San Diego Left-Turn Accident Lawyer

Left-turn accidents happen in seconds but cause injuries that last for years. A driver misjudges the gap in oncoming traffic, pulls out too soon, and collides with a vehicle traveling through the intersection at full speed. The impact is often severe—striking the front corner or side of the oncoming car where there is little protection for the occupants inside.

At The Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC, our founding attorney has spent over 45 years representing accident victims in California courts. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in collisions throughout San Diego County, and we understand the specific challenges that left-turn crash cases present. Insurance companies often dispute who had the right of way. We know how to prove it.

If you were injured when another driver turned left in front of you and need a San Diego, CA car accident lawyer, our firm offers free consultations and charges no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Why Choose The Law Office Of Elliott Kanter APC For Left-Turn Accidents In San Diego, CA?

Over Four Decades of California Trial Experience

Elliott Kanter has practiced personal injury law in California since 1980. He is admitted to the California State Bar, the United States Supreme Court, and federal courts across the country. Left-turn accidents frequently involve disputes about timing—did the turning driver have enough room to complete the turn safely? Was the oncoming driver speeding? Elliott Kanter knows how to gather evidence that answers these questions and holds the responsible party accountable.

Millions Recovered for Injured Clients

Our firm has secured millions of dollars for clients with catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. Left-turn collisions often result in T-bone impacts where the struck vehicle has minimal protection. We fight for compensation that reflects the true severity of these injuries—not the lowball figure an adjuster offers in the first week.

Your Attorney Handles Your Case Personally

Some firms hand your case off to a paralegal after you sign. Not here. Elliott Kanter manages every case from initial consultation through resolution. You speak directly with the attorney making decisions on your behalf. Questions get answered promptly. You always know what is happening with your case.

No Fees Unless We Win

Serious injuries bring serious financial pressure. Medical bills, lost wages, ongoing treatment costs—they add up quickly. We work on contingency, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

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“Elliot really helped me with a lawsuit for a car accident I was involved in. He’s really on point with communication and goes above and beyond. Highly recommended.” — Ali

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types Of Left-Turn Accident Cases We Handle In San Diego

Left-turn collisions occur at intersections, parking lot entrances, and driveways throughout San Diego County. The driver making the left turn typically bears responsibility, but these cases can become complicated when visibility, traffic signals, or speeding are involved. We handle cases involving:

• Truck accidents. Commercial trucks making left turns across traffic create extreme danger. Their size requires more time to complete the turn, and the weight difference makes any collision with a passenger vehicle catastrophic.
• Motorcycle accidents. Riders are especially vulnerable to left-turn collisions. Drivers often claim they did not see the motorcycle approaching—a dangerous excuse that results in traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and fatalities.
• Bicycle accidents. Cyclists traveling through intersections face serious risk from left-turning vehicles. Drivers focused on gaps in car traffic often fail to notice bicyclists.
• Pedestrian accidents. Drivers making left turns must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. When they fail to do so, the resulting injuries are often severe.
• Wrongful death claims. Left-turn accidents frequently result in fatalities because of the angle and speed of impact. Families who lose loved ones may be entitled to substantial compensation.
• Unprotected left-turn crashes. Intersections without dedicated left-turn arrows require drivers to judge oncoming traffic speed and distance. Misjudgment leads to serious collisions.

California Legal Requirements For Left-Turn Accidents

California law places clear responsibility on drivers making left turns. Understanding these rules helps establish fault after a collision.

California Vehicle Code Section 21801 governs left turns and U-turns. Drivers intending to turn left must yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are close enough to constitute a hazard. A driver who turns left and causes a collision has typically violated this statute—creating strong evidence of negligence.

Vehicle Code Section 21452 addresses yellow lights. Drivers facing a yellow signal are warned that a red signal is coming. Attempting to squeeze through a left turn as the light changes often leads to collisions with oncoming vehicles who still have the right of way.

California follows a pure comparative negligence system under Civil Code Section 1714. Even if you were partially at fault—for example, if the insurance company argues you were exceeding the speed limit—you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of responsibility. A San Diego left-turn collision attorney can help counter these arguments and protect your right to full compensation.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to pursue compensation entirely.

What Damages Are Recoverable In San Diego Left-Turn Accident Cases?

Left-turn collisions often cause significant injuries because of the angle of impact. California law allows victims to pursue compensation across several categories.

Economic Damages

These cover your out-of-pocket financial losses: emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and future treatment costs. Lost wages from missed work and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job also qualify. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, intersection collisions—including left-turn crashes—account for a significant percentage of serious injury accidents statewide.

Non-Economic Damages

Not every loss comes with a receipt. California allows compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Left-turn accidents frequently cause spinal cord injuries and brain injuries that affect victims for the rest of their lives. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that urban intersections—where left-turn accidents commonly occur—are among the most dangerous locations for drivers.

Punitive Damages

When the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness—running a red light while intoxicated, for example, or making an illegal left turn while fleeing police—California courts may award punitive damages under Civil Code Section 3294. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

Calculating the full value of a left-turn accident claim requires careful analysis of medical records, future care needs, and the impact on your daily life. Working with a California intersection accident lawyer helps ensure your claim reflects every loss you have suffered.

Contact The Law Office Of Elliott Kanter APC

Left-turn accidents cause serious injuries that can change your life in an instant. If another driver turned left in front of you and caused a collision in San Diego, CA, you deserve an attorney who will fight for the compensation your injuries demand—not settle for whatever the insurance company offers first.

Our firm provides free consultations, and there are no attorney fees unless we win. Elliott Kanter will review your case personally, explain your legal options, and answer your questions directly. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.