Intersection Crashes in the Bronx: Left-Turn Liability

Understanding the Risks of Bronx Intersections

Left-turn crashes are common on busy Bronx streets. From congested intersections near Fordham Road to complicated traffic signals in Soundview or Pelham Parkway, these collisions often involve confusion, misjudgment, or distraction. 

When a driver turns left across oncoming traffic and a crash occurs, the turning driver is usually found at fault, but not always. Factors like speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield can shift liability. 

New York law requires a detailed look at timing, signals, and road conditions. If you’ve been hurt in one of these crashes, speaking with a Bronx personal injury attorney can help you understand who is legally responsible and what compensation you may be entitled to. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we’re here to protect your rights and guide you through your next steps.

New York State Left-Turn Laws and Liability

New York traffic law clearly places the burden on left-turning drivers to yield. Under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1141, any driver intending to turn left must yield to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are close enough to be a hazard. That means even if you think you have time, the law may still hold you responsible if a crash occurs.

Drivers also need to consider pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. In a dense borough like the Bronx, foot traffic at intersections can be heavy, especially near schools or subway stations. Ignoring a pedestrian in the crosswalk while turning left could result in both civil and criminal consequences.

If there is a protected green arrow, that changes the equation. A driver turning left under a green arrow has the right-of-way. But at a standard green light, the obligation to yield always falls on the left-turning driver.

When the Left-Turning Driver Is Usually At Fault

Most left-turn crashes result in the turning driver being found at fault. These drivers often:

• Misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic
• Turn with limited visibility
• Rush to beat a red light
• Fail to yield to pedestrians or bicycles

When a crash occurs in these situations, insurance companies and courts typically assign fault to the turning driver. In many Bronx intersections, such as at Jerome Avenue and E. Gun Hill Road, visibility is obstructed by parked cars or wide medians. Even if you had a brief window to turn, it may not meet the legal standard of safety.

A police report often includes a diagram of the crash, statements from both parties, and notes about traffic controls. That documentation becomes central to any legal claim or defense.

When the Oncoming Driver May Be Responsible

There are cases where the oncoming driver may be partly or entirely at fault. Some examples include:

• Speeding far above the posted limit
• Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign
• Driving distracted, such as texting or using GPS
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

In New York, courts apply comparative negligence rules. That means more than one driver can share blame. For example, a left-turning driver may be found 70% responsible, while the speeding oncoming driver is 30% responsible. This split affects how damages are paid out.

Proving shared fault can be difficult without strong evidence. That’s why gathering as much detail as possible at the scene is critical.

What Evidence Helps Prove Fault in a Left-Turn Crash

The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim or defense will be. Useful evidence includes:

• Dashcam footage from either car
• Surveillance video from nearby stores
• Traffic camera footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Photos of vehicle damage and skid marks
• Medical records if injuries occurred
• The official police accident report

In the Bronx, many intersections are covered by NYPD traffic cameras or DOT surveillance. These can be subpoenaed in civil cases. The damage to the vehicles themselves can also tell a story. A clear side-impact to the front of a vehicle often supports the argument that one car turned directly into another's path.

If possible, take pictures immediately after the crash. Include road signs, traffic lights, weather conditions, and damage angles.

How Injuries Affect Your Claim or Defense

Left-turn crashes often lead to serious injuries, even at low speeds. This is especially true when the collision is a T-bone, where one vehicle strikes the side of another. Common injuries include:

• Neck and back injuries (whiplash, herniated discs)
• Broken bones
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries or bleeding
• Soft tissue damage and bruising

Medical documentation plays a key role in both proving the severity of the crash and in justifying compensation. Even if you feel okay right after the accident, you should still get evaluated. Some injuries take hours or days to appear.

Keep a detailed record of medical visits, prescriptions, lost work days, and follow-up care. These records help calculate the total impact of the crash on your life.

How Insurance Companies View Left-Turn Crashes

Most insurers assume the left-turning driver is responsible. They may use that assumption to deny a claim or offer a quick settlement that is lower than what you deserve. In New York, insurance companies often act fast after a crash to limit their financial exposure.

You should not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without speaking to a personal injury attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce your compensation. Insurance companies may:

• Downplay your injuries
• Blame you for unsafe driving
• Argue the accident was unavoidable
• Use delay tactics to wear you down

A lawyer can help push back and present the facts clearly and forcefully.

How a Bronx Car Accident Lawyer Builds Your Case

If you were injured in a Bronx left-turn crash, a local lawyer will understand the traffic patterns, common accident sites, and court systems. A lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash using surveillance and witness interviews
• Review the police report and challenge any inaccuracies
• Work with crash reconstruction experts to prove fault
• Handle all communications with insurers
• File a personal injury lawsuit if negotiations fail

Bronx intersections present unique challenges. A lawyer familiar with roads like Bruckner Boulevard or White Plains Road can more effectively argue your side, whether you're the turning driver or the one hit.

An experienced attorney can also determine whether additional parties may share liability, such as a city agency for poor signage or a rideshare company if a driver was working.

What to Do Immediately After a Left-Turn Accident

Taking the right steps after a crash can protect your health and your legal rights. In the Bronx, fast action is especially important due to traffic congestion and police response times. Here's what to do:

• Call 911 to report the accident
• Ask for medical assistance even if injuries seem minor
• Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries
• Get contact information from witnesses
• Write down what you remember while it's fresh
• Avoid admitting fault, even casually
• Contact a Bronx car accident attorney as soon as possible

New York follows a no-fault insurance system, but serious injury claims can exceed those limits. A lawyer can help you file the correct paperwork to recover full damages from the at-fault driver.

Fault Is Not Always Clear in Bronx Left-Turn Crashes

Every intersection accident is different. Left-turn crashes may seem straightforward, but the details matter. 

If you were involved in one, you should not assume you're to blame or that your options are limited. In New York, legal responsibility depends on a full analysis of who had the right-of-way, what actions were reasonable, and what the evidence shows.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our Bronx personal injury attorneys help clients understand and assert their rights after serious car accidents. We know the borough's roads and the laws that apply to them. 

If you need help after a left-turn crash, we are here to guide you step by step. Schedule a consultation today to explore your legal options and protect your future.