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If you've been involved in a left turn accident in Arizona, one of the first questions you're probably asking is: who is liable? Left turn accidents are among the most serious and common collisions on Arizona roads, and determining fault isn't always as straightforward as it seems. Whether you were the driver going straight through an intersection or the one making the turn, understanding how Arizona law assigns liability can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation. Our Car Accidents team at Sher Law Group PLLC handles these cases regularly, and we want to help you understand your rights.

Why Left Turn Accidents Are So Dangerous

Left turns require a driver to cross oncoming traffic lanes, making them inherently riskier than most other driving maneuvers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), left turns are a contributing factor in a disproportionately high number of intersection crashes nationwide — and Arizona intersections are no exception. In the Phoenix and Scottsdale metro areas, busy roads like Scottsdale Road, Camelback Road, and State Route 51 are frequent sites of serious left turn collisions. The consequences can include severe injuries, totaled vehicles, and in the worst cases, fatalities.

Arizona Traffic Law and the Left Turn Driver's Duty

Arizona law places a clear duty on drivers making left turns. Under ARS § 28-772, a driver intending to turn left within an intersection must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. In plain terms: if you're turning left, you must wait until it is genuinely safe to complete that turn.

This statute creates a legal presumption that the left-turning driver is at fault when a collision occurs during the turn. Insurers and courts in Arizona routinely start from this presumption, which means the burden often falls on the left-turning driver to prove that circumstances beyond their control caused the crash.

When Is the Left-Turning Driver Liable?

In most left turn accident scenarios, the driver making the left turn bears the majority — or all — of the fault. Common situations where the left-turning driver is typically found liable include:

• Turning on a solid green light without yielding to oncoming traffic
• Misjudging the speed or distance of an oncoming vehicle
• Failing to check for motorcycles or cyclists, which are easy to overlook
• Turning left on a red arrow signal
• Distracted driving during the turn (phone use, adjusting the radio, etc.)

If any of these apply to the driver who hit you, their negligence — and their insurance — may be fully responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

When the Oncoming Driver Might Share or Bear Liability

Here is where left turn accident cases get more nuanced. Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system under ARS § 12-2505. This means that even if the left-turning driver was negligent, the oncoming driver could share a percentage of fault if their own actions contributed to the crash. Situations where the oncoming driver may be partially or fully liable include:

• Running a red light or stop sign at speed
• Driving significantly over the posted speed limit, making it impossible for the turning driver to judge their approach accurately
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving that prevented them from slowing or stopping
• Using a lane illegally, such as passing in a turn lane

Under Arizona's pure comparative fault rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault — but you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible. For a deeper look at how this works, check out our related post on Arizona Comparative Negligence Law Explained.

What Evidence Matters Most in a Left Turn Accident Case

Because fault in left turn accidents is so heavily contested, the evidence you gather immediately after the crash can be decisive. Our car accident attorneys always advise clients to collect and preserve:

• Traffic and surveillance camera footage — Intersections in Phoenix and Scottsdale are frequently monitored; this footage can confirm whether a light was red or green, or how fast vehicles were traveling
• Witness statements — Bystanders often see the full sequence of events more clearly than either driver
• Police report — Always call law enforcement to the scene; the responding officer's notes on fault and any traffic citations issued are important
• Vehicle damage photos — The location and severity of damage can help accident reconstruction experts establish who was where at the moment of impact
• Black box / EDR data — Many modern vehicles record speed and braking data in the seconds before a crash
• Medical records — Document your injuries promptly to establish the connection between the collision and your damages

Arizona's Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims

Do not wait too long to take action. Under ARS § 12-542, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona. Missing this deadline almost certainly means losing your right to recover compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case is. If a government vehicle or municipality was involved — such as a city bus making a left turn — different notice requirements may apply and the timeline can be even shorter.

How Sher Law Group Can Help After a Left Turn Accident

At Sher Law Group PLLC, our Phoenix and Scottsdale legal team has extensive experience investigating and litigating left turn accident claims throughout Arizona. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, review all available evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies who often try to shift blame onto the injured party. Our personal injury lawyers handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.

We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a left turn accident anywhere in the Phoenix metro area, call us today at 480-418-7437 to speak with a member of our team.

The Bottom Line on Left Turn Accident Liability in Arizona

When it comes to a left turn accident in Arizona, who is liable depends on the specific facts of your case — the traffic signals, the speeds involved, road conditions, and the actions of both drivers. While the left-turning driver is presumed at fault under Arizona law, that presumption can be challenged with the right evidence. Arizona's comparative fault system also means that multiple parties can share responsibility. If you've been injured, don't assume fault before speaking with an attorney — the full picture may be very different from what the other driver's insurer is telling you.