Left-turn accidents are among the most common and hazardous collisions encountered at the busy intersections in Naperville. These turns place drivers squarely in the path of oncoming vehicles, and since they often cross several lanes, the risk associated with a collision is high. Such crashes can occur instantly, resulting in costly medical expenses, property damage, and injuries that can change lives. Gaining a deeper understanding of these incidents is crucial for safeguarding your rights.
If you’ve been injured in a collision, reach out to Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy at 312-775-0042 to discuss your situation and consider your legal options.
Why Do Left-Turn Accidents Happen So Often in DuPage County?
In 2023, 39% of pedestrian crashes in Chicago involved left-turning drivers. The danger of left turns stems from crossing over lanes of oncoming traffic, exacerbated by several contributing factors.
DuPage County has some of the busiest roads in Illinois. Naperville’s growth contributes to accidents by increasing the volume of vehicles at complex intersections. These crowded areas increase the likelihood of accidents due to drivers misjudging the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles. Large vehicles in opposing left-turn lanes can obstruct views, leading to risky blind turns.
High-Density Traffic and Congestion
DuPage County experiences heavy traffic, especially on busy roads lined with commercial areas. The high volume of cars makes it challenging for drivers to find safe opportunities to turn, often leading them to take unnecessary risks. During rush hour, congestion heightens impatience, driving some to try to slip into gaps in traffic.
Driver Errors and Misjudgments
Most accidents stem from human error, with the turning driver typically at fault for failing to yield. Drivers often misjudge the speed of oncoming vehicles, underestimating larger ones or missing smaller ones, such as motorcycles. Obstructed views from other cars turning left can limit visibility. Distractions also play a role, as inattentive drivers might overlook nearby traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians. Occasionally, a driver in a self-driving car or an automated vehicle might experience a software glitch or sensor failure that causes it to behave unpredictably, leading to a collision.
Complex Infrastructure and Signaling
Unprotected left turns at intersections without a dedicated green arrow raise accident risks due to oncoming traffic. Flashing yellow arrows, intended to improve traffic flow, often confuse drivers, who may interpret them as right-of-way signals rather than yield signs. In multi-lane intersections, uncertainty about the correct turning lane can also lead to crashes.
Aggressive Driving Behaviors
Many drivers attempt to rush through red or yellow lights, believing that oncoming traffic will halt, which often leads to T-bone accidents. Speeding vehicles in intersections limit a turning driver’s reaction time.
Who Is Usually at Fault in a Left-Turn Accident in Illinois?
In most cases, drivers making a left turn are deemed to have left-turn accident fault. According to Illinois law, left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming vehicles that pose an immediate danger. Therefore, it’s primarily the turning driver’s responsibility to ensure the way is clear. However, there are exceptions where the other driver may share liability for the collision.
When Oncoming Drivers Share Liability
If the approaching vehicle was going well over the speed limit, it could have distorted the turning driver’s ability to judge the distance. Additionally, if a driver runs a red light while you’re turning, they may forfeit their right-of-way. Negligence can also be mutual if the other car was swerving through traffic or driving without headlights at night.
How Can Fault Be Proven After a DuPage County Left-Turn Crash?
To establish liability after a crash, you need clear evidence that the other party’s negligence caused it, along with proof that your injuries directly resulted from the collision.
Understanding the process of a car accident case helps you collect the evidence needed to support your claim. For a left-turn collision, evidence includes:
Video Evidence
Dash cam footage as well as traffic camera footage at the intersection can reveal important details about the accident, including the driver’s actions during the turn, the speed of the oncoming car, and the timing of the incident.
Witness Testimonies
People who witnessed the event can confirm details such as the light’s color, how fast the cars were moving, or whether the driver who turned indicated their intention with a signal.
Skid Mark Analysis
Tire marks on the road can provide important insights into an accident, such as the at-fault vehicle’s speed and braking distance. They also help investigators understand the actions taken or not taken by the driver to avoid the crash.
Vehicle Damage Pattern
The location of the collision and the condition of the vehicles can help establish liability in DuPage County left-turn accidents. Investigators can assess speed and turning radius by examining damage.
Obtaining evidence after a motor vehicle accident can be difficult for those without legal experience. A DuPage County car accident lawyer can access important resources, like video footage and traffic data. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy, LLC, to help you secure fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the right of way in a left-turn accident in Illinois?
In Illinois, the driver going straight usually has the right of way, while the left-turning driver must yield unless they have a protected green arrow, which stops oncoming traffic.
What evidence is most important in proving fault in a left-turn crash?
To prove fault in a left-turn accident, video footage and witness testimony are vital. Additionally, the damage location on the vehicles can indicate speeding or show if the turning driver had nearly cleared the intersection.
How does comparative negligence impact claims involving left-turn accidents in Illinois?
Illinois follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, allowing you to pursue compensation only if you’re less than 50% at fault. Your compensation may be reduced based on your share of the fault, and if you’re 50% or more responsible, you won’t receive any compensation.
