Who is fully at fault when a left turn collides with a through vehicle?
2 Answers
When making a left turn without traffic signals, signs, or police officers directing traffic, and the left-turning vehicle proceeds ahead of the through vehicle at the intersection, the left-turning vehicle bears full responsibility. Below are scenarios where the left-turning vehicle is not at fault in a collision with a through vehicle: 1. Not driving in the designated lane: If the through vehicle does not follow the lane markings, such as driving straight in a left-turn or right-turn lane, then the left-turning vehicle is not at fault. 2. Running a red light: If the through vehicle runs a red light and collides with the left-turning vehicle, the left-turning vehicle is not at fault. 3. Violating yield signs: If the through vehicle violates yield signs, the left-turning vehicle is not at fault. 4. Sudden acceleration: If the through vehicle suddenly accelerates as the left-turning vehicle is about to pass through the intersection, it may be considered a rear-end collision, and the left-turning vehicle is not at fault.
As a seasoned driver with over twenty years of experience, I always remember the fundamental principle in traffic rules: left-turning vehicles must yield to through traffic. This means that at intersections, through traffic has the right of way, and extra caution is required when making a left turn. If an accident occurs where a left-turning vehicle collides with through traffic, the responsibility usually falls on the left-turning vehicle because the through traffic is following its normal route and has no obligation to stop and wait for the turn. Of course, this depends on the specific circumstances, such as whether the intersection has traffic lights—if a green light allows through traffic to proceed normally and the left-turning vehicle runs a red light or fails to pay attention, the left-turning vehicle is definitely fully at fault. If visibility is poor at night or during heavy rain, and neither party could see clearly, responsibility might be shared. I’ve encountered similar situations before—a friend was in a hurry while making a left turn and clipped the side mirror of a through vehicle, resulting in the traffic police ruling him fully at fault and requiring him to cover the repair costs for the other party. So, when driving, it’s crucial to observe patiently, check blind spots on both sides before turning left, avoid rushing, and prioritize safety to prevent trouble. Developing this habit can help reduce accidents in complex road conditions.
