Who Is at Fault in Georgia Left‑Turn Accidents?

Being involved in a car accident, no matter the cause, can be frightening and overwhelming. Left-turn car accidents are one of the most common types, and determining who is at fault for a left-turn accident in Georgia can be complex without the proper information and experienced legal counsel. 

Understanding how right-of-way rules for left-turn collisions differ from other types of accidents can help protect yourself when filing a claim or consulting an Atlanta left-turn car accident lawyer. 

At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we regularly represent clients who have been injured in these types of accidents. We are well-versed in Georgia law and are committed to helping our clients get the justice they deserve. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through Georgia-specific rules for determining fault in left-turn accidents, the types of evidence typically used, what you can expect in terms of settlement ranges, and the steps to take after being injured. Additionally, having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and your path to recovery. 

Georgia’s Left-Turn Right-of-Way Law

All drivers in Georgia are required to follow the state’s Left-Turn Right-of-Way Law when making a left turn at a public or private intersection, driveway, or roadway.  

The law is designed to protect you and oncoming vehicles that have the right-of-way. When making a left turn, you must: 

• • Check for any approaching vehicles from the opposite direction.
  • Yield to all oncoming traffic before making your left turn. 
  • Only complete the turn once all oncoming traffic and the road have cleared. 

Georgia recognizes two types of legal left turns: 

1. Protected Left Turns: These occur when you have a green arrow, and oncoming traffic is stopped. While you are not required to yield in this scenario, you have the right-of-way. Always check for pedestrians or unexpected hazards before turning.
2. Unprotected Left Turns: These occur on a flashing yellow arrow or a solid green light. You may proceed with the left turn only when the oncoming traffic is clear. Always follow right-of-way rules to ensure a safe and lawful turn.

It’s also important to note that Georgia does allow left turns on red lights in specific circumstances—only when turning from a one-way street to another one-way street. You still need to complete a full stop and ensure the intersection is clear. 

Common Causes of Left‑Turn Crashes

Although Georgia has strict laws in place to prevent potential left-turn crashes, driver negligence or failure to follow right-of-way laws can still lead to devastating collisions.

As a driver on Georgia roads, it’s important to know the common causes of these crashes in case you find yourself in one. This will help keep you and others safe on the roads and identify liability, allowing you to pursue compensation during the legal process if you find yourself in an accident.  

Common causes of left-turn accidents include: 

• • Failing to Yield or Misjudging Speed: Unfortunately, many drivers fail to properly yield to oncoming traffic or misjudge the distance or speed of an approaching vehicle, leading to collisions. 
  • A Distracted or Impaired Driver Making the Turn: A driver making a left turn while distracted, under the influence, or otherwise impaired increases the risk of a crash. 
  • An Oncoming Driver Speeding or Running a Red Light: Accidents can occur when an oncoming driver is speeding or runs a red light, giving the turning driver little time to react safely. 
  • Obstructed View or Poor Visibility: Limited visibility due to weather, parked vehicles, or roadway design can prevent a driver from seeing oncoming traffic clearly before making a turn. 

Default Fault Rule and Its Key Exceptions

While Georgia law determines that the default at-fault party of left-turn crashes is the turning driver, there are some exceptions to this rule. Alternatively, other parties, such as the oncoming driver, could also be at fault. 

To help you better understand your rights from a left-turn crash, here are some of the key exceptions to the default-fault rule: 

• • Oncoming Driver is Speeding 
  • Traffic Signals Not Working Properly 
  • Rear-End Pushes Turning Car Into Intersection 
  • Emergency Vehicle Navigating in Traffic 

Georgia’s Modified Comparative Negligence (50 % Bar Rule)

When determining who is at fault for a left-turn accident in Georgia, the state follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that an injured driver or passenger can receive compensation even if they were partially at fault during the crash, as long as they were less than 50% at fault. 

The 50% Bar Rule is especially pertinent to understanding your rights. It states that the plaintiff can only recover damages from the accident if their fault is below 50%. If any higher, they are unable to recover any compensation. 

Evidence That Proves Fault

If you are a victim of a left-turn crash, your Georgia personal injury lawyer will collect various types of evidence to determine who was at fault for the accident and protect your rights to compensation. 

Types of evidence collected are: 

• • Police Crash Report & Citations
  • Intersection/DOT Cameras, Dashcams, Black-Box Data
  • Skid Marks, Debris, and Vehicle Damage Angles
  • Eyewitness & Expert-Reconstruction Testimony

Left-Turn T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents

Left-turn T-bone accidents are a common and dangerous type of left-turn accident, typically occurring when one driver fails to yield before a turn. Unlike standard left-turn accidents, either driver may be at fault depending on who violated traffic laws. In Georgia, this creates an exception to the usual fault rules for left turn collisions. 

In a T-bone crash, the perpendicular impact often results in serious injuries, especially to the driver or passenger struck on the side. Common injuries include thoracic trauma, pelvic fractures, and traumatic brain injuries, making compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages especially pertinent for these cases. 

Determining fault for these crashes can be complex. While it might seem obvious to blame the driver who hit the other car, fault often depends on who failed to follow the law, which affects how much each party is responsible for the damage. 

Typical Injuries & Damages 

Left-turn crashes are especially dangerous and can even be fatal, which makes following Georgia’s traffic laws and staying alert behind the wheel even more important. As the leading car crash attorney in Atlanta, we have seen firsthand how severe injuries from left-turn crashes can be. 

Injuries can range from soft-tissue damage, like whiplash and sprains, to catastrophic harm like spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and internal organ damage. The impact of a left-turn collision, especially at high speeds, often results in long-term medical needs and costs. 

Victims may be entitled to economic damages (i.e., lost wages or medical bills) or non-economic damages (i.e., pain and suffering). In cases involving DUI or red-light violations, punitive damages may also be applicable, designed to punish illegal or reckless behavior.

What to Do After a Left‑Turn Crash 

If you’ve been involved in a left-turn collision in Georgia, every step you take afterward is crucial for your safety, health, and legal case:

• • Call 911 & Get Medical Care: If possible, move to a secure location first and call 911 immediately. If you are injured, seek medical care and get documentation of your injuries—this will help build your case. 
  • Photograph Scene, Vehicles, and Signals: Make sure to document the collision scene. Take photos of the location, vehicle damage, skid marks/debris, and nearby traffic signs or cameras. This will help your car accident attorney determine fault. 
  • Collect Witness Info: If any bystanders saw the accident, collect their names and contact information for witness testimony. This is crucial in identifying and proving liability to insurance companies. 
  • Notify Insurers and Avoid a Recorded Statement: Report the accident to insurers, but avoid providing a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney. 

How an Atlanta Left-Turn Accident Lawyer Helps

A left-turn collision can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. Hiring a skilled Georgia personal injury lawyer can ease the burden, protect your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. 

In Georgia, you must file a personal injury claim within two years of the accident, under the state’s statute of limitations. An experienced Atlanta auto accident attorney understands how to navigate Georgia’s complex fault rules and negotiate effectively with insurance companies to prove liability and maximize your compensation.

At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we fight aggressively to secure full compensation for our clients. Your well-being is our top priority. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing until we win your case. We are your advocates during this difficult time. 

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FAQs

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes, under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault. 

Does a green arrow make the oncoming driver 100 % liable?

While a green arrow grants the turning driver the right of way, liability can still fall on the oncoming driver if they run a red light or engage in other negligent behaviors. 

Will my insurance rates rise if I’m 0 % at fault?

Generally, in Georgia, your insurance rates should not increase if you’re not at fault. However, your driving history and other past claims can influence your rates. Reach out to your insurance provider directly for more information. 

How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia?

You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim in Georgia.