[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/","headline":"Who Is At Fault for a Left Turn Accident in Georgia?","name":"Who Is At Fault for a Left Turn Accident in Georgia?","description":"Left-turn accident fault in Georgia usually rests with the driver making the turn, as state law requires drivers to yield to oncoming traffic and turn left only when they can do so safely (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 40-6-71). However, every crash is unique, and circumstances may show the driver turning...","datePublished":"2026-09-24","dateModified":"2026-09-28","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/johnsherrod\/#Person","name":"John Sherrod","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/johnsherrod\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63ed235ae61137a2e8dec557ea4cd48dee882e0dc0bbcf9da6642f47d925925d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63ed235ae61137a2e8dec557ea4cd48dee882e0dc0bbcf9da6642f47d925925d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","width":300,"height":109}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/left-turn-accident-hiway.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/left-turn-accident-hiway.jpg","height":687,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tqUpr-AwI1c#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tqUpr-AwI1c","name":"How Is Fault Determined After a Georgia Car Accident? - Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","description":"For more about car accident cases, visit: https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-is-fault-determined-after-a-georgia-car-accident\/\n__________________________________\nSherrod & Bernard, P.C. - Personal Injury Lawyers in Douglasville\n8470 Price Ave \nDouglasville, GA 30134\nPhone: (770) 920 - 8350\nwww.sherrodandbernard.com","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/tqUpr-AwI1c\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/tqUpr-AwI1c\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/tqUpr-AwI1c\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/tqUpr-AwI1c\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/tqUpr-AwI1c\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-07-10T18:31:15+00:00","duration":"PT2M50S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tqUpr-AwI1c","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w","name":"Sherrod and Bernard","description":"When you are in a legal bind, you need an experienced attorney you can count on to provide you with skilled representation and sound legal counsel. Every lawyer under the sun will tell you that he or she is the right person for the job, but you need a firm backed with a successful track record. You need the firm of Sherrod & Bernard, serving the Douglasville area.\n\nAfter attending the University of Georgia together, attorneys John Sherrod and Ken Bernard founded the law firm of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. in 1992. From the very beginning, the goal of our firm has been to provide each and every client with the quality personal service and skilled representation they deserve. You can count on our work ethic and our commitment to our clients.\n\nYou need a highly skilled attorney to successfully resolve your legal issues. One of our lawyers can help. Schedule a free consultation by calling our Douglasville office at 770-920-8350.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/uK-5K9pyHHwlk4D1Wclej9JOOudzsipnxVRsoc1u0fyFTl1Ykw0P1mMXhCw6PbtfZAwzpbuF_A=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tqUpr-AwI1c#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tqUpr-AwI1c#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tqUpr-AwI1c&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tqUpr-AwI1c#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":16}]]},"about":["Auto Accident"],"wordCount":1200,"articleBody":"Left-turn accident fault in Georgia usually rests with the driver making the turn, as state law requires drivers to yield to oncoming traffic and turn left only when they can do so safely (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 40-6-71). However, every crash is unique, and circumstances may show the driver turning left is not at fault.If you\u2019ve been hurt in a left-turn collision, speak with a Georgia car accident lawyer at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., about your options.Why Are Left-Turn Crashes So Common in Georgia?Left turns are the single most common critical event leading to car accidents nationwide, according to research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Because we drive on the right in the United States, turning left usually takes a driver across opposing travel lanes. A motorist who turns left against traffic puts themselves directly in the path of oncoming vehicles, risking a collision.Georgia Rules for Making a Safe Left TurnO.C.G.A. \u00a7 40-6-71 requires a driver attempting to turn left at an intersection, private road, driveway, or alley to yield to any traffic approaching from the opposite direction. The driver can begin the turn only after confirming there is no oncoming traffic close enough to pose an immediate accident risk.The Difference Between Protected and Unprotected Left TurnsLeft turns can be either protected or unprotected. A protected left turn is one where a traffic sign or signal, such as a green arrow, specifically gives left-turning traffic the right of way. An unprotected left is one where turning traffic does not have the sole right of way \u2013 for example, an intersection without a signal, or one with a signal providing only a solid green circle or flashing yellow arrow.Protected lefts are one of the few exceptions to the general rule that a left-turning driver is likely to blame for an accident, as a driver turning at a protected left usually has the right of way.Drivers making unprotected left turns at four-way intersections should wait to enter the intersection until it is clear of traffic. They should not enter the intersection and then wait for oncoming traffic to pass, as they could be at fault for a subsequent accident.Left Turns on Red in GeorgiaDrivers can generally make right turns on a red light as long as it is safe to do so and no sign says otherwise. However, the same does not apply to left turns except in very particular circumstances.A driver can make a left turn on red only if no sign prohibits doing so and all three of the following conditions are met:The road they are turning from is a one-way street in the direction they are traveling.The road they are turning onto is a one-way street flowing toward the driver’s left.The driver comes to a complete stop first and yields to pedestrians and all traffic proceeding straight.Common Ways Left-Turn Accidents HappenWhile there are many different ways left-turn collisions happen in Georgia, the following are among the most common causes of left-turn accidents:A driver making an unprotected left turn across oncoming traffic and misjudging the speed or distance of an approaching vehicleA driver turning left on a stale yellow or red light after oncoming traffic has started movingAn oncoming vehicle running a red light or speeding, making the turn appear safe when it isn’tA left-turning driver\u2019s visibility blocked by other vehicles, weather, curves, or roadside objectsA driver failing to see pedestrians or cyclists crossing in the direction of the turnWho Can Be at Fault in a Georgia Left-Turn Accident?Many different people could be to blame in a left-turn accident claim in Georgia, including:A driver who made an unsafe turn against oncoming trafficA driver who failed to yield the right of way to a driver making a protected left turnThe employer of a driver who causes an accident while on the jobGovernment entities that failed to install or maintain traffic signalsIn some cases, the person injured in a left-turn accident might share fault with other parties. Comparative negligence in left-turn crashes in Georgia allows an injured person to recover compensation as long as they are found to be less than 50 percent to blame. However, comparative negligence can also reduce the amount the injured person can recover in proportion to their share of fault.\ufeffHow Fault Is Proven in Left-Turn CrashesThe courts, attorneys, and insurance adjusters determine who is at fault for a left-turn crash by carefully reviewing evidence like:Traffic, security, and dashboard camera recordingsTestimony from eyewitnessesPhotos of the scene and the involved vehiclesSkid marks and wreck debrisData about how traffic signals in the area cycleCell phone records that might suggest a driver was distractedInformation from vehicles\u2019 on-board computers or black boxesWhat to Do If You Were Involved in a Left-Turn Accident in GeorgiaYou can take some simple steps to protect yourself after an accident involving a failure-to-yield left turn in Georgia:Report the accident to the police.Get medical care promptly, and tell your treating physician that you were in a left-turn accident.Do not say anything that might suggest you were to blame.Do not provide a statement if the other driver’s insurer reaches out to you.Contact an experienced left-turn accident lawyer from Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., for help pursuing a Georgia left-turn accident settlement or verdict.Our Georgia Car Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help YouHave you or someone you love been injured in a left-turn accident in West Georgia? If so, Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., is ready to help you pursue fair compensation from the person at fault for the crash. We have served accident victims throughout the region since 1987, with more than nine decades of combined experience to apply to your case.While the following results do not guarantee future outcomes, they highlight some of our many achievements and indicate the type of experience we bring to each case:$1,500,000 for a cyclist who was struck by a distracted driver and suffered a broken leg and internal injuries$500,000 for a client who was seriously injured when another driver pulled out in front of him$250,000 for a client who needed several surgeries to correct a fractured leg they suffered after a vehicle improperly turned in front of their motorcyclePlease read some of our positive testimonials to learn what it is like to be one of our clients. For example, one of our past clients had this to say about his experience with our law firm:\u201cI was hurt in a car wreck in Douglasville. I contacted Ken and he was a tremendous help. My medical bills and health insurance liens were reduced by Ken\u2019s hard work and I received a fair check as a result. I recommend Ken and his legal services if you need a lawyer for an accident.\u201d\u2014William J., DouglasvilleAre you ready to find out what we can do for you? Then contact us today for your free consultation with a Georgia car accident lawyer. [    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"Answer\",        \"name\": \"Answer Question\",        \"text\": \"A protected left turn occurs when a traffic signal displays a green left-turn arrow. This arrow means that you can make your left turn safely because you have the right of way, while oncoming traffic has a red light and must stop. You shouldn\u2019t have to worry about vehicles coming from the opposite direction while you turn.  On the other hand, an unprotected left turn is when the traffic signal is a flashing yellow arrow or steady circular green light without an arrow. This signal means you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing the street before you turn. It\u2019s your responsibility to wait for a clear gap in traffic to complete your turn safely. This type of turn requires more attention because you must accurately judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles.\",        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Answer\"    },    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"Answer\",        \"name\": \"Answer Question1\",        \"text\": \"Georgia law allows you to turn left on red in limited circumstances. If you are driving on a one-way street facing a steady circular red traffic light, you can turn left onto another one-way street where traffic flows to the left. However, you must first come to a complete stop, check for pedestrians, and yield the right of way to them as necessary. You must also yield to any other traffic that has a green light and is moving through the intersection according to the traffic signal. Importantly, you are never allowed to make this type of left turn at intersections where signs explicitly prohibit turning left on a red signal.\",        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Answer1\"    },    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"Answer\",        \"name\": \"Answer Question2\",        \"text\": \"Pulling your vehicle into an intersection while waiting to turn left in Georgia is legal. This means you can enter the intersection and wait in the middle until it\u2019s safe to complete your turn.\",        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Answer2\"    },    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"Answer\",        \"name\": \"Answer Question3\",        \"text\": \"In Georgia, the driver who makes a left turn is often held liable for accidents that occur during this maneuver. This is because the law requires the turning driver to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic close enough to pose a hazard.  However, there are exceptions. If the oncoming driver was speeding or running a red light, they might be at fault, or both drivers might share the blame. When poor road conditions contribute to an accident, other parties might be liable, such as the local government agency responsible for road maintenance.\",        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Answer3\"    },    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",        \"mainEntity\": [            {                \"@type\": \"Question\",                \"name\": \"What Are the Differences Between Protected and Unprotected Left Turns?\",                \"acceptedAnswer\": {                    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Answer\"                },                \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Question\"            },            {                \"@type\": \"Question\",                \"name\": \"Can You Turn Left on a Red Light in Georgia?\",                \"acceptedAnswer\": {                    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Answer1\"                },                \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Question1\"            },            {                \"@type\": \"Question\",                \"acceptedAnswer\": {                    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Answer2\"                },                \"name\": \"Can You Pull into the Intersection When Turning Left in Georgia?\",                \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Question2\"            },            {                \"@type\": \"Question\",                \"name\": \"Who Can Be Held Liable for a Left Turn Accident in Georgia?\",                \"acceptedAnswer\": {                    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Answer3\"                },                \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#Question3\"            }        ],        \"name\": \"Who Is At Fault for a Left Turn Accident in Georgia?\",        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#FAQPage\"    }] "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Who Is At Fault for a Left Turn Accident in Georgia?","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-for-a-left-turn-accident-in-georgia\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]