How Do I Win a Right-Turn Accident Case in Maryland?

Right-turn crash victims may be able to recover compensation if they can prove the other driver is at fault. The problem is that proving liability for a right-turn crash can be complicated, as there are many factors that play into it. This is especially true when more than two parties are involved or there are visibility issues at the intersection.

Below, our Maryland car accident lawyers discuss the causes and types of right-turn collisions, the risks of these collisions, right-of-way laws that may apply and liability.

If you were injured in a right-turn collision because of another driver’s negligence, and you have questions about how to win a right-turn accident case, contact The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl.

We have over 30 years of experience and have recovered millions for those injured in Maryland collisions.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation: 410-297-0271.

What Are The Common Right-Turn Crashes?

These are some of the most common right-turn collisions that cause injuries and lead to legal claims:

• Right-turn on red without stopping: When drivers do not make a complete stop before turning right on a red light they could collide with cross-traffic or pedestrians who have the right of way.
• Failure to yield to oncoming traffic: When drivers misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, they could cause a T-bone collision.
• Cutting off cyclists or motorcyclists: Drivers could cut across the path of a bicyclist or motorcycle rider who is going straight.
• Pedestrian collisions: Drivers are often only focused on motor vehicle traffic, and they fail to notice pedestrians traveling in crosswalks. This could result in a collision with a pedestrian who is crossing an intersecting street.
• Wide turns: If a driver swings too wide when turning right, the vehicle will enter adjacent lanes, possibly causing a sideswipe or rear-end collision from cutting off other vehicles.
• Rear-end collisions: If a driver suddenly stops to make a right turn without signaling, the trailing vehicle may not have enough time to stop before crashing into the bumper.
• Multiple-lane turn conflicts: In dual right-turn lanes, a driver might drift out of his or her designated lane during the turn. This can cause a sideswipe.

Why Do Right-Turn Accidents Happen?

Most right-turn accidents are the result of driver negligence. Common examples of driver negligence in right-turn accidents include:

• Misjudging Oncoming Traffic: A driver attempting a right turn might misjudge the speed of an oncoming vehicle, leading to a collision. Oncoming drivers have the right of way, and you can only turn right when it is reasonably safe to do so.
• Ignoring “No Right on Red” Signals: Drivers who ignore “no right turn on red” signs can suddenly enter the path of oncoming traffic.
• Distractions: Distracted drivers using their phones are much more likely to cause an accident while making a right turn.
• Drunk/Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly reduces a driver’s ability to judge distances and respond to traffic signals, increasing the risk of a right-turn accident.
• Failing to Signal or Slow Down Early Enough: Drivers must use their turn signals and slow down a reasonable distance before the turn. If they fail to do so, they could cause a rear-end accident.
• Not Watching for Pedestrians or Bicyclists: Anytime you make a turn, you are likely to cross an area where pedestrians or bike riders may be trying to cross the street. Keep an eye out for them before you turn and as you go into the turn.

However, sometimes there may be other parties responsible for right-turn collisions. For example, sometimes landscaping or bad lighting makes it harder to see oncoming cars and judge when it is safe to proceed. In these situations, government entities might bear some liability for damages, as they designed or were responsible for maintaining the road.

Maryland Right-of-Way Laws for Right Turns: What Do Drivers Need to Know?

Drivers who understand and follow Maryland’s right-of-way laws may have a better chance of avoiding car crashes.

Our experienced law firm has listed some of the right-of-way laws that may apply to right-turn collisions, including:

Yielding to Pedestrians

Drivers making right turns must always yield to pedestrians who are inside crosswalks.

Yielding to Oncoming Traffic

Drivers must give way to oncoming traffic that presents an immediate hazard.

Yielding to Vehicles at Intersections

Drivers must yield to the vehicle that arrived at an intersection first, or to the vehicle on their right if they arrive at a stop sign at the same time.

There are a few practical steps drivers can take at intersections to ensure compliance with right-of-way laws:

• Make sure you have a clear view of oncoming traffic before deciding if it is safe to proceed
• Remember to watch for pedestrians
• Always use your turn signal before proceeding

Who Could Be Held Liable for a Right-Turn Crash?

Most right-turn crashes are caused by the driver attempting to make the turn. Either the driver failed to check for oncoming cars or pulled out when it was unsafe. He or she may have also made a right turn at an intersection that prohibits right turns on red lights.

However, there are incidents when liability could be extended to other parties, such as:

Government Entities

Government entities are responsible for maintaining clear, visible and proper road signage in local or state areas. If the lack of adequate signage made the intersection unreasonably dangerous, government entities may be held partially or fully liable.

Construction Companies

If the inadequate signage is related to construction or road work, the company in charge of the project could also bear responsibility.

Utility Companies

Utility companies conducting work or maintenance on or around roadways must also follow strict guidelines for properly marking their work zones. Failure to do so can result in them sharing liability for any accidents.

Private Property Owners

If road signs are blocked by overgrown hedges, trees, or other obstructions on private property, the property owner could be liable, especially if a government entity sends a request or warnings to deal with the problem.

How to Prove Liability in a Right-Turn Accident?

How do you win a right-turn accident case? You prove another party is liability for the collision through their negligence.

You are going to need strong evidence to prove liability and win your case. These are some key pieces of evidence your lawyer could use to prove your case:

• Evidence from the scene: Pictures of the scene of the crash and the damaged vehicles could help prove how the crash happened. A picture of a sign prohibiting right turns on red lights would also help prove your case.
• Witness Testimony: Your lawyer can gather statements from eyewitnesses who could provide an unbiased testimony of what happened. They may have seen the at-fault driver fail to use a turn signal or attempt to turn when it was unsafe to do so.
• Police Report: This document may include the officer’s opinion on fault, details on any traffic tickets issued and information about eyewitnesses.
• Vehicle Damage: Damage to the vehicle tells a story about what happened. For example, accident reconstruction experts can use this data to determine the force of impact, angle of impact and who likely caused the collision.

How Do Drivers and Insurers Defend Against Liability for a Right-Turn Crash?

Liable drivers and insurers often trot out numerous excuses/defenses against liability. They may claim you are at fault or say there were no witnesses or that you did not use your turn signal. They may say you have no way of proving the other driver is at fault.

We have heard these kinds of excuses numerous times. Fortunately, we know how to build a robust case to pursue full compensation for your right-turn crash damages.

Injured in a Right-Turn Collision? Call The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl

If you or a loved one has been injured during a right-turn collision due to another’s negligence, we encourage you to call our law firm. We can discuss how to take legal action and the evidence needed to win a right-turn accident lawsuit.

Our firm has extensive knowledge and understanding of Maryland’s complex legal system. We also have a proven record of success negotiating with insurance companies and securing favorable compensation.

Call us to explore your legal options: 410-297-0271.