicts in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. We will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine the appropriate compensation and will not hesitate to seek the maximum amount available under the law.

Covering your expenses while your claim is pending: One major concern after an accident is paying medical bills in the meantime. If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage on your auto policy, you can use it to pay for some of your medical costs and lost income right away, regardless of who was at fault. (Texas drivers are often offered PIP coverage, and if you didn’t reject it in writing, you may have it.) Likewise, if you have health insurance, you should use it for treatment so you don’t delay care — just know that your health insurer may later claim reimbursement from any settlement (this is called subrogation). If the driver who hit you was uninsured or underinsured, you may need to use your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is designed to cover your losses when the other driver can’t. A knowledgeable lawyer will explore all these avenues to ensure your expenses are paid. The Adley Law Firm can help coordinate with hospitals, health insurers, and auto insurers to make sure medical bills are deferred or paid from the appropriate sources while your claim is being resolved.

How the Adley Law Firm Can Help

Dealing with the aftermath of a left-turn accident can be overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to struggle with medical bills, insurance adjusters, and legal deadlines while also recovering from your injuries. This is where the Adley Law Firm steps in to lighten the burden. Our Houston-based team has decades of experience fighting for car accident victims, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients throughout Texas. When you work with us, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.

Here are a few reasons to consider the Adley Law Firm for your left-turn accident case:

Proven Experience: We have successfully handled numerous car accident cases, including complex left-turn and failure-to-yield accidents. Our attorneys understand Texas traffic laws inside and out, and we know how to build a strong case to prove the other driver’s negligence.
Houston Roots, Statewide Reach: Our firm is proudly based in Houston, and we serve injury victims across Texas. We are familiar with local Houston roads and accident hotspots, but we’re equally comfortable handling cases in any city or county in Texas.
Bilingual Team: Se habla Español. Our legal team is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, so we can assist clients in the language they are most comfortable with. Communication is key in a legal case, and we make sure nothing is lost in translation.
No Upfront Costs: We offer free initial consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing out of pocket, no retainer, no hourly fees. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. This policy allows everyone to access high-quality legal representation, regardless of financial situation.
Personalized Attention: At Adley Law Firm, you’re not just a case number. We treat our clients like family. You will have direct communication with your attorney, regular case updates, and compassionate guidance at every step. We understand how stressful an accident can be, and we strive to make the legal process as smooth as possible for you.

When you hire our firm, we immediately begin investigating and preserving evidence. We’ll obtain accident reports, secure video footage (such as intersection cameras or surveillance videos from nearby businesses), interview witnesses, and consult with accident reconstruction experts if needed. We also handle all communication with insurance companies, if they call, you can simply tell them to speak with your lawyer. Our aggressive negotiation approach often leads to a fair settlement without a lawsuit, but if the insurance company refuses to do what’s right, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and present your case to a jury.

Most importantly, we truly care about our clients. Our mission is to alleviate your stress, fight for the maximum compensation available, and help you move forward after a traumatic left-turn crash. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let our experienced Houston accident attorneys step in and advocate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Left-Turn Accidents

Who is usually at fault in a left-turn accident in Texas?

In the majority of cases, the driver making the left turn is found at fault. Texas law requires left-turning vehicles to yield to oncoming traffic. If a collision happens while turning left, it generally means the turning driver failed to yield. However, there are exceptions. If the other driver was running a red light, speeding excessively, or breaking another law when the crash occurred, they could be partially (or even fully) at fault. Each accident is unique, sometimes both drivers share a portion of blame. An investigation into the specific facts will determine fault. Police and insurance adjusters will look at evidence like skid marks, impact angles, and traffic signal timing to decide who caused the wreck.

How can I win my left-turn accident case and prove I wasn’t at fault?

“Winning” your left-turn accident case means proving that the other driver was the one primarily responsible for the crash. To do this, you’ll need evidence. Start by collecting photographs of the scene and contact information of any eyewitnesses who can support your account. The police report will be an important piece of evidence, especially if the officer cited the other driver for a violation (for example, speeding or running a light). If available, video footage from traffic cameras or dashcams can be the “smoking gun” showing you had a green light or the other driver’s actions. It’s also crucial to avoid saying or doing anything that admits fault after the accident. Working with a car accident attorney can greatly improve your chances of success, your lawyer will know how to subpoena camera footage, obtain cell phone records (to see if the other driver was texting), and bring in experts to reconstruct the accident if necessary. By building a strong case that shows the other driver breached their duty (like failing to yield or driving recklessly) and that this caused the crash, you’ll be in a solid position to secure a favorable settlement or court verdict.

I was T-boned while turning left, what should I do?

Being T-boned while making a left turn is a frightening experience, and it often results in serious injuries. In this situation, first make sure you get the medical care you need. Call 911 from the scene (or have someone call for you) so that police and EMS come to help. If you suspect your injuries are serious, let the paramedics take you to the hospital. Once the immediate medical issues are addressed, it’s important to gather information about the crash. If you were the one turning left when you got T-boned, you might initially assume you’re automatically at fault, but that’s not always true. The other driver could have been speeding or ran a red light, which means fault isn’t entirely on you. Try to recall what the traffic light was showing when you began your turn, and see if any witnesses saw the other car’s actions. After the accident, contact an experienced Houston accident lawyer. They can investigate further by obtaining traffic light data, any available video, and interviewing witnesses to determine if the other driver was negligent. Even if you were partly at fault, a lawyer can help protect you from unfair blame and work to recover compensation if the other driver contributed to the collision. Above all, focus on recovering from your injuries and follow your doctors’ orders. Your health comes first, and legal matters can be handled with the help of your attorney.

If a passing car hit my vehicle while I was turning left, who is liable?

It’s not uncommon for impatient drivers to try to overtake a left-turning vehicle, and this can cause a collision. If a car behind you tried to pass you on the left as you were making a left turn, that driver will often be considered at fault for the accident. Texas rules of the road prohibit passing within 100 feet of an intersection:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}, and a driver who attempts to overtake another vehicle that is turning left is likely violating those rules. For example, imagine you slowed down and signaled to turn left into a driveway, and the driver behind you swung out into the oncoming lane to zoom around you – if they strike your car in the process, they failed to yield to your turning movement. In such a scenario, the passing driver breached their duty to drive safely and obey lane markings (often, there will be a double yellow line if passing is not allowed). That said, insurance companies will investigate the specifics. They’ll consider whether you signaled properly, whether the passing zone was legal, and other factors. Generally, though, the vehicle that was attempting to overtake bears most of the fault. If this happens, be sure to get the police report and witness statements, because those can corroborate that the other driver tried to pass you illegally. An attorney can use that evidence to hold the passing driver liable for the damages.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for a left-turn accident?

Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, thanks to Texas’s comparative negligence laws. Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (also known as proportionate responsibility). This rule says you can recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, any compensation you receive would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 25% at fault and the other driver is 75% at fault, you could recover 75% of your total damages (so, if your losses are $20,000, you would recover $15,000 instead of the full amount). If you are 51% or more at fault, you would be barred from recovering anything from the other driver. These determinations can be contentious, since insurance companies often try to push as much blame onto the victim as possible to minimize payouts. That’s why having a lawyer advocate for you is important, your attorney can fight back against exaggerated blame and present evidence to show the other party’s greater fault. By doing so, they help maximize the compensation you can legally recover.

Client Reviews

“Working with them was the best decision I could’ve made when it came to my car accident. They were very knowledgeable and patient, John & Juan were of great help in answering all the questions I had walking me through the process and being extremely patient with me asking a million questions. Couldn’t be more grateful to work with them in this hard time for me. 10/10 would recommend if you experience this unfortunate event.”

– Arthur P.

“My experience with Juan, Kevin, and anyone else that I ever had the pleasure of working with has been wonderful! Over a long two years they worked diligently to come to a settlement that would put money in my pocket. If you are ever looking for a personal injury law firm to help you, this is the one! Thank y’all again, for the hard work over the last two years!!”

– Hannah R.

“Excellent service, they called to check on me on a weekly basis as I recovered from my accident. They were also good at giving me updates with my case if anything changed. Juan was very helpful in answering all my questions and concerns. Would definitely recommend!”

– Hernan D.

“Taking a moment to share my experience with Adley law firm. Juan at Adley was extremely helpful with handling my case. He made sure I was aware of everything going on and ensuring I was receiving the proper care. Thanks to you and your team for handling my case with care and professionalism. 10/10 recommend.”

– Pablo V.

“The team at Adley Law Firm provided excellent guidance through my personal injury case. Gil, Juan and Olga were knowledgeable, patient, determined and highly organized . I would definitely recommend them to anyone.”

– Damien M.