If a left-turn accident in Colorado has left you injured, confused, and facing mounting bills, you’re not alone. The aftermath of such an incident can feel overwhelming, tangled in traffic laws, insurance claims, and questions of who is truly at fault. Understanding Colorado’s left-turn and right-of-way rules is essential – not just to avoid tickets, but to secure the financial recovery and peace of mind you deserve when accidents happen. At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we frequently see how misunderstandings of these laws can cost accident victims thousands of dollars in denied claims or insufficient settlements, leaving them without proper compensation for their injuries and losses.
Why Understanding Colorado Left-Turn Laws is Essential in 2025
Colorado’s roads are busier than ever, and left-turn accidents remain a leading cause of intersection collisions. With recent legal changes, including the hands-free driving law and increased Express Lane enforcement, the legal details surrounding your accident are more intricate. The Colorado Hands-Free Law, with penalties starting at $75, makes distracted driving during left turns a serious factor that can impact accident liability and your ability to claim damages.
In many left-turn accidents, the driver making the turn is initially presumed at fault. This presumption can be a major hurdle, often leading insurance companies to deny claims or offer low settlements. However, this isn’t always the full story. Knowing the specific exceptions to this rule—and having the evidence to prove them—can be the key difference between being held liable for thousands and receiving the compensation necessary for your recovery.
Colorado’s Left-Turn Traffic Laws: What You Need to Know for Your Case
Requirements for Proper Left-Turn Execution
Colorado law sets clear standards for left turns. Drivers must approach in the furthest left-hand lane available for their direction of travel. The turn itself must be executed to the left of the intersection’s center, and you must enter the new roadway in its leftmost lane. Failing to meet these requirements can be used to assign fault in an accident, impacting your ability to receive compensation.
If a dedicated left-turn lane is present, its use is mandatory unless traffic control devices indicate otherwise. We have successfully represented clients who were initially found partially at fault for turning from the wrong lane, even when the other driver was clearly speeding or distracted. Our experience helps clarify these points to protect your claim.
Right-of-Way Rules for Left Turns and Key Exceptions
The core rule states that drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic, unless a green arrow or other right-of-way indicator is present. However, many drivers—and even some insurance adjusters—overlook crucial exceptions:
- You may proceed if oncoming traffic is sufficiently far away that your turn creates no immediate danger.
- With a protected green arrow, oncoming traffic must yield to you.
- If oncoming traffic is violating traffic laws (e.g., speeding excessively, running a red light), liability can shift away from the turning driver.
- At four-way stops, the first vehicle to arrive and stop has the right-of-way, regardless of turn direction.
General Right-of-Way Rules That Can Impact Your Left-Turn Claim
Beyond specific left-turn rules, Colorado’s general intersection priority rules are important for establishing fault. At uncontrolled intersections, the vehicle on the right typically has priority. At stop signs, the vehicle that arrived first usually proceeds first. Furthermore, pedestrians always hold priority when legally crossing the street; failing to yield to them during a left turn can lead to criminal charges and significant civil liability.
These rules become especially relevant in busy intersections with multiple vehicles or heavy pedestrian traffic. Understanding these specific nuances can be the deciding factor between a successful insurance claim that covers your expenses and a claim that is unjustly denied.
Common Left-Turn Challenges and How We Provide Solutions
Challenge 1: Overcoming the Presumption of Fault
The most significant hurdle for drivers involved in left-turn accidents is the automatic assumption that the left-turning driver is at fault. Insurance companies frequently use this presumption to deny claims or minimize settlement offers. However, liability is not always so straightforward. Fault can shift when:
- The oncoming driver was driving well over the speed limit.
- The oncoming driver ran a red light or stop sign.
- The oncoming driver was distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent.
- Traffic signals were malfunctioning.
- Poor road conditions or construction affected visibility.
Our legal team at McCormick & Murphy P.C. has a strong history of successfully challenging fault determinations in left-turn cases. We achieve this by conducting detailed accident reconstructions and gathering evidence that insurance companies often ignore, ensuring your side of the story is fully heard.
Challenge 2: Understanding Protected vs. Unprotected Left Turns
Confusion between protected and unprotected left turns is a frequent cause of accidents and liability disputes. A *protected left turn means you have a green arrow, granting you the right-of-way. An unprotected left turn means you have a green light but must yield to oncoming traffic before proceeding.
A common scenario leading to accidents is the “yellow trap,” where your light turns yellow, but oncoming traffic still has a green light. Making a left turn in this situation without ensuring the intersection is completely clear can lead to severe accidents and place significant liability on you. We help clarify these distinctions in your specific case.
Challenge 3: Proving Exceptions to Standard Right-of-Way Rules
Even when you follow the law correctly, proving it after an accident can be challenging. To establish that an exception to standard right-of-way rules applies to your case, you often need specific evidence like traffic camera footage, detailed witness statements, and thorough accident scene documentation. This is where experienced legal counsel becomes invaluable.
2025 Legal Updates That Can Affect Your Left-Turn Accident Case
Colorado’s new hands-free driving law introduces another layer of detail to left-turn accident investigations. If either driver was using a hand-held device during the accident, this can significantly impact who is found liable. While penalties for phone use start at $75, in accident cases, such use can establish negligence and dramatically affect insurance settlements and your ability to recover damages.
Additionally, increased enforcement of Express Lane regulations can impact left-turn scenarios near highway on-ramps and off-ramps. Improper entry or exit from Express Lanes, with fines starting at $75, can contribute to accident liability if it affects safe left-turn maneuvers, adding complexity to your claim.
Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights After a Left-Turn Accident
Before Making Left Turns (Preventative Measures)
- Always use the designated left-turn lane and signal your intention well in advance.
- If required, come to a complete stop and carefully assess the speed and distance of oncoming traffic.
- Wait for a clear, safe gap or a protected signal before entering the intersection.
- While waiting to turn, keep your wheels pointed straight. This prevents your vehicle from being pushed into oncoming traffic if you are rear-ended.
Immediately After a Left-Turn Accident (Crucial Steps for Your Claim)
- Document everything possible: take photos of vehicle positions, damage, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from all witnesses present.
- Request a police report and verify that your account of the events is accurately recorded.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries initially seem minor. Some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Contact an experienced traffic accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies.* This single step can significantly protect your rights and your claim.
When McCormick & Murphy P.C. Can Make a Difference in Your Case
Left-turn accident cases often involve complex liability determinations that directly affect your financial recovery. Insurance companies are skilled at using Colorado’s left-turn laws to minimize payouts, even when other factors clearly contributed to the accident. Without experienced representation, you risk settling for far less than you deserve.
At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we have successfully recovered millions of dollars for Colorado clients. With over 60 years of combined legal experience, and having handled countless left-turn accident cases since 1995, we possess a deep understanding of how to challenge unfair fault determinations and work to maximize your compensation.
You need dedicated legal representation when:
- The insurance company denies your claim outright or offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your losses.
- You have suffered significant injuries, lost wages, or incurred substantial property damage.
- There is a dispute about who had the right-of-way.
- Multiple vehicles or pedestrians were involved in the incident.
- The other driver was cited for traffic violations.
- You suspect the other driver was distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent.
Our Proven Approach to Securing Your Recovery
When you choose our Colorado Springs legal team, you benefit from a systematic and client-focused approach designed to build the strongest possible case for you:
Immediate Case Assessment
We begin by reviewing all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. Our team quickly identifies potential liability issues and develops a strategic plan to challenge any unfavorable fault determinations, ensuring your claim starts on solid ground.
Thorough Independent Investigation
When necessary, we conduct independent accident reconstruction and consult with traffic engineering experts. We meticulously gather evidence that insurance companies often overlook or dismiss, such as analyzing traffic signal timing, road design factors, and detailed driver behavior patterns. This diligence strengthens your position.
Strategic Negotiation for Your Benefit
Armed with comprehensive evidence and a clear understanding of the law, we negotiate aggressively on your behalf with insurance companies. Our goal is to ensure you receive fair and full compensation for all your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Trial Preparation and Courtroom Advocacy
If insurance companies refuse to offer a reasonable settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our extensive courtroom experience and track record of success often motivate insurance companies to settle fairly before a trial becomes necessary, saving you time and stress while pursuing justice.
Don’t Let a Left-Turn Accident Define Your Future. Get the Compensation You Deserve.
Colorado’s left-turn and right-of-way laws are designed for safety, but they can be misinterpreted or unfairly used against accident victims. Insurance companies often rely on drivers not knowing these laws or their crucial exceptions. Don’t let a wrongful presumption of fault prevent you from receiving the compensation you need to heal and rebuild.
If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Denver, or anywhere in Colorado, contact McCormick & Murphy P.C. today. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to protect your rights, challenge unfair assumptions, and fight tirelessly for your maximum compensation.
Take the first step towards your recovery. Call us now for a free, no-obligation consultation at (719)-389-0400, or email [email protected]. Our office is conveniently located at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. We are here to help you understand your legal rights and explore all your options.
Time is critical—Colorado has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and vital evidence can disappear quickly. Don’t delay; contact us today to secure your legal rights and financial future.
