Reviewed By: Personal Injury Team Last Updated: June 29, 2026
When we got behind the wheel for our driving tests, the maneuvers that often caused us the most concern were parallel parking and assessing who goes first at a four-way intersection.
Now, even as seasoned professionals, intersections remain one of the most common places for car accidents.
The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that in 2022, there were over 42,000 fatal traffic accidents nationwide, with more than 12,000 occurring at intersections.
What is the most dangerous maneuver in those accidents that puts drivers at higher risk of a crash? Left-hand turns.
Why Are Left Turns So Dangerous?
With approximately 22.2% of all accidents involving left-hand turns, they are one of the most dangerous maneuvers performed by a driver.
The reason why left turns present a higher risk of a car accident is that left-hand turning drivers must yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles. A simple misjudgment of speed or distance of an oncoming vehicle could result in disastrous consequences for all parties involved.
Other common factors that increase the risk of a crash during left-hand turns include limited visibility and making a left-hand turn across multiple lanes of traffic.
Determining Liability in a Left Turn Accident: Who’s At Fault?
In most cases, fault is found with the left-hand turning driver because they are expected to make the turn only when it is considered safe to do so (i.e., when there is no driver in the line of sight, etc.)
Understanding the Laws of Left-Hand Turns in SC
In South Carolina, the law and the South Carolina Driver’s License Manual state that drivers making a left turn must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.
The SC Driver’s License Manual, Section 6, includes a section on how to properly assess the right-of-way in various situations when other drivers and pedestrians are present.
Any driver in SC making a left turn must use the furthest lane to the left to complete their turn. On roads with multiple lanes of traffic, drivers are instructed not to initiate left turns in the middle lane if a left-hand turn lane is available.
Is There a Situation Where the Left-Turn Driver is Not at Fault?
While fault is often attributed to the left-turn driver, there are various situations in which the other driver could be held responsible for the car accident.
These scenarios may involve another driver running a red light or stop sign, speeding, or cases of reckless or distracted driving. These cases are often tricky to prove and could delay your right to compensation if you are acting on your behalf.
If you or a loved one was involved in a left-turn accident that may have involved the negligence of the other party, our team of highly qualified car accident attorneys can help.
How to Prove Fault in a Left-Turn Car Accident
Assessing fault in left-turn accidents can be complex and challenging to prove in court, but it’s possible. With the help of a car accident lawyer in Charleston, SC, we can provide you with the tools and guidance to be prepared in the event of an accident and for what comes after, starting with a police report.
File a Police Report
After an accident, however minor it may appear, always contact law enforcement officials.
An officer will file a police report that can become a vital resource for details of the car accident, including information about the parties involved, injuries, and an assessment of the scene. This report can help your attorney at Hoffman Law Firm build a case for fair compensation.
Evidence and Witness Testimony
The moments immediately following an accident can be some of the most harrowing, but they can also be crucial in a car accident case.
Photographic evidence and witness testimony can provide invaluable insight into the events leading up to and during the accident. Take photos of the scene, including any visible injuries, and obtain contact information for any witnesses who may have been involved.
Get in Touch with a Personal Injury Attorney
The aftermath of an accident is both stressful and, unfortunately, time sensitive.
Contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident allows you to take a step back from the communication with insurance companies, following up on evidence, and fighting for compensation, giving you the time you need to recover.
Don’t Let Fault Take a Turn in Your Favor – Contact a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t let the question of liability take a left-hand turn. At Hoffman Law Firm, our team of qualified attorneys is here to help you rest assured knowing your case is in good hands, and your accident does not further add to your stress than it already has.
Since 2007, our team of personal injury lawyers in Charleston, SC, and Georgetown, SC, has been dedicating our time and energy to helping those throughout the Lowcountry seek fair compensation for their injuries.
We have established a reputation for success and excellent service. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team, contact us today.
Sources
- S.C. Code § 56-5-2320 – Vehicle Turning Left: The formal South Carolina traffic statute establishing the legal baseline for intersection right-of-way, explicitly requiring any driver intending to turn left to yield to oncoming vehicles that are within the intersection or close enough to constitute an immediate hazard.
- S.C. Code § 56-5-2120 – Required Position and Method of Turning: State law governing the proper lane alignment for execution of a turn, mandating that motorists approach and initiate left turns from the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available.
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) Driver’s Manual: The official regulatory framework outlining the rules of the road, safe distance assessment guidelines, and right-of-way intersection protocols across the Palmetto State.
Learn More About Car Accident Claims in Charleston
- Ready to see how shared fault or speeding impacts your recovery? Speak with experienced local injury law & trial lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm. We offer a client-first approach, so learn how our Contingency Fee Structure ($0 Upfront Fee) works—meaning you pay absolutely nothing unless we successfully win your case. Free consultation available.
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