Being hurt in a left-turn accident can feel overwhelming. You might be dealing with painful injuries, steep medical bills, and confusion about who is legally responsible. Houston’s high-traffic roads and busy intersections only add to the stress.
Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig understands what victims go through after a left-turn crash. He and the Houston left turn accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group are ready to listen, guide you, and fight for fair compensation. This page answers common questions about left-turn collisions, Texas traffic laws, and why hiring a dedicated lawyer can make all the difference.
What should I do immediately after a left-turn car accident in Houston?
Take specific steps right away to protect your health and your legal rights. First, call 911 so the Houston Police Department can create an official accident report and emergency responders can help injured victims. Even if you feel okay, it is wise to get checked by a doctor; adrenaline often hides the seriousness of injuries.
Document everything at the crash scene if you can do so safely. Snap photos of your vehicle, the other vehicle, and any skid marks or damaged traffic signals. Gather contact details from the other driver and any eyewitnesses. Above all, avoid admitting fault. Insurance companies sometimes twist casual remarks into “confessions.” Before you speak with anyone else’s insurer, consider calling a Houston car accident attorney at Goldenzweig Law Group. Acting fast can preserve traffic camera footage and witness accounts—essential evidence in a left-turn collision claim.
What are the common causes of left-turn car accidents in Houston?
Left-turn collisions happen frequently when someone fails to yield or misjudges oncoming traffic. Houston’s major roads, like Westheimer Road or FM 1960, can be long and busy, making it tough to accurately judge another driver’s speed or distance. Many of these crashes involve a driver turning left without enough space, creating a near-impossible situation for the oncoming vehicle to avoid a collision.
Distracted driving, such as texting or phone use, is also a leading cause. Running yellow or red lights can trigger sudden left-turn conflicts, and impaired driving increases crash likelihood. Statistics show that failing to yield for a left turn contributes to roughly 5.6% of all reported car accidents in Texas each year. In short, driver negligence is at the heart of most left-turn crashes.
What are the most common left-turn accident scenarios in Houston?
Common scenarios include a driver turning left at a green light and getting T-boned by an oncoming vehicle that had the right-of-way. Another frequent one is a left-turn collision with a motorcycle—motorcyclists are harder to see, and a driver can easily overlook them. Pedestrians and bicyclists may also be struck in a crosswalk when a motorist takes a left turn without looking carefully.
Multi-vehicle pileups can occur at large intersections, where one incorrect left turn triggers a chain reaction. Rear-end crashes happen too, especially if someone slows or stops in the left lane to wait for a gap and the driver behind them fails to brake in time. The Houston left turn car accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group routinely handle all these accident types, from T-bones to multi-vehicle wrecks.
Can left-turn accidents involve unusual or uncommon situations?
Uncommon circumstances do arise, and Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig has guided clients through many of them. Sometimes, multi-lane left turns lead to collisions if a driver drifts from their turn lane and sideswipes another turning car. Malfunctioning traffic signals can display green lights to both directions, causing confusion and crashes.
Emergency vehicles or U-turns can introduce extra layers of complexity. A fire truck might legally run a red light while turning left in an emergency, or a driver might attempt an abrupt U-turn in a no-U-turn zone. Some crashes involve improper use of the center left-turn lane. No matter how unusual your left-turn collision, the Houston left turn accident lawyers at Goldenzweig Law Group know how to investigate the details and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Is the left-turn driver always at fault in a car accident?
No, the left-turn driver is not always at fault. Texas law does require left-turning drivers to yield to oncoming traffic, and many accidents happen because that driver misjudged the gap. However, there are exceptions. If the oncoming driver was speeding excessively, ran a red light, or otherwise drove recklessly, fault may shift or be shared.
Some collisions arise when the left-turner actually had the right-of-way, such as a protected green arrow. In that case, an oncoming driver who disregarded a red light would be at fault. Also, Texas allows for shared fault—both drivers might hold some responsibility. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig can help uncover all the facts so fault is correctly assigned, rather than letting an insurance company blame you unfairly.
What if I am partly to blame for the left-turn accident?
You may still recover compensation under Texas’s modified comparative fault rule, sometimes called the 51% bar. If you are 50% or less responsible for the crash, you can still receive damages, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would still recover 80% of the total damages.
Insurance adjusters often attempt to label victims as more at fault than they truly were. They do this to minimize payouts. The Houston left-hand turn accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group know how to counter these tactics. Even if you suspect you share blame, do not assume you have no claim. Our team carefully evaluates the evidence to prove the other party’s negligence and keep your fault percentage as low as possible.
How can I prove who was at fault in a left-turn accident?
Evidence is the key to establishing liability. The official police accident report often provides initial insight, especially if an officer cites a driver for failing to yield. Photographs from the scene—such as vehicle damage, skid marks, and traffic signals—offer powerful visual proof. In a dense city like Houston, there may be traffic cams or security cameras capturing the moment of impact.
Witness statements can confirm whether someone ran a light or was driving erratically. Phone records may reveal if a driver was texting right before the crash. Modern vehicles sometimes store “black box” data on speed, braking, and steering inputs. If needed, Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig can consult accident reconstruction experts to piece together the events. Gathering this evidence quickly is crucial, so we encourage you to reach out as soon as possible.
What types of injuries can result from left-turn car accidents?
Left-turn collisions can cause serious harm, particularly if one car smashes into the side of another. Whiplash and neck injuries are common, and so are back and spinal injuries like herniated discs. Head trauma, including concussions or traumatic brain injuries, may occur if a driver or passenger hits their head on a window, dashboard, or steering wheel.
Broken bones, such as ribs or limbs, are especially likely in T-bone crashes. Seatbelts and airbags save lives, but they can still cause bruises or burns. Internal injuries might not be immediately obvious, so it is important to see a doctor even if you feel “fine.” The Houston left turn car accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group have represented victims suffering from these and other serious injuries, helping them secure the medical care and financial compensation they need.
What compensation can I recover after a left-turn accident?
Victims can often recover various damages when another party’s negligence caused the crash. Medical expenses can include hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care costs if the injury is long-lasting. Lost wages and diminished earning capacity are common if you cannot work or need a reduced schedule while healing.
Non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress may also be available, acknowledging the mental toll of a sudden crash. Property damage, including car repairs or a total loss claim, is typically part of the settlement. In tragic situations involving a fatality, families may pursue wrongful death damages for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig and his team work diligently to account for every loss, so you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a left-turn accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose the right to pursue compensation entirely. Certain exceptions apply when minors are involved or when filing claims against a government entity, but those can have even tighter notice requirements.
Evidence disappears and memories fade with time, so it is best to act promptly. If you worry you may be close to the deadline or are unsure how much time is left, please reach out to the Houston left-turn accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group right away. We will advise you about your legal rights and guide you through each step before time runs out.
Why should I hire a lawyer for my left-turn accident claim?
A skilled lawyer ensures insurance companies take you seriously. Adjusters often try to place all blame on the left-turning driver, or else they use lowball settlement tactics. Houston left-turn accident attorney Stephen Goldenzweig handles negotiations, protects your interests, and helps you avoid signing away important rights.
A lawyer also gathers critical evidence—like traffic camera footage, black box data, and official reports—that can be hard for an injured person to get on their own. Calculating damages thoroughly is another reason to seek legal help, since an attorney can estimate long-term costs for medical care, lost future income, and emotional suffering. Finally, our contingency fee arrangement means you pay nothing out of pocket; we only get paid if we recover money on your behalf.
Why choose Goldenzweig Law Group for your left-turn accident case?
Goldenzweig Law Group is a local practice deeply familiar with Houston’s busiest highways, intersections, and legal landscape. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig brings years of personal injury experience and direct insight from having worked with insurance defense strategies in the past. This background lets him anticipate how insurers might undervalue or deny claims, giving you a significant advantage.
At our Bellaire office—6575 West Loop South, Suite 420, Bellaire, TX 77401—we treat every case with personal attention. Our team focuses on compassion, responsiveness, and aggressive advocacy. We have helped many car accident victims across the Houston area, from The Heights to Sugar Land, secure the funds they need for recovery. Clients praise our support, describing how we kept them informed and fought tirelessly until we achieved a just outcome. We do the same for every case, large or small.
“If you’re looking for a great attorney with experience please don’t hesitate to call. These attorneys know what they’re doing. I was involved in an accident, where the other driver rear ended me on 610. Initially, the insurance did not want to accept responsibility but after I hired this firm, they immediately fought for me and they accepted liability. After my treatment, my case settled and I am very pleased with my settlement. Call them! You won’t regret it” – Rosalinda
If you were hurt in a left-turn collision, do not hesitate to contact the Houston left turn car accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group. We offer a free consultation and never collect a fee unless we win. Dial (713) 561-5003 today to learn your options.
Conclusion and Next Steps
You do not have to face the aftermath of a left-turn accident on your own. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance, Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig and his dedicated team are here for you. If you or a loved one have been injured, call us at (713) 561-5003 or visit our Bellaire office to schedule a free case evaluation. Time matters, and your health and financial future could depend on the actions you take now. Let the Houston left turn car accident lawyers at Goldenzweig Law Group be your voice and your ally. We are ready to listen, investigate, and fight hard for the compensation and peace of mind you deserve