Left-Turn Car Accident Lawyer in New York City
Left-hand turns are one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers on New York City’s busy streets and intersections. With cars, buses, trucks, cyclists, and pedestrians all moving in different directions, a single mistake can cause a devastating T-bone or head-on collision.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than half of all serious crashes occur at intersections, and left turns are a leading cause. In NYC, where cameras often monitor intersections, left-turn accidents regularly result in serious injuries or wrongful death.
If you or a loved one were injured in a left-turn crash in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Why Left-Turn Accidents Are So Dangerous in NYC
Drivers making a left turn in New York face unique risks, including:
- Crossing multiple lanes of oncoming traffic.
- Misjudging the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.
- Blocked visibility from buses, trucks, or parked cars.
- Pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks and bike lanes.
- Pressure from traffic, leading to rushed or unsafe decisions.
Even minor errors can cause catastrophic T-bone crashes, head-on collisions, or pedestrian knockdowns.
Common Causes of Left-Turn Crashes in New York City
- Failing to yield the right of way under New York law (VTL §1141).
- Misjudging the oncoming traffic’s speed or distance.
- Distracted driving, texting, or phone use.
- Impaired or aggressive driving.
- Turning without signaling or without a safe traffic gap.
- Oncoming driver speeding, running a red light, or making a sudden lane change.
- Poor visibility due to NYC weather, road design, or blind spots.
Who Is Liable for a Left-Turn Accident in New York?
Under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law §1141, a driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard. In most cases, the left-turning driver is presumed at fault.
However, liability can be shared if:
- The turning driver had a green arrow.
- The oncoming driver was speeding, impaired, or distracted.
- The other driver ran a red light or created an unexpected hazard.
Comparative Negligence in NYC Car Accidents
New York follows a pure comparative negligence system. Even if you are partly at fault, you may still recover damages – your percentage of responsibility reduces your compensation.
Injuries From Left-Turn Car Accidents in NYC
Because of the violent angle of impact, left-turn crashes often cause life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions.
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis.
- Fractures, broken bones, and crush injuries.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Whiplash and severe back or neck injuries.
- Permanent scarring, amputations, or disfigurement.
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
- Wrongful death.
What To Do After a Left-Turn Accident in New York City
- Call 911 – Get police on scene and request medical help.
- Seek medical attention – Some injuries worsen hours or days later.
- File a police report – Required in NY if injuries or significant damage occur.
- Gather evidence – Photos, video, skid marks, traffic lights, and witness contacts.
- Secure camera footage – NYC intersections often have traffic or surveillance cameras.
- Avoid admitting fault – Let evidence determine liability.
- Call a New York City car accident lawyer – Insurance companies often assume left-turn drivers are 100% responsible.
Compensation After a Left-Turn Accident in NYC
Because New York is a no-fault state, your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage pays for medical bills and lost wages up to $50,000.
If your injuries meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold (Insurance Law §5102(d)) – such as a fracture, disfigurement, permanent disability, or death – you may file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Damages You May Recover
- Medical expenses (past, present, future).
- Lost wages & loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement).
- Wrongful death damages for the surviving family.
New York does not cap personal injury damages, and punitive damages may be applicable in cases involving reckless conduct, such as drunk driving.
Statute of Limitations in New York
- Personal Injury Claims: 3 years from the accident.
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death.
- Claims against NYC or government entities: 90-day Notice of Claim, lawsuit usually within 1 year and 90 days.
FAQs – NYC Left-Turn Accident Claims
Are left-turn drivers always at fault in New York?
Usually, yes – but fault can be shared if the oncoming driver was speeding, impaired, distracted, or ran a red light.
Can I sue if I have PIP coverage?
Yes, if you suffered a serious injury under New York law, you may file a lawsuit for full damages beyond no-fault benefits.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under comparative negligence, you can still recover damages, reduced by your share of fault.
Do I need a lawyer for a left-turn accident in NYC?
Yes. Insurance companies often assume left-turn drivers are entirely to blame. A lawyer can secure camera footage, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction to prove your case.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we have decades of experience fighting for New Yorkers who have been injured in intersection and left-turn crashes.
Offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers & Nassau County.
Bilingual services for diverse NYC communities.
Millions recovered in verdicts and settlements.
No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee.
Recognized by Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers.
Don’t Be a Victim Twice – Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462).
Speak With a New York City Left-Turn Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a left-turn accident anywhere in New York City, don’t wait. Evidence like traffic camera footage can disappear quickly.
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP today at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation.
We’ll fight for maximum compensation so you can focus on healing.