Have you ever been waiting at a red light when you want to turn left? There’s no traffic coming from any direction and the light seems to be taking forever to turn.
Even if you’re not in a rush to get to your destination, it seems pointless waiting until the light turns green to make your move. So, can you make a left turn at a red light? In Texas, the answer can vary depending on a few circumstances. However, before diving into left turn laws, did you know over 22,000 accidents caused by illegal left turns occur in the Lone Star state?
Turning left can result in an accident and this is also why traffic laws are on the books. If you’re planning on making the occasional left turn, here’s what you should know.
Can You Make a Legal Left Turn at a Red Light
When it comes to turning right at a red light, Texas is like most other states. You can legally turn right even if the light’s red as long as there isn’t a sign prohibiting the action. However, you check for any oncoming vehicles and pedestrians before cautiously pulling forward.
When you’re positive nothing is coming, you make the right turn. So what about left turns on red> Do the same laws and strategies apply?
The same laws don’t always apply to left turns at red lights. However, if you’re on a one-way street and turning onto another one-way street, a left turn may be legal. Before you start checking to see if the way is clear, look for any traffic signs. If you see a sign prohibiting left turns on red, wait until the light turns green. If there isn’t a sign and you’re turning onto another one-way street, you still come to a complete stop.
Also, don’t forget that everyone else has the right of way, and this means yielding to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. You only have the right of way on a left turn when the light is green or you have an arrow.
Once the way is clear, cautiously make your left turn. However, cautiously doesn’t mean creeping along at only a couple of miles per hour since this can turn you into a road hazard. Instead, turn at your normal speed, only keep paying attention to your surroundings. You want to be able to stop if something suddenly appears in your way.
If you’re involved in an accident and you’re making the left turn at a red light, you’re probably going to be the at-fault driver.
Potential Penalties for Illegal Left Turns in Texas
An illegal left turn can result in a traffic citation if you’re caught by law enforcement. Guess what? You can still get a ticket for an illegal left turn even if law enforcement isn’t around.
Most Texas cities are fully embracing red light cameras, which catch more than drivers barreling through red lights. The cameras can also snap a picture of your illegal left turn. Since your license plate is included in the photo, you can expect a traffic ticket to show up in the mail.
Yes, you still need to respond to the ticket even if it’s delivered by your mail carrier, and you either need to pay the fine before your court date or show up in traffic court on the assigned date. Fines can range from $1 up to $200 for a Class C misdemeanor.
Even though receiving a fine of only one dollar doesn’t seem like too harsh of a punishment, don’t forget about your insurance. Your ticket will be reported to your auto insurance carrier and this is often when your illegal left turn gets expensive. Your insurance company may view this as reckless driving behavior.
Basically, this means the insurance provider views you as a high-risk driver. Higher insurance premiums are common. If you receive too many tickets, your insurance may decide to stop coverage. Now, you need to find another auto insurance company and this usually means higher monthly fees.
What to Do if You’re Injured in a Left Turn Accident
If you’re involved in a left turn accident, you want to contact the authorities. This is also the law in Texas. All vehicle accidents must be reported if property damage is over $1,000, there are injuries, or a fatality occurs.
Asses Your Damages and Gather Evidence
If you’re injured, the only concern you have is seeking immediate medical attention. Go ahead and accept a ride to the hospital, the responding officers will take care of everything else. After all, your health is the top priority here.
You can always pick up a copy of the accident report around a week or so after the incident, which will contain most of the information you can gather on the scene. You’re also going to need a copy of your accident report when you file a claim with the insurance company. If nothing else, your accident report proves the incident occurred when and how you say it happened.
However, if your injuries aren’t severe, take the time out to inspect the damage to your vehicle. Take out your cell phone and snap some pictures. If possible, take some photos of the accident scene, including the position of your vehicle.
Get contact information from any witnesses but don’t discuss the accident. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will also talk to the same witnesses and you don’t want them to repeat anything that can jeopardize your accident claim.
Seek Medical Attention
If you turned down a ride in an ambulance, you still need to visit a physician. Some injuries take a while to appear and you don’t want to risk your health. You’re also going to need your medical records if you plan on filing a personal injury claim.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Left Turn Accident
If you find yourself involved in a left turn accident, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is a wise decision. Texas traffic laws can be intricate and challenging to navigate on your own.
An attorney can manage your personal injury claim effectively, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery and health. Their professional guidance can be simply invaluable in ensuring that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
