Left-Turn Accidents in Prince George’s County and What You Need to Know About Liability

Key Takeaways

• Maryland law requires left-turning drivers to yield to oncoming traffic.
• The turning driver is not always the one at fault.
• Maryland’s contributory negligence rule can bar recovery for a driver who was even slightly at fault.
• Strong evidence gathered early can shape the outcome of a claim.

In Prince George’s County, the driver making a left turn is often found at fault in a car accident, because Maryland law requires that driver to yield to oncoming traffic. However, fault is not automatic. An oncoming driver who was speeding, ran a red light, or drove while distracted may share the blame, which can change who recovers compensation.

Who Usually Has the Right of Way in a Left-Turn Crash?

Left turns force a driver to judge the speed of oncoming cars and cross one or more lanes. On busy Prince George’s County roads, heavy traffic leaves little room for error.

Maryland law requires a driver turning left at an intersection to yield to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is close enough to be an immediate hazard. Because of this rule, insurers often start with the view that the turning driver caused the crash.

Common left-turn crash scenarios include the following:

• A driver turning left on a solid green light misjudges the gap in oncoming traffic
• A turning driver pulls out of a parking lot or side street into a main road
• A turning driver strikes a pedestrian or cyclist in the crosswalk

A green arrow, however, gives the turning driver the right of way, which shifts the analysis significantly.

How Is Fault in Left-Turn Accidents in Maryland Determined?

Fault in left-turn accidents in Maryland depends on more than who was turning. Investigators, insurers, and courts look at how each driver behaved in the seconds before impact.

An oncoming driver may carry responsibility if that driver:

• Was speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Entered the intersection on a yellow or red light
• Was texting, talking on a handheld phone, or otherwise distracted
• Was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

These details matter more in Maryland than in most states. Maryland is one of the few states that still follows pure contributory negligence. Under this rule, an injured person who is found even slightly at fault for a crash may be barred from recovering any compensation from the other driver.

This makes left-turn claims especially contested. An insurance company may argue that the turning driver should have waited longer, or that the oncoming driver could have slowed down. A small detail, such as whether a light had just changed, can decide whether a person recovers anything at all.

What Evidence Helps Prove Liability After a Left-Turn Crash?

Evidence often decides left-turn cases. Taking action soon after a crash can preserve key proof.

Helpful evidence may include:

• The police crash report from the Prince George’s County Police Department or Maryland State Police
• Photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and traffic signals
• Dashcam footage or video from nearby businesses and traffic cameras
• Names and contact details of witnesses
• Data from vehicle event data recorders, which can show speed and braking

Vehicle damage patterns and prompt medical records also matter. Damage locations can show how the collision unfolded, and timely treatment links injuries to the crash.

Maryland generally allows two years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing that deadline can end a claim before it starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a police citation prove fault?

Not on its own. A civil claim looks at all the evidence.

Can passengers recover after a left-turn crash?

Often, yes. A passenger who did not cause the crash may claim against one or both drivers.

Should a driver talk to the other insurer?

Recorded statements can be used to shift blame, so caution is wise.

Prince George’s County Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Helps Crash Victims 

People hurt in left-turn collisions can turn to the Prince George’s County car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King for help. Our experienced legal team knows how contributory negligence may affect your claim. Call us at 888-740-KING (5464) or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, MD, Falls Church, VA, and Durham, NC.