Santa Barbara is, like many cities, home to some notoriously dangerous intersections, from De La Guerra and Santa Barbara Street to West Carrillo and Chapala Street to Calle Real and Las Positas Road. Busy intersections are places where driver error often can result in a serious injury accident. That serious accident may trigger massive medical bills, extensive pain and suffering, and a prolonged absence from work. When it is time to seek compensation for the losses you've endured, be sure you've retained the services of an experienced Santa Barbara car accident lawyer to advocate for you as you navigate the legal system.
Many motorcyclists know that left-turn accidents account for a disproportionately large number of severe and fatal motorcycle accidents. Left-turn accidents need not involve motorcycles to be catastrophic, however, as a fatal crash in Lompoc illustrates.
The accident took place after the driver of a compact Chevrolet attempted a left turn onto northbound Highway 1. The Chevrolet and a southbound Pontiac collided in the southbound number 1 (left) lane. The occupants of the Pontiac suffered minor injuries. The passenger in the Chevrolet suffered major injuries and the driver was dead at the scene.
The California Highway Patrol stated that alcohol and/or drugs "do not appear to be a factor."
The Many Varieties of Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn crashes like this can be the result of a wide array of factors. It may happen after a left-turning driver improperly steers in front of oncoming traffic, failing to yield the right of way. Sometimes, though, the oncoming driver is partially (or totally) to blame. They may have ignored a stop sign or a red light, or they may have been speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted by a device (among other possible reasons.)
The law in California says that, even if you improperly failed to yield the right of way in making a left turn, you may still be entitled to a recovery. California law follows the rule of "pure comparative negligence." That means that, if you prove the other driver was negligent at all (such as speeding, driving drunk, texting while driving, or driving in any way that increased the likelihood of the crash,) you may be entitled to a recovery.
The array of parties may include more than just the other driver. Sometimes, a left-turn accident happens due to visibility issues. These may result from poor sight lines due to a flawed design or inadequate maintenance (such as a failure to cut back trees or plants sufficiently.) In that scenario, the entity responsible for the intersection's design or maintenance may owe you compensation.
These hypotheticals should tell you that your left-turn accident has the potential to be a complicated matter and your accident deserves a thorough investigation by a seasoned team of professionals. This includes crash scene evidence, photos, video footage, eyewitness accounts, police reports, and more.
Rely on the experienced Santa Barbara car accident attorneys at the law firm of Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP to be the powerful and effective team you need to get what you're owed. Contact us at 805-617-1365 or through our website to get a free case consultation today.
