Car accidents involving improper turning are among the most dangerous types of traffic collisions. A reckless or illegal turn can and often does, result in devastating injuries or even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to the negligence of another driver making an improper turn in the Philadelphia area, contact Cooper Schall & Levy for prompt, effective legal representation.
Our improper-turning car accident attorneys are well-prepared to protect your right to just compensation. We have an impressive record of successful outcomes, will always treat you with compassion and respect, and will charge you no attorneys’ fees until we recover damages.
Types of Improper Turns
Improper turns either violate traffic laws or put others in danger. The other driver doesn’t need to have made an illegal turn for that party to be held accountable for your injuries. As long as the other party’s lack of reasonable care in making the turn caused the accident, they can be held liable for your losses in a court of law.
Examples of improper turns include:
- Making a turn into oncoming traffic
- Turning at a traffic signal without coming to a full stop
- Turning at a red light with a “No Turn on Red” sign posted
- Making an unsafe turn when a pedestrian or bicyclist has the right of way
- Making an unsafe left-hand turn on a yellow light
- Turning without using a turn signal
- Making an unsafe or illegal U-turn
Services Cooper Schall & Levy Provides
No matter what type of improper turn by a negligent driver has caused you harm, our lawyers have the experience to take the necessary actions to win your case, including:
- Investigating the accident site, surveillance videos, forensic evidence
- Examining police records and medical reports
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses
- Subpoenaing smartphone records
- Checking the defendant’s history of any similar negligence
- Consulting with medical or technical experts who may testify on your behalf
Most importantly, we will use the information we have gathered to develop a strategy designed to win you the damages you deserve through nimble negotiations or, if necessary, vigorous litigation.
Proving Negligence on the Part of the Driver Making an Improper Turn
Legally, all drivers owe others on the road a duty of care and are responsible for knowing traffic laws. To prove negligence, we must show that the defendant’s carelessness was evidenced by such unsafe actions as:
- Failing to pay attention to surrounding/oncoming traffic
- Driving while distracted by texting, talking, eating, etc.
- Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Making a turn without clear visibility
- Making a turn at an excessive speed
- Driving while sleepy or fatigued
Improper Turns Frequently Cause Side-Impact Collisions
Improper turns are the leading cause of side-impact or T-bone collisions. If a negligent driver turns into your vehicle, your car is often totaled, and depending on which side of your car is impacted, the driver or passenger is at risk of severe or fatal injuries.
Why Left Turns Are Especially Dangerous
Many new or cautious drivers go out of their way to avoid left turns. This is because left turns are inherently dangerous, particularly when there is no green arrow or no traffic light at all. Even worse, ongoing cars may be speeding through the intersection, racing to get through before the light turns red. Also, although side airbags are becoming more common, injuries can be even more catastrophic when the impacted car does not have this safety feature.
Injuries You May Have Suffered in an Improper Turning Car Accident
Injuries incurred during an improper turning car accident often result in surgery and lengthy recovery and may be life-altering or result in wrongful death. These injuries include:
- Amputation
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TMIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (e.g. paralysis)
- Second- or third-degree burns
- Neuromuscular damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Loss of sight, hearing
Because such injuries may require long-term and/or round-the-clock care, they can be extraordinarily expensive. Our attorneys are here to fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you need to live in comfort and security for as long as you are incapacitated.
How Full Tort or Limited Tort Insurance in Pennsylvania Affects Damages
Drivers in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania have the option of purchasing “full tort” or “limited tort” car insurance. Your choice can make a big difference in how you are compensated for losses after an accident.
It is wise to choose the full tort option even though it is somewhat more expensive because it allows you to sue for pain and suffering, disfigurement, and disability damages when you are injured in a car accident, even if your injuries don’t reach the state’s legal threshold of “serious.”
Under Pennsylvania law, those who select the limited tort option cannot sue for noneconomic damages unless the injury is considered “serious.” In this case, “serious” is vaguely described as creating “a substantial risk of death or caus(ing) serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.” With limited tort coverage, however, even if your injuries don’t meet this threshold, you can still sue for damages for out-of-pocket expenses like medical costs, loss of income, and property damage.
Whether you have full or limited tort coverage, you need one of our savvy improper-turning car accident attorneys to help you obtain the maximum damages you are entitled to. If you and your family have suffered the anguish of a wrongful death, we will fight aggressively to bring you damages for final medical bills, funeral/burial/cremation costs, and loss of financial and emotional support.
If the defendant has behaved especially egregiously, you may also be awarded punitive damages.
Contact Our Experienced Improper Turning Car Accident Attorneys Now
Because the Pennsylvania personal injury laws pertaining to compensation are not well-defined, it is critical to have an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how best to strategize to protect your rights. At Cooper Schall & Levy, we have the strength and skill to see you through this difficult time. Contact us today so we can begin fighting for your future.
Cooper Schall & Levy provides legal counsel to victims of improper turning car accidents throughout Philadelphia, including surrounding counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
