Left Turn Accident: Vehicle Traffic Law section 1141

In the State of New York and City of New York all motor vehicle or car accidents are governed by the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. If a driver is making a left turn the law requires that the driver “shall yield the right of way” to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. The law creates a presumption that the person making the left turn is the person liable in an accident. The operator of the oncoming vehicle is entitled to assume that the left turn driver will yield. see Sapienza v. Harrison 191 AD3d 1028, 1030 as quoted in Bunch v. Gwood 2018-15129-Second Department.

What is the take away. If you are injured in an accident with a vehicle turning left, it is assumed that this is the negligent driver and vehicle. But the story really should not end there. A good investigation such as photographs, witness statements could uncover information to hold both vehicle responsible.

Feel free to call Law Office of David Ascher (212)964-1515