Chicago Left Turn Accident Lawyer

Free Case Evaluation for Victims Injured in Left-Hand / Turn Accidents in Chicago

Chicago is one of the busiest cities in America, which means there are thousands of vehicles on the road at any given time. Often, car accidents occur when people make left turns. If you get hurt because of an improper left turn, you can recover compensation for legal damages with a left turn accident lawyer on your side.

At Chicago Injury Center, we know what it takes to prove negligence and secure financial compensation for the injured party.

Left-Turn Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$7.9 million – James, a 42-year-old motorcyclist, was riding north on Ashland Avenue when a sedan turned left in front of him near West Fulton Market. The collision caused catastrophic injuries, leading to the amputation of his right leg. The case value was impacted by the severity of his injuries, his young age, and his loss of earning capacity.

$5.25 million – Anthony was riding along Western Avenue when a car turned left into his lane at a busy Logan Square intersection, crushing his motorcycle and left leg. Case value was increased due to extensive medical bills, his permanent disability, and expert testimony about his reduced future earnings.

$1 million – David, a 50-year-old motorcyclist, was killed when a vehicle turned left in front of him on Lake Shore Drive near Navy Pier. His family pursued a wrongful death claim, supported by witness statements and traffic camera footage. Damages reflected his role as the primary breadwinner and the deep emotional loss to his family.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Chicago accident injury victims need an experienced law firm on their side to maximize their chances of a fair settlement. Our attorneys are ranked among the top 5% of legal professionals by Super Lawyers. We also maintain a five-star rating from AVVO.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Left-Turn Car Accidents in Chicago?

Part of the claims process will involve determining the cause of your accident. Here are some common causes of these collisions:

• Failing to yield to oncoming traffic
• Misjudging approaching vehicle vectors
• The driver turning without a clear line of sight
• Distracted driving
• Running a red light
• Driving under the influence

What Serious Injuries Are Associated with Left-Turn Car Accidents?

Here are some common injuries associated with most left-turn accidents in Chicago.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Whiplash and severe neck/back strains
• Lacerations
• Fatal injuries in serious accidents

What Damages Can Left-Turn Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future medical care costs
• Property damage
• Other tangible monetary losses

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life

Punitive Damages

• Awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct

What Is the Average Left-Turn Accident Settlement in Chicago?

Left turn accidents have led to an average payout of $824,559 in Chicago. Settlements range from $2,000 to almost $36 million.

Factors that affect your case value include injury severity, long-term impact, liability, and insurance company policies.

Example Left-Turn Accident Cases Filed in Cook County

In 2002, multiple teenagers were driving in a car when they made a left-hand turn after stopping at a stop sign. They were hit by a commercial truck. Several passengers died upon impact, while another passed away from their injuries. The families of the victims sued the truck driver and their employer, claiming that the truck had been speeding. The families were awarded $23 million for wrongful death.

In 2006, Mary was driving southbound on a highway while a man named James was heading northbound on the same road. James allegedly ran a red light to make an illegal left turn into oncoming traffic and collided with Mary, causing severe injuries to her back that confined her to a wheelchair. The jury awarded her $10.12 million after it was determined James did not have a green arrow.

Why You Need an Experienced Left-Turn Accident Lawyer

A left turn accident lawyer from our firm can play a crucial role in overcoming complex challenges:

• Proving liability can require traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction
• The insurance company may try to shift blame to the injured driver
• We collect evidence and handle negotiations

How Common Are Left-Turn Collisions in Chicago?

In 2023, 39% of crashes that involved pedestrians getting hurt or killed at busy intersections were caused by left-turn accidents. Left turns are the second most common cause of crashes that lead to fatal or serious injuries.

Where Do Left-Turn Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Whether these accidents involve speeding, improper left turns into oncoming traffic, or drunk driving, these locations in Chicago have been selected for safety improvements due to the elevated risks of crashes:

• Belmont Cragin
• Chicago Avenue
• 87th Street
• Milwaukee Avenue
• Pulaski Road
• 111th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue
• Belmont Avenue
• Broadway and Winona Street

What Laws Govern Left-Turn Car Accident Claims?

• 625 ILCS 5/11-902 – A left-turning driver must yield the right-of-way
• 9-16-020 – Vehicles preparing to make a left-hand turn on a two-way road must move as far to the left as possible without crossing the center line
• Wiggins v. Bonsack, 2014 IL App (5th) 130123 – This case reiterated the need for drivers to yield the right-of-way in all situations involving a left-hand turn, even if their view is obstructed or other drivers are gesturing for them to move

How Long Do I Have to File a Left-Turn Accident Lawsuit Under Illinois Law?

• Personal injury – 2 years from the date of the accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202)
• Wrongful death – 2 years from date of death (740 ILCS 180/)

Who Is Legally Liable for Left-Turn Accidents in Chicago?

Determining the liable party in left-hand turn accidents is essential for proving negligence. Potentially liable parties include:

• The driver making the left-hand turn
• The employer of the driver (vicarious liability)
• The city if poor road design or traffic light malfunctions contributed
• A vehicle manufacturer if mechanical failure caused the collision

Common Defenses in Left-Turn Collision Cases

The other driver, their insurance company, or their lawyer may use these arguments to undermine your claim:

• The oncoming driver was speeding or ran a red light
• There was a sudden pedestrian or vehicle obstruction
• Alleged mechanical failure

Our legal team will counter with surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction testimony.

How to Strengthen Your Left-Turn Accident Case in Chicago

These are the steps you should follow after the accident:

• Seek medical attention
• Obtain the police crash report
• Photograph the accident scene
• Gather witness contacts
• Avoid recorded statements without legal representation
• Consult our team of top attorneys

How a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Our legal services include:

• Investigating the crash
• Collaborating with accident reconstruction experts
• Negotiating aggressively with insurers
• Filing and litigating claims

FAQs

How much does a left-turn accident lawyer cost in Chicago?

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing to your left-hand turn accident lawyer unless we win.

Who can file a wrongful death claim after a left-turn accident?

Surviving family members, primarily a spouse and children, can file a wrongful death claim for a fatal car accident.

What if both drivers share fault in a left-turn collision?

Under state law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 (modified comparative negligence), victims can pursue personal injury claims if they are no more than 50% at fault for the accident.

Book a Free Consultation at Our Law Offices

Left-turn crashes can leave victims with plenty of questions about their financial futures. At Chicago Injury Center, our personal injury lawyers will investigate the circumstances surrounding your case and develop a legal strategy to hold the negligent driver accountable. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we win your case, and we can represent clients throughout Cook County and Illinois.

Contact us today for a free consultation so you can ask questions about personal injury law and your car accident case.