How Does Nevada Law Handle Left Turn Accidents in Las Vegas?

Since left turn accidents are a common cause of traffic collisions in Las Vegas, it’s important to understand how Nevada law handles determining fault in these accidents. Here’s a short explanation from a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas of the specific rules surrounding left turn accidents in Nevada, how fault is determined, and what injured parties can expect during the legal process.

How Does Nevada Law Handle Left Turn Accidents? Answers from a Car Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas

According to Nevada’s right-of-way laws, in most cases, drivers making a left turn must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. This means that when a driver is turning left at an intersection, they are generally responsible for ensuring it is safe to do so without causing a collision.

Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 484B.253 outlines the responsibility of drivers to yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is close enough to pose a hazard. It states that a driver making a left turn must wait until oncoming traffic has cleared, even if they have a green light. However, this is not an absolute rule, and there are circumstances in which the left-turning driver may not be entirely or even partially at fault.

Exceptions to the Presumption of Fault

Speeding

If it can be proven that the driver approaching from the opposite direction was driving well above the posted speed limit, the left-turning driver may not be entirely liable for the accident, since the speeding driver may have been moving too fast for the left-turning driver to judge the situation accurately.

Running a Red Light

In cases where the left-turning driver has a green light and the oncoming driver has a red light but fails to stop, the oncoming driver will likely be held responsible for the accident. Traffic camera footage or witness testimony can be key in proving who had the right-of-way at the time of the collision.

Distracted Driving

If the oncoming driver was using a cellphone, eating, adjusting the radio, or otherwise distracted at the time of the accident, they may be found partially or fully at fault. Distracted driving can impair reaction times and prevent a driver from responding to the left-turning vehicle in time to avoid a collision.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

If the oncoming driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs, they could be held liable for the accident. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and impaired judgment, making it more likely they could not avoid the collision.

Failure to Maintain Proper Distance

Nevada law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. If the oncoming driver was following the vehicle ahead too closely, they might not have had enough time to react when the car in front slowed or stopped for a left-turning vehicle, leading to a rear-end collision that escalates into a left-turn accident.

Failure to Use Headlights in Poor Visibility

If the accident occurred during the night or in poor visibility conditions (like rain or fog), and the oncoming driver’s headlights were not functioning correctly, this could be considered negligence. The left-turning driver may not have been able to accurately assess the distance and speed of the oncoming vehicle if one of the lights was out or the lights were too dim.

Mechanical Failures or Lack of Vehicle Maintenance

If the oncoming driver’s vehicle had mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or tires, which contributed to their inability to stop in time, they could be found partially at fault. Nevada law expects drivers to maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition to prevent such incidents.

Comparative Negligence in Nevada

Nevada follows a legal principle known as comparative negligence when determining fault and damages in left turn accidents. Under Nevada’s comparative negligence rule, each driver involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault, and the compensation they are entitled to may be reduced by their share of liability. If it is determined that someone is 50% or more at fault, they will not be able to recover any damages.

Important Evidence After a Left Turn Accident

Police Reports

A police report will document the details of the accident and often includes the officer’s opinion on who was at fault. While not conclusive in itself, the report can be an influential piece of evidence in negotiations or court proceedings. The report may also include witness statements, descriptions of road conditions, and any traffic violations, all of which can further strengthen a claim for compensation or defense against liability.

Eyewitness Testimony

If there are witnesses to the accident, their statements can provide useful third-party insights into what happened. Witnesses may have seen the oncoming driver speeding or running a red light, or they may have observed whether the left-turning driver properly yielded the right-of-way. Eyewitnesses can provide unbiased accounts, which can be important in clarifying the sequence of the accident, if both drivers have conflicting versions of events.

Traffic Camera Footage

In many parts of Las Vegas, intersections are equipped with traffic cameras that record the flow of traffic. Reviewing footage from the time of the accident can be instrumental in proving which driver had the right-of-way. This video evidence can also help establish the speed of the vehicles and whether traffic signals were followed.

Skid Marks and Vehicle Damage

Physical evidence from the scene, such as skid marks or the location of the vehicles after the collision, can provide clues as to how the accident occurred. Vehicle damage can also be analyzed to understand the point of impact and whether the left-turning driver had enough time to avoid the crash. Experts can further use this information to reconstruct the accident.

Legal Consequences for Left Turn Accidents

Nevada’s traffic laws impose penalties for failing to yield the right-of-way, including fines and points on the driver’s license. Accumulating too many points can result in license suspension. In addition, a driver who causes an accident while turning left may find themselves facing a personal injury lawsuit from the other party involved in the crash.

The consequences may also include civil liability for injuries and property damage, increased insurance premiums, and potential fines for traffic violations. If the accident resulted in severe injuries or fatalities, the driver could also face more serious criminal charges, such as reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter.

Seeking Compensation for Injuries and Damages

If you are injured in a left turn accident, you may seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The success of your claim depends on proving that the other driver was at fault or that you were not entirely to blame for the accident. Nevada law sets a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims, meaning that you must take legal action within two years of the accident or risk losing your right to seek compensation.

If you’ve been involved in a left turn accident in Las Vegas, it’s important to seek legal guidance. Contact Hanratty Law Group in Las Vegas, NV, to discuss your case and understand your options.