Intersection accidents can occur because a driver runs a red light or fails to stop at a stop sign. They also occur when a driver makes a left hand turn into an intersection. Intersection accidents can result in second and third impacts with other, nearby cars. These kinds of accidents, also known as t-bone accidents, commonly result in serious injuries. At high speeds, intersection accidents can be fatal.
Delaware Car Accident Law – Vehicles Turning Left
Generally, liability in left hand turn accident cases will be the fault of the person who entered the intersection by failing to stop completely, running a red light or otherwise entering the intersection when it was unsafe to do so. Under Delaware law, drivers making left hand turns must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic:
21 Del. C. Section 4132 – Vehicle turning left
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.
Determining Liability in a Delaware Left Turn Intersection Accident Case
However, liability is not always clear in intersection accident and left hand turn accident cases. For example, liability may not be clear in an intersection accident case where a driver enters an intersection and strikes another car that was speeding. Determining negligence depends on several factors such as:
- whether the intersection was controlled by a traffic signal,
- time of day,
- traffic conditions,
- weather conditions,
- roadway conditions,
- speed of the vehicles involved in the accident,
- whether the driver came to a complete stop before entering the intersection, and
- visibility of the intersection from the driver’s position before entering the intersection.
Delaware residents involved in intersection accidents should be sure to speak to a car accident lawyer to discuss their case and more importantly, to discuss liability issues and proving negligence. Learn more about proving negligence in a Delaware car/truck accident lawsuit.
Related articles by a Delaware car/truck accident lawyer:
- Common Legal Claims Made in Delaware Car & Truck Accident Lawsuits
- Recovering Medical Bills in a Delaware Car or Truck Accident Case
- Recovering Lost Wages After a Delaware Car or Truck Accident
Delaware Car & Truck Accident Lawyer with Over 30 Years of Experience
Since 1982, firm founder, Martin Knepper, has served residents of Delaware in all personal injury matters, including car accidents and truck accidents. Contact our accident lawyers today and ask for a free consultation. (302) 658.1717
Our lawyers serve residents throughout the Delaware area, including: Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Middletown, and Smyrna. We also represent residents of other states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia who are injured in car or truck accidents while in Delaware. For more information, please contact us.
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