Intersection Turning Vehicle – where a person is hit while crossing at an intersection by a vehicle turning
Intersections are a dangerous place for pedestrians. Collisions can occur between vehicles and pedestrians even when both parties believe they are following the law. When a pedestrian walks across the road at an intersection, even if it is controlled by a traffic control device showing a “walk” signal, they must be alert to cars attempting to turn right.
Intersection collisions can result in serious consequences when pedestrians are involved. If you have been injured while crossing an intersection due to a car accident that occurred when the driver was attempting a right or left turn, you could be due money designed to compensate you for your losses.
Intersection Collisions Involving a Vehicle Making a Right Turn
Car accidents in which a pedestrian is hit when a vehicle attempts to make a right-hand turn generally occur when a driver is trying to make a lawful right turn on a red light. Each of the fifty states allows vehicles to make right turns on red lights. However, many states require that vehicles attempting a right turn must yield to pedestrians who have the right-of-way, for example, the lit “walk” sign on a traffic device. Some states have stricter restrictions for drivers which require them to yield to any pedestrians in the road way
Intersection Collisions Involving a Vehicle Making a Left Turn
Pedestrians can also be hurt in accidents occurring when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian who is crossing the intersection while making a left turn in the roadway. When the intersection is controlled by a traffic device, such as a traffic light, the party who is disobeying the traffic signal is usually the liable party. For example, if the pedestrian is crossing the intersection while the “Do Not Walk” sign is lit up, the pedestrian is disregarding the traffic light and could be completely or partially liable for the resulting collision. Conversely, if the driver ignores the traffic light requiring them to stop and makes a left turn regardless of the red light or arrow, the driver would typically be completely or partially liable. Liability is dependent on the facts of each individual case.
Liability
There are many other factors that go into determining liability. Some of these include whether either the driver or pedestrian were distracted in some way at the time of the accident, whether either party was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or whether either party was failing to act as a reasonable driver/pedestrian should under those circumstances. Since there are many factors to think about when determining liability, it is important to speak with an attorney who can help go over your legal rights in these matters. You may find that you are entitled to a settlement