Left-Turn Accidents in Austin, TX

Austin Left-Turn Accident Lawyer — Pursuing Justice After Dangerous Intersection Collisions

Left-turn accidents are among the most dangerous types of intersection collisions in Austin. When a driver turns left across oncoming traffic and misjudges the speed or distance of an approaching vehicle — or simply fails to see it — the result is a devastating T-bone collision where the oncoming vehicle strikes the turning vehicle broadside. These crashes produce severe injuries because the side of a vehicle offers far less structural protection than the front or rear, and the occupants on the struck side are mere inches from the point of impact.

McFarlane Law represents victims of left-turn accidents at intersections throughout Austin. Our car accident attorneys know that left-turn crashes often result in catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. We fight aggressively to hold the turning driver accountable and secure compensation that covers our clients’ complete medical needs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Dangerous Intersections for Left-Turn Crashes in Austin

Austin has hundreds of intersections where unprotected left turns create daily collision risks. An unprotected left turn — one where the driver has a green light but no green arrow — requires the turning driver to judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic and find a safe gap. This judgment fails regularly, especially during peak traffic hours when drivers become impatient and try to squeeze through marginal gaps. The intersection of Lamar Boulevard and Riverside Drive sees heavy left-turn conflicts during rush hour. The intersection of Congress Avenue and Oltorf is another frequent site of left-turn crashes. Along Burnet Road, South First Street, and Guadalupe Street, the mix of vehicle traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians makes left turns particularly hazardous. Intersections on Research Boulevard (US-183) and Anderson Lane handle high volumes with unprotected left-turn phases. Our familiarity with these high-risk intersections helps us investigate and build strong cases for our clients.

Who Is at Fault in a Left-Turn Accident?

In most left-turn accidents, the turning driver is presumed to be at fault. Texas law requires drivers making a left turn to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. When a turning driver misjudges a gap and collides with an oncoming vehicle, they have violated this duty. However, liability is not always straightforward. The oncoming driver may share fault if they were speeding significantly above the posted limit, making it impossible for the turning driver to accurately judge the closing distance. The oncoming driver may bear responsibility if they ran a red light or yellow light and struck the turning vehicle that had entered the intersection on a protected green arrow. Signal malfunctions may create shared liability if both drivers received green signals. Road design may be a contributing factor if sight lines are obstructed by landscaping, signage, or road geometry. Understanding these nuances is critical because Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule — you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Our attorneys work to minimize any fault attributed to our clients and maximize recovery. Learn more about determining fault in car accidents.

Injuries Common in Left-Turn Crashes

T-bone collisions from left-turn accidents produce a characteristic pattern of severe injuries. The occupants on the struck side of the turning vehicle are at greatest risk because the vehicle door provides minimal protection against the oncoming vehicle’s force. Traumatic brain injuries result from the side impact jolting the head into the B-pillar, side window, or door frame. Broken ribs and pelvis fractures are common from the lateral crushing forces. Spleen and liver lacerations occur when the torso is compressed from the side. Arm and shoulder fractures on the impact side are frequent. Even occupants on the far side of the struck vehicle can suffer serious injuries from the violent lateral acceleration. For the occupants of the oncoming vehicle, the frontal impact can cause airbag injuries, whiplash, and chest injuries from seatbelt loading.

Building a Strong Left-Turn Accident Case

Successfully prosecuting a left-turn accident claim requires evidence that the turning driver failed to yield. Our attorneys move quickly to preserve traffic camera footage from the City of Austin’s traffic management center, obtain any red-light camera images from the intersection, collect dashcam footage from the involved vehicles and witnesses, document signal timing patterns to determine what each driver saw, and retain accident reconstruction experts who can calculate vehicle speeds and determine whether the turning driver had adequate time and distance to complete the turn safely. This thorough approach leaves insurance companies with little room to dispute liability.

Related Resources

Explore related topics: Austin Car Accident Lawyer, Red & Yellow Light Accidents, Car Accident Liability, U-Turn Accidents, Common Injuries. For motorcycle riders hit during left turns, our team handles motorcycle accident cases across the metro. Related practice areas: personal injury, wrongful death.

Free Consultation — Austin Left-Turn Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a left-turn accident at an Austin intersection, contact McFarlane Law for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will investigate the crash, determine fault, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Call (512) 222-4900 now — no fee unless we win.