What is the Average Settlement Amount for Left Turn Accidents in Georgia?

Determining fault in a car accident involving a left turn can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. However, some general principles apply in most cases.

Left-turn accidents are one of the most common types of car accidents in Georgia, and nationally nearly 61% of all crashes that happen at an intersection involve a left hand turn – we see quite a few of our clients seriously injured due to left-hand turn accidents, whether they’re driving a car, a passenger in a car, or a pedestrian.

 

Who Is At Fault If I’m Hit By A Left-Turning Driver in Georgia?

The driver making the left turn typically has a higher duty of care to ensure the maneuver is safe. This means they must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, use their turn signal, and check for hazards before proceeding. If the turning driver fails to take these precautions and causes an accident, they may be held liable for the damages.

However, the driver going straight or the pedestrian may also share in the fault if they were negligent. For instance, if the driver going straight was speeding or distracted, they may have contributed to the accident. Similarly, if the pedestrian was crossing the street against the light or not paying attention to traffic, they may also be partially at fault.

 

How Much Can I Recover After A Left Turn Accident in Georgia?

According to the improper left turn accident settlement examples listed on this page, the typical Georgia left turn accident settlement is anywhere from $100,000 to $530,000. Settlements depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case, which is why there is no accurate average settlement amount for improper left turn accidents in Georgia. While our team at Kalka Law Group does excellent work on our clients’ cases, no results are guaranteed, and the results below should not be considered “typical” results.

 

Recent Examples of Georgia Left Turn Accident Settlements Near You Won by Kalka Law

$530,000 Left Turn Motorcycle Accident Settlement – Motorcyclist Suffers Multiple Fractures After Car Makes Improper Left Turn

Client was driving eastbound on Highway 293 when another vehicle made an improper left-hand turn in front of him, causing him to run into the passenger side of their car. He was immediately life-flighted to the hospital, where they discovered he had serious injuries, including multiple fractures in his right leg and both of his wrists. The next day he underwent surgery to fix the fracture in his leg, and one week later he had surgery again for the fractures in his wrists. He was moved to a rehabilitation center for a while after his procedures and has to complete extensive out-patient physical therapy. The Kalka Law Group showed fault on the part of the other driver and recovered $530,000 to cover his extensive medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and the fact that his life will be forever altered by his injuries.

$100,000 Improper Left Turn Cycling Accident Settlement – Negligent Driver Fails to Yield Making an Unprotected Left and Crashes into Oncoming Bicyclist

Attorney Anthony Kalka recovered $100,000 for his client, who suffered life-altering injuries after a negligent driver crashed his Chevy Tahoe into Mr. Kalka’s client while trying to make an unprotected left-hand turn. The client was rushed to the emergency room, where he required stitches and surgery for a fractured knee. As a result of the accident, the client suffered a loss in quality of life as he was no longer able to perform activities like bicycling, exercising and walking without support. Mr. Kalka used video and audio evidence to prove his client was in no way at fault for the incident, which awarded Mr. Kalka’s client a personal injury settlement that covered the cost of his medical bills, surgery and pain, and suffering.

$155,000 Improper Left Turn Auto Accident Settlement – Negligent Driver Makes Improper Left Turn On Peachtree Road

Client was driving south on Peachtree Road in Brookhaven, Georgia. The at-fault driver attempted to make a left turn and crossed over two lanes of traffic before striking our vehicle. The at-fault driver struck the side of our client’s vehicle and was cited for the accident. We were able to prove inattention and negligence and recover $155,000 after an initial lowball offer of just $30,000

$110,000 Improper Left Turn Car Accident Settlement – Negligent Left Turn on Druid Hills Road

On Druid Hills Road in DeKalb County, Georgia, a client was struck by an at-fault driver who was not paying attention when attempting to make a left turn. The impact was severe enough to require the client’s vehicle to be towed from the scene. The at-fault driver was cited for Failure to Yield Left Turn. Our client suffered injuries to their head and back, including lacerations and a concussion.

$100,000 Improper Left Turn Car Accident Settlement – Negligent Left Turn on Hopewell Drive in Milton, GA

Our client was driving northbound on Hopewell Drive in Milton, Georgia. At an intersection, the at-fault party was driving westbound on Bethany Road. The client was struck on the right side when the at-fault driver failed to yield at a stop sign and turned left. Our client suffered injuries to their shoulder and wrist as a result of the accident.

 

Can I Still Recover Damages if I’m Partially At Fault When a Car Hit Me While I Was Turning Left in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that an injured plaintiff can recover damages even if they were partially at fault for their injuries, as long as their fault is less than 50%. If a plaintiff’s fault is determined to be 50% or more, they are barred from recovering any damages at all.

Here’s a breakdown of how modified comparative negligence works in Georgia:

  • Determination of Fault: The court or jury will determine the percentage of fault attributed to each party involved in the accident. This includes both the plaintiff and the defendant(s).
  • Damages Reduction: If the plaintiff is found to be less than 50% at fault, their damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if the plaintiff is found to be 20% at fault for their injuries, their damages will be reduced by 20%.
  • 50% Bar Rule: If the plaintiff is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages at all. This is known as the “50% bar rule.”
  • Apportionment of Damages: If there are multiple defendants, the damages will be apportioned among them according to their respective percentages of fault.

 

How Can Georgia Left-hand Turn Accident Settlement Amounts Be Impacted by Modified Comparative Negligence? An Example.

  1. A pedestrian was traversing Powers Ferry Road in Marietta at a designated crosswalk. As he stepped into the crosswalk, his attention momentarily diverted to his phone, causing him to lose focus on the surrounding traffic. Simultaneously, the defendant, a driver attempting to make a left turn onto Powers Ferry Road, failed to yield to the plaintiff, resulting in a collision.
  2. The plaintiff sustained substantial injuries in the accident, including broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. These injuries led to significant medical expenses and an extended period of unemployment. Determined to seek compensation for the damages incurred, the plaintiff filed a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant.
  3. During the trial, evidence revealed that while the plaintiff’s brief distraction contributed to the accident, the primary responsibility lay with the defendant for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The jury ultimately concluded that the plaintiff was 20% at fault and the defendant was 80% at fault.
  4. Based on the jury’s verdict, the initial judgment awarded the plaintiff $300,000 in damages. However, due to the plaintiff’s share of the fault, his settlement was reduced by 20%. Consequently, the plaintiff received a total of $240,000 in compensation.

This scenario underscores the significance of Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law, which allows injured parties to recover damages even if they share a degree of responsibility for an accident. However, the amount of compensation they receive is reduced in proportion to their share of the fault.

 

Contact An Experienced Left Turn Accident Attorney Near You in Georgia

Left-turn accidents are a common type of car accident in Georgia, and the law regarding fault and damages can be complex. If you have been injured in a left-turn accident, it is important to consult with one of our top-rated Georgia left turn accident attorneys to discuss your rights and options. With the help of our experienced attorneys, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In cases of left-hand turn accidents, it’s essential to consult with legal professionals who specialize in personal injury law. Their expertise can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, especially when dealing with injuries that result in long-term medical care or diminished quality of life. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing legal action, having knowledgeable legal representation can make a significant difference in the final settlement. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being in a left turn accident, contact The Kalka Law Group online or call (404) 529-9371.

Contact us today or call us at (404) 529-9371 for a free consultation. You only pay if we win! 

If you are interested in reviewing average settlement amounts for other types of Georgia accidents see our additional resources on the matter: