Left-Turn Accidents at Dangerous Intersections in Palmdale: Who Has the Right of Way Under California Law?

Navigating intersections safely is a fundamental aspect of driving, yet they remain among the most dangerous places on the road. In Palmdale, intersections like Sierra Highway and Avenue S, and Rancho Vista Blvd and 10th Street West are known hotspots for accidents, particularly involving left turns.

These collisions typically occur when drivers misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, leading to devastating consequences. Understanding who has the right of way and how California law assigns liability is critical for drivers and accident victims seeking justice.

Common Left-Turn Crash Scenarios in Palmdale

At busy intersections, such as those on Sierra Highway and Rancho Vista Boulevard, left-turn crashes often happen because drivers fail to properly gauge the timing and speed of approaching vehicles. These intersections frequently handle heavy traffic flow, complicating drivers’ judgments. A driver attempting a left turn across oncoming lanes must accurately assess traffic speed, distance, and signal timings. Misjudgments in these scenarios commonly result in severe collisions, injuries, and sometimes fatalities.

Another frequent scenario involves drivers turning left while the traffic signal is changing from green to yellow or red. Drivers eager to complete their turns might misinterpret the speed of oncoming traffic or underestimate how quickly the traffic signals change, causing a collision.

California’s Right-of-Way Laws: Protected vs. Unprotected Turns

California law distinguishes between protected and unprotected left turns. This differentiation is critical in understanding who has the right of way and how liability is assigned following an accident.

Protected Left Turns

A protected left turn typically involves a dedicated left-turn arrow. When this arrow is green, turning vehicles have the exclusive right of way. During this protected phase, opposing traffic is stopped by red lights, clearly signaling that drivers turning left have priority.
In accidents during a protected left turn phase, the turning driver is usually not liable, assuming they adhered strictly to the traffic signal. Liability instead rests with the driver who violated the red signal or otherwise entered the intersection unlawfully.

Unprotected Left Turns

Unprotected left turns are significantly more complicated under California law. During an unprotected left turn, typically signaled by a solid green light without a specific left-turn arrow, the turning driver must yield to all oncoming traffic. The driver must wait until it is clearly safe to make the turn. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801(a), the driver making a left turn must yield to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are close enough to constitute a hazard during any part of the turning maneuver.

Because of this explicit requirement to yield, drivers making unprotected left turns are commonly found liable in collision scenarios unless there is clear evidence that the oncoming vehicle violated traffic laws or was driving recklessly.

The Burden of Proof in Left-Turn Collisions

Determining liability in left-turn accidents often hinges on clearly establishing which driver had the right of way at the time of the crash. The burden of proof typically rests with the driver turning left, especially in cases of unprotected turns. To successfully dispute liability or share liability with the oncoming driver, substantial evidence must be presented.

This evidence can include:

• Eyewitness accounts detailing the traffic signals, driver behaviors, and vehicle movements.
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage clearly showing the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
• Police reports providing a detailed assessment of the scene, statements from involved parties, and the officer’s determination of fault.
• Expert testimony or accident reconstruction analysis to scientifically evaluate the speeds, braking distances, and driver reactions involved in the collision.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Given the complexities surrounding liability in left-turn accidents, especially those involving busy Palmdale intersections, securing professional legal representation is crucial. Experienced Palmdale car accident attorneys know precisely how to gather, interpret, and present the necessary evidence to establish fault clearly and effectively.

At Kistler Law Firm, APC, we provide diligent, compassionate, and strategic representation for victims of intersection accidents. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with the nuances of California’s traffic laws and leveraging detailed evidence, from camera footage to expert reconstructions, to build strong cases that help our clients recover the full compensation they deserve.

Contact Kistler Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been involved in a left-turn accident at a Palmdale intersection, it is vital to secure experienced legal counsel promptly. At Kistler Law Firm, APC, our dedicated attorneys understand the complexities involved in establishing liability and are committed to ensuring your rights are protected.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and let us guide you through the legal process with clarity, compassion, and effective advocacy.