Left Turn Accidents
Left turn accidents are one of the most common types of car accidents, and unfortunately they often result in significant property damage and bodily injuries. Left turn accidents are generally avoidable, since they rarely happen absent negligent driving. If you sustained injuries or property damage in a left turn accident in New Hampshire, you should meet with a New Hampshire car accident attorney to evaluate the facts of your case and whether you may be able to recover compensation from the other driver. At Peter Thompson and Associates, our attorneys have been helping residents of New Hampshire injured in left turn accidents recover damages for their harm for over 60 collective years. We will keep you apprised of any developments in your case and work diligently to help you pursue a favorable outcome under the circumstances.
New Hampshire Laws Regarding Left TurnsThe New Hampshire laws that set forth the rules of the road very clearly define the duties imposed on drivers in making a left turn. Specifically, they provide that a driver who is turning left at an intersection or road has a duty to yield the right of way to any drivers approaching him or her from the opposite direction. New Hampshire law also imposes a duty on all drivers to drive safely under the given circumstances.
Proving Negligence Under New Hampshire LawMost New Hampshire car accident cases allege that the negligence of one driver caused the accident to occur. To show that a person’s negligence caused you harm, you must prove several elements. First, you must establish that the person owed you a duty and that he or she breached the duty. You must then prove that the breach of the duty caused the accident to occur and that the accident caused you to suffer any harm alleged. You must show that it is more likely than not that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident to occur.
The majority of left turn accidents are caused by the failure of the driver making the left turn to yield to oncoming traffic, in breach of the duty imposed by law. In some cases, the driver who made an improper turn may attempt to argue that the approaching driver was driving too fast or failed to obey a traffic control device, and therefore, he or she was responsible for causing the accident. If you were involved in a left turn accident, an experienced car accident attorney can gather evidence via discovery to help you prove that the other driver should be held liable for your damages.
Damages Commonly Recoverable in Car Accident CasesIndividuals injured in car accidents commonly seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include the cost of any treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, including prescriptions, physical therapy, and any mobility devices. Injured parties may also be able to recover the cost of any medical treatment for their injuries that they may need in the future. If the injuries caused an inability to work, either temporarily or permanently, the injured party will typically seek compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. Additionally, economic damages can include the cost to repair any property damage caused by the accident.
Non-economic damages, which often make up a large portion of damages awarded in car accident cases, include compensation for any pain and suffering caused by the injuries sustained in the accident. If you were married at the time of the accident, your spouse may also be able to recover compensation for the loss of any services or companionship that you typically provide but were unable to provide due to your injuries.
Meet With a Skilled New Hampshire AttorneyLeft turn accidents often result in serious and lasting injuries. If you were involved in a left turn accident, it is in your best interest to consult a skilled car accident attorney to help you formulate a plan for seeking compensation from the driver who caused the accident. At Peter Thompson and Associates, our practice is dedicated to assisting New Hampshire residents who suffered harm in car accidents in pursuing damages from the responsible party. We pride ourselves on providing diligent representation, which has allowed us to maintain a history of favorable verdicts. We have offices in Bedford, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Manchester. We represent clients in other cities throughout New Hampshire as well. We can be contacted at 800.804.2004 or through our online form to set up a meeting.