Left turns at intersections are one of the most dangerous maneuvers a driver can make, and not only for the driver themself. Left turns, even when performed legally, are particularly hazardous because they require the driver to go against the flow of traffic, placing them directly in the path of both oncoming cars and crossing pedestrians.

About 61% of all intersection crashes involve a driver making a left-hand turn. Deciding when to make a left turn is also up to the driver’s discretion, and when a driver is negligent or reckless behind the wheel, their chances of striking a pedestrian are higher.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision at an intersection, don’t make sacrifices or concessions when it comes to achieving justice. Contact Fieger Law today to discover how we can get you the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian Injuries in Intersections

Intersections are a common setting for motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40% of crashes in the United States occur at intersections. Furthermore, the CDC found that more than 7,000 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2020.

Common pedestrian injuries in intersections include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, closed head injuries, and other internal injuries and bleeding. The severity of these injuries depends on the vehicle’s speed, angle of impact, which part of the vehicle struck the pedestrian, and even the vehicle design.

Contact Fieger Law if you suffered injuries in a collision with a vehicle while crossing at an intersection. We can help you receive compensation to pay for your damages, from medical bills to lost wages.

Why Are Left Turns at Intersections So Dangerous?

A pedestrian can be harmed in many ways in an intersection, but left-hand turns are particularly hazardous.

Left-hand turns at intersections require the driver to make a series of judgment calls in not much time. Drivers decide when to risk making a left turn based on the speed of oncoming traffic, the amount of time before a light changes from green or yellow to red, and whether or not they see a pedestrian crossing the intersection. Since these judgments are subjective, it is common for a driver to misread the situation and make unsafe choices, especially if they are thinking more about themselves—such as how fast they can make it to their destination—rather than the safety of others around them.

For a driver to make a left-hand turn, they must cross at least one lane of traffic, disturbing traffic flow and leading to confusion. When a driver hesitates during a left turn or does not signal their intentions to turn, it can be challenging for pedestrians to gauge when it is safe to cross.

Left-hand turns also require more mental energy on the driver’s part than right-hand turns. If a driver is tired, distracted, or intoxicated, they may not put the necessary focus into making the left turn safely. Furthermore, many drivers accelerate when turning left, so pedestrians often suffer more severe injuries when they are struck.

If an irresponsible driver caused you injury as a pedestrian, contact Fieger Law. We can help you get a fair settlement.

Drivers are Responsible for Pedestrian Accidents

When it comes to crashes in intersections, the driver is usually to blame rather than the pedestrian. A study by the NHTSA found that 96% of intersection-related crashes were caused by driver error. Drivers have a duty of care to pedestrians on the road. More than that, it’s the law.

Michigan Pedestrian Law states that no matter the traffic light color, vehicular traffic must always yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully crossing at a crosswalk. The law requires drivers to follow speed limits and other posted signage at intersections and take excessive care when a blind or disabled person is crossing.

Contact the pedestrian injury attorneys at Fieger Law to review your accident case. We can determine whether the driver acted negligently and hold them responsible for your injuries.

You May Be Entitled to Financial Compensation

Pedestrian injuries can cost you a fortune in medical bills, lost wages, or funeral expenses. You may be entitled to financial compensation if a driver has injured you or someone you love at an intersection.

With the help of the attorneys at Fieger Law, you can seek a maximum settlement from the at-fault motorist’s insurance company. We can seek compensation for your injuries, lost wages, mental and emotional stress, and physical pain and suffering. We’ll help you file a claim with the driver’s insurance company, and if they refuse a fair offer, we’ll take your case to court to seek damages through the legal system.

We know that money is no replacement for the suffering caused by a motor vehicle accident. However, compensation can help you ease the financial burdens caused by physical injury or income loss. Contact our law firm today to understand the compensation you may be entitled to and how we can help you get the maximum amount.

Call Fieger Law Today

With over $500 million already obtained for vehicle accident victims alone, Fieger Law is responsible for some of the largest settlements in the nation. Our team of Detroit pedestrian accident lawyers has won over 165 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more for our clients, many of these for victims of motor vehicle accidents.

Fieger Law doesn’t accept anything less than the best for our clients, and we serve injury victims across the United States. Call us for a free consultation or complete an online case submission form today so we can start fighting for your rightful compensation.