Who Is At Fault in a Left-Turn Accident in Nevada?

April 15, 2026 | Back to Blog

Left-turn accidents are among the most common and dangerous types of car crashes in Nevada. These collisions often happen at intersections and can lead to serious injuries due to the angle and force of impact.

If you’ve been involved in one of these crashes, you may be wondering: Who is at fault in a left-turn accident in Nevada? The answer depends on the circumstances, but in many cases, the driver making the left turn is presumed to be at fault.

Nevada Law on Left Turns

Nevada traffic law requires drivers making a left turn to yield to oncoming traffic.

Under NRS 484B.253, a driver intending to turn left must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is close enough to pose a hazard.

This means that:

The left-turning driver must wait until it is safe to turn
Oncoming vehicles generally have the right of way
Failing to yield can result in liability for the accident

Because of this rule, fault often falls on the driver making the left turn.

When the Left-Turning Driver Is at Fault

In most cases, the driver turning left will be held responsible if they:

Fail to yield to oncoming traffic
Misjudge the speed or distance of another vehicle
Turn without a clear view of the roadway
Attempt to “beat” oncoming traffic

These situations are considered negligent because the driver did not ensure the turn could be made safely.

When the Other Driver May Be at Fault

Although the left-turning driver is often blamed, there are situations where the other driver may share or carry fault.

Examples include:

Speeding

If the oncoming driver was traveling at an excessive speed, it may have made it difficult for the turning driver to judge distance and timing.

Running a Red Light

If the oncoming vehicle ran a red light, the left-turning driver may not be at fault.

Distracted Driving

If the oncoming driver was not paying attention, they may have contributed to the crash.

Driving Under the Influence

Impaired drivers may be held fully or partially responsible for the accident.

What About Shared Fault in Nevada?

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule.

This means:

You can still recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault
Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%.

Common Types of Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents can occur in several ways:

T-bone collisions at intersections
Left turn across traffic crashes
Accidents involving motorcycles or bicycles
Pedestrian-involved incidents

Each type of accident may involve different liability factors.

How Fault Is Determined

Determining fault in a left-turn accident requires a careful investigation.

Key evidence may include:

Police reports
Traffic camera or surveillance footage
Witness statements
Vehicle damage and accident reconstruction
Cell phone records (for distracted driving)

Insurance companies and attorneys use this evidence to establish who was responsible.

What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident

If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident, taking the right steps can protect your claim.

Call the police and report the accident
Seek medical attention
Document the scene with photos and videos
Collect witness information
Avoid admitting fault at the scene
Contact a lawyer before speaking with insurance companies

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Left-turn accidents may seem straightforward, but fault is not always clear. Insurance companies may try to assign blame quickly, even if the situation is more complex.

An attorney can:

Investigate the accident thoroughly
Challenge inaccurate fault determinations
Gather evidence to support your claim
Negotiate with insurance companies
Pursue compensation on your behalf

Speak With a Nevada Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident, understanding your rights is essential. Liability can impact your ability to recover compensation, and having the right legal support can make a difference.

Morris Injury Law helps individuals involved in car accidents throughout Nevada navigate the claims process and pursue compensation. Contact us.

FAQs About Left-Turn Accidents in Nevada

Is the left-turn driver always at fault?

No. While they are often presumed to be at fault, other factors such as speeding or running a red light can shift liability.

Can both drivers be at fault?

Yes. Nevada’s comparative negligence law allows fault to be shared between parties.

What if I had a green arrow?

If you had a protected green arrow, the other driver may be at fault for failing to yield.

How is fault proven?

Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic footage is used to determine liability.

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