How to Win a Left Turn Accident Case
At intersections around Las Cruces, the “Las Cruces Left” is a common move pulled by motorists. This involves drivers quickly turning left as soon as their light turns green, often trying to beat oncoming traffic. Premature left-turns are a common cause of collisions in New Mexico because they involve quick decision-making and rapid acceleration. Incidents like these can result in severe injuries and significant financial losses, not just for those in cars, but pedestrians as well.
Left-turn accidents often occur due to driver negligence. Under New Mexico law, drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a protected green arrow. Failure to yield can result in a collision and potential liability.
Some of the factors we take into consideration when handling these cases are:
- Traffic signals: Was there a green light, yellow light, or red light? Did the left-turning driver have a protected green arrow?
- Right of way: Did the left-turning driver yield to oncoming traffic as required by law?
- Speed: Was either driver exceeding the speed limit?
- Road conditions: Were there any factors such as rain, fog, or poor visibility that contributed to the accident?
- Driver impairment: Were either driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
These factors are crucial in determining liability and pursuing a successful claim.
Immediately After an Accident
The first step to winning a left turn accident case is to prioritize your health. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Proper documentation of your injuries is crucial for building a strong case. Be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep detailed records of your medical expenses and lost wages. To learn more
Gather Evidence
Collecting evidence as soon as possible is essential for building a solid case. Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, traffic signals, and road conditions. Obtain copies of the police report, witness statements, and any surveillance footage of the accident. Your insurance information and the other driver’s information should also be gathered. If you were unable to gather evidence due to your injuries, that is fine. Your health and safety are always a priority after an accident.
Building a Strong Case – What Do We Need to Win?
To build a strong case, your attorney will gather evidence in addition to what you provide. They will interview witnesses, consult with experts as needed, establish liability, and attempt to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the other driver was at fault for the accident. This may involve analyzing traffic laws, accident reconstruction, and other factors. Additionally, your attorney will calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Strong left-turn accident cases often involve clear evidence of negligence, such as video footage capturing the accident, eyewitness testimonies corroborating the victim’s account, or a driver’s admission of fault. Other factors that can strengthen a case include clear violations of traffic laws by the at-fault driver, expert witness testimony supporting the victim’s claims, and extensive documentation of injuries and losses.
Our Las Cruces Accident Attorneys Can Help
An experienced personal injury attorney can provide invaluable guidance throughout the legal process. If you or a loved one has been injured in a left-turn accident in Las Cruces, contact the Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan for a free consultation. We have a proven track record of helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in New Mexico, contact us today for a free consultation. We are located in Las Cruces and are proud to service the surrounding areas, including Doña Ana, Santo Tomas, La Mesa, Fort Selden, Radium Springs, and beyond.