If you’re wondering who is at fault in a left turn accident, the turning driver is not automatically responsible for every collision. Nevada law generally requires a driver turning left to yield to oncoming traffic that is already in the intersection or close enough to create an immediate hazard, but the actions of both drivers still matter.
Speed, traffic signals, vehicle positions, witness accounts and available video can all affect the liability analysis.
When the drivers disagree about who had the right of way, having an experienced personal injury attorney investigate the crash can be especially important.
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Who Is at Fault in a Left Turn Accident Under Nevada Law?
Nevada law places an important duty on the driver making the left turn.
Under NRS 484B.253, a driver intending to turn left at an intersection must yield to an oncoming vehicle that is already within the intersection or is close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. Once the turning driver has properly yielded and can make the turn, approaching drivers must yield to the vehicle making the left turn.
That rule provides a starting point for evaluating a crash. It does not mean the left-turning driver is automatically liable regardless of what the other driver was doing.
Is the Driver Turning Left Always at Fault?
No.
A left-turning driver may be responsible if they crossed into the path of oncoming traffic when it was unsafe to do so. But another driver’s conduct can also become relevant.
For example, questions may arise about whether an oncoming driver entered against a traffic signal, was traveling at an unsafe speed or otherwise contributed to the collision.
Nevada also has separate right-of-way rules for intersections controlled by stop and yield signs. Under NRS 484B.257, drivers facing those controls must stop or yield as required and give way to traffic that presents an immediate hazard.
The entire sequence matters, not simply which vehicle was turning.
Can Both Drivers Be at Fault for a Left-Turn Accident?
Yes.
Nevada uses a modified comparative-negligence system. Under NRS 41.141, an injured person’s negligence does not bar recovery when it is not greater than the negligence of the party or combined parties from whom recovery is sought. When recovery is permitted, damages are reduced in proportion to the injured person’s share of negligence.
That can become particularly important in a left-turn crash.
One driver may argue that the other failed to yield. The other may contend that speed, a traffic signal or another action contributed to the collision.
This is why having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can be especially important when fault is disputed. Hale Injury Law can investigate the circumstances of the crash and evaluate the evidence rather than relying on one driver’s version of what happened.
What Evidence Can Help Determine Who Had the Right of Way?
The evidence depends on the accident, but the analysis may include:
- photographs of the vehicles and intersection;
- the location and type of vehicle damage;
- driver and witness accounts;
- police observations and reports;
- dashcam or other available video;
- traffic-control devices; and
- other evidence showing how the collision occurred.
A police report can provide useful information, but it is not necessarily the final word on civil liability.
Hale’s guide to what to do after a car accident in Las Vegas explains the broader role that scene photographs, witness information and accident records can play after a collision.
When a left-turn crash causes significant injuries and the drivers give conflicting accounts, preserving and evaluating available evidence can become especially important.
Why Are Intersection Accidents an Important Nevada Safety Issue?
Intersection crashes remain a significant traffic-safety concern in Nevada.
Nevada’s Zero Fatalities program reports 573 intersection-related fatalities and 542 fatal intersection crashes from 2019 through 2023. Nevada’s intersection safety program is part of the state’s broader effort to reduce fatal and serious-injury crashes.
Left turns can be particularly complicated because vehicles may cross opposing lanes of traffic while drivers are simultaneously responding to signals, pedestrians and other road users.
What If the Other Driver Says the Accident Was Your Fault?
A driver’s accusation does not determine legal liability.
Insurance companies may also reach competing conclusions about how a collision happened, particularly when there is no independent witness or clear video.
If an insurer assigns fault to you and the evidence tells a more complicated story, that is an important point to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Nevada’s comparative-negligence rules mean disputed percentages of fault can materially affect an injury claim.
Hale’s guide to what to do when the other driver lies after a car accident addresses the broader problem of conflicting accounts after a collision.
Does a Traffic Ticket Decide Who Is Liable?
Not necessarily.
A citation and the underlying conduct may be relevant, but an injury claim still requires evaluation of the facts and applicable law.
For example, the legal question may involve whether a driver failed to yield, whether another driver’s conduct also contributed and whether the claimed injuries resulted from the collision.
That is different from simply asking whether someone received a traffic citation.
Why Can Left-Turn Accident Claims Become Complicated?
Because a few seconds at an intersection can produce sharply different versions of what happened.
The turning driver may say there was enough time to complete the turn. The approaching driver may say the vehicle suddenly crossed into their path. The parties may disagree about speed, signals or which vehicle entered the intersection first.
When serious injuries are involved, determining who is at fault in a left turn accident can affect the entire claim.
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the collision, evaluate Nevada’s right-of-way and comparative-negligence rules and address disputes about fault with the available evidence.
If you were injured in a left-turn collision in Las Vegas, Henderson or elsewhere in Southern Nevada, Hale Injury Law can help you understand your options.
Every accident is different. This information is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is at fault in a left turn accident in Nevada?
Nevada generally requires a driver turning left to yield to oncoming traffic that is already in the intersection or close enough to create an immediate hazard. Fault still depends on the circumstances and conduct of everyone involved.
Can the driver going straight be at fault?
Potentially. The actions of the oncoming driver can also matter when determining liability. Nevada’s comparative-negligence law allows fault to be evaluated among the parties when supported by the evidence.
What if both drivers say they had a green light?
That creates an evidence dispute. Witnesses, vehicle damage, available video, police observations and other evidence may become important in determining what occurred.
Should I speak with a lawyer if fault is disputed?
A qualified personal injury attorney can be particularly valuable when significant injuries are involved and the drivers or insurers disagree about liability. An attorney can investigate the evidence and evaluate how Nevada’s fault rules apply to the collision.
