Is a Left‑Turn Driver Always at Fault in Louisiana?

Is a Driver Making a Left Turn Always Liable Under Louisiana Law?

No. A left‑turn driver is not always automatically at fault. In many cases, they are presumed to be at fault because Louisiana law requires them to yield to oncoming traffic. But that presumption can be overcome if other factors show the fault lies (or is shared) with the oncoming driver. A skilled Louisiana car accident lawyer can review the details of the crash, gather evidence, and determine whether the left‑turn driver was truly responsible or if another driver’s actions played a major role.

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Why Is the Left‑Turn Driver Often Presumed to Be at Fault?

• Legal duty to yield: Under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:122, a driver turning left “shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are … so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.”
• Crossing the center line: If the collision happens while the left‑turning vehicle is crossing the center line, courts often presume the left‑turner was negligent.
• Insufficient lookout or unsafe gap: The left‑turning driver must ensure that the turn can be made safely before starting. Failing to do so can support negligence.

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When Might the Left‑Turn Driver Not Be at Fault?

• Oncoming driver’s misconduct: If the oncoming driver was speeding, ran a red light, or acted recklessly, liability may shift in part or wholly to them.
• Sudden lane change: If the oncoming vehicle unexpectedly swerved or changed lanes into the turning path, the left‑turning driver might not reasonably anticipate that move.
• Green arrow or protected turn signal: If the turning driver had a green arrow or protected turn, they often have the right of way, and the oncoming driver must yield.
• Shared fault under comparative fault rules: Even if the left‑turning driver bears some fault, Louisiana’s comparative fault system allows fault (and damages) to be allocated among both drivers.

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How Does Louisiana’s Comparative Fault Law Affect Left‑Turn Cases?

Louisiana uses a form of comparative fault under Civil Code Article 2323.

That means if both drivers share some blame, each person’s recovery is reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault.

However, an important change is coming: beginning January 1, 2026, a person who is 51 % or more at fault cannot recover damages. If your accident happened before 2026, the existing pure comparative fault rule still applies.

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Why Is It Important to Hire a Lawyer Early in a Left‑Turn Crash Case?

There are important reasons to involve an attorney as soon as possible after a crash:

• Preserve video evidence: Traffic cameras, red‑light cameras, dashcams, or nearby surveillance video may be overwritten or erased. A lawyer can demand preservation before it disappears.
• Protect physical evidence: Skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris need careful documentation and expert analysis before they are disturbed.
• Preserve witness statements: Memory fades over time. Early interviews help lock in consistent testimony.
• Investigate contributing factors: Road conditions, lighting, signal timing, eye sight lines, or prior braking can play a role. A lawyer knows to look for them early.
• Counter unfair insurance tactics: Insurance companies may push for quick statements or accept blame without analyzing all facts. A lawyer helps protect your rights while the facts fully develop.

Can a Left‑Turning Driver Still Recover Damages If Partially at Fault?

Yes, under Louisiana’s comparative fault law, a left‑turning driver can recover even if assigned some fault, so long as their share is less than 51 % (for accidents on or after January 1, 2026).

For example, if the left‑turn driver is judged 30 % at fault and the other driver 70 %, the left‑turn driver can recover 70 % of their damages. (Before 2026, even being 99 % at fault wouldn’t bar recovery under the prior pure comparative rule.)

What Should You Do After a Left‑Turn Crash in Louisiana?

1. Ensure safety and call 911.
2. Document the scene—photos, video, angles, damage, skid marks.
3. Note any cameras, traffic signals, and possible witnesses nearby.
4. Get names, contact info, and insurance details of involved drivers.
5. Avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting blame before consulting a lawyer.
6. Contact a qualified Louisiana car accident lawyer quickly to protect evidence and begin an investigation.

Is the Left‑Turn Driver Always at Fault?

No. But the law in Louisiana gives a strong presumption against the left‑turn driver. That presumption shifts the burden to them to show some other cause or shared blame. Because these cases often hinge on subtle facts: signal timing, speed, sight lines, or sudden maneuvers. It is vital to have an experienced attorney working early. A Metairie car accident lawyer can preserve video, gather evidence, build expert support, and protect your right to recover even when fault is contested.

If you’ve been in a crash involving a left turn, contact LJBLegal early, before evidence disappears, to give your case its best chance.