Left turns require crossing oncoming traffic, which makes them one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers. When a left-turn collision happens, Arizona law starts from a legal presumption: the turning driver is at fault. That presumption isn't absolute, but the burden falls on the turning driver to show otherwise.
The statute that governs left turns
A.R.S. § 28-772 requires a driver intending to turn left to yield to any oncoming vehicle close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. In practice, this means if you're turning left and you misjudge the speed or distance of an oncoming car, you're liable for the crash. Turning on a solid green without yielding, missing a motorcycle or cyclist in the oncoming lane, or turning on a red arrow signal are all scenarios where the turning driver bears the fault.
When the oncoming driver shares fault
Arizona's pure comparative fault rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505) means fault can be apportioned between both drivers. If the oncoming driver ran a red light, was speeding to the point that a reasonable turning driver couldn't have anticipated their speed, was impaired, or was using an illegal lane, that driver may share fault — or bear primary liability. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but there's no cutoff. See our post on Arizona comparative negligence law.
Evidence that determines fault
Arizona intersections are often monitored by red-light cameras and business surveillance systems. That footage can show definitively which driver had the green light and what speed each vehicle was traveling. Witness statements, police reports, skid marks and vehicle resting positions, event data recorder data, and accident reconstruction are all used to establish fault in disputed left-turn cases. Surveillance footage gets overwritten in 24 to 72 hours — preserving it early is critical.
What a left-turn accident claim can recover
Arizona law allows recovery for medical expenses past and future, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, vehicle repair or replacement, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving especially reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
The filing deadline
Arizona gives most personal injury victims two years to file from the accident date (A.R.S. § 12-542). Cases involving government vehicles require a Notice of Claim within 180 days. See our post on the Arizona statute of limitations for personal injury for exceptions.
Our car accident attorneys handle claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.