When you’re involved in a left-turn accident, accurately proving who’s at fault can mean the difference between recovering substantial compensation for your injuries and expenses, or facing significant financial burdens alone. While left-turning drivers are often assumed to be at fault, the truth is often more nuanced—especially with today’s advanced technology and evolving legal standards.
At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we bring over 60 years of combined legal experience dedicated to helping Colorado Springs accident victims. Since 1995, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients by mastering the art and science of establishing fault in complex traffic accidents, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
The Evolving Nature of Left-Turn Accident Evidence in 2025
Left-turn accidents account for approximately 22% of all traffic fatalities and 53% of cross-path crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. What’s changing in 2025 is how we precisely establish fault in these cases.
Traditional methods of evidence gathering—police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence—remain important. However, the integration of AI-powered accident reconstruction, digital forensics, and advanced video analysis is reshaping how our attorneys build powerful cases for our clients.
The assumption that left-turning drivers are automatically responsible is being successfully challenged more often than ever before. With the right evidence gathering approach and seasoned legal expertise, we can frequently shift responsibility to the other driver or establish shared fault that significantly increases the compensation you receive.
Cutting-Edge Evidence Collection Strategies That Secure Victories
The Digital Evidence Advantage
In 2025, digital evidence forms the foundation of successful left-turn accident cases. Here’s what our team collects and analyzes for our clients:
- Traffic camera footage from intersections, revealing signal timing and driver behavior
- Dashcam recordings from your vehicle and surrounding cars
- Cell phone data to demonstrate distracted driving by the other party
- Vehicle telematics showing speed, braking patterns, and impact force
- Signal timing logs directly from traffic management systems
We partner with digital forensics experts who can extract and analyze this data within hours of your accident, before it’s lost or overwritten. This immediate action often makes the difference between a strong case and a missed opportunity.
AI-Powered Accident Reconstruction
Modern accident reconstruction uses artificial intelligence to create precise, detailed visualizations of how your accident occurred. These computer models can account for critical factors like:
- Vehicle speeds and trajectories
- Sight line obstructions
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Road surface conditions
- Driver reaction times
When we present these reconstructions to insurance companies and juries, they offer clear, visual proof of what truly happened—often directly contradicting the other driver’s account.
Dispelling the Left-Turn Liability Myth
Many drivers mistakenly believe that if they were making a left turn, they’re automatically at fault. This costly misunderstanding often prevents accident victims from pursuing the compensation they are owed. In reality, Colorado follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you’re partially at fault—provided you are less than 50% responsible.
- Speeding through the intersection: If the oncoming driver was traveling significantly over the speed limit, they may bear primary responsibility.
- Running a red light or stop sign: Traffic signal violations frequently shift fault entirely to the other driver.
- Distracted or impaired driving: Cell phone use, intoxication, or other impairments can establish the other driver’s negligence.
- Mechanical failures: Brake failures or other vehicle defects may involve manufacturer liability.
- Poor visibility conditions: Inadequate street lighting or obstructed sight lines can reduce your fault percentage.
Four Essential Evidence Collection Practices
1. Rapid Scene Documentation
The first 30 minutes after your accident are essential for preserving evidence. If you’re physically able, document everything with your smartphone camera, including vehicle positions, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Our team provides clients with a post-accident checklist that helps ensure nothing important is overlooked.
2. Thorough Witness Information Gathering
Independent witnesses can be key to your case. We immediately dispatch investigators to locate and interview witnesses before their memories fade or they become unavailable. Video statements captured within 24 hours of the accident carry significantly more weight than written statements taken weeks later.
3. Electronic Data Protection
Modern vehicles store crash data for only 30-60 days before it’s overwritten. We file preservation notices with all involved parties within 48 hours, safeguarding critical electronic evidence. This includes data from both vehicles’ event data recorders, nearby traffic management systems, and any connected devices.
4. Expert Analysis Coordination
We maintain strong relationships with accident reconstruction experts, traffic engineers, and medical professionals who can analyze evidence and provide testimony. Early expert involvement often uncovers evidence that less experienced attorneys miss, leading to stronger cases and better settlements.
Addressing Common Left-Turn Accident Hurdles
Problem 1: Insurance Company Denial Based on Left-Turn Presumption
Solution: We counter initial denials with well-prepared evidence packages that include traffic signal timing data, speed analysis, and witness statements. In 2024, we successfully overturned 78% of initial fault determinations in left-turn cases by presenting this type of evidence within the first 30 days of the claim.
Problem 2: Incomplete Police Investigation
Solution: Police reports often contain incomplete or inaccurate information, especially in complex intersection accidents. We conduct independent investigations that frequently uncover evidence the police missed, such as additional surveillance footage or witnesses who left the scene before police arrived.
Problem 3: Delayed Medical Treatment Affecting Case Value
Solution: Many left-turn accident victims delay seeking medical treatment, thinking their injuries are minor. This gap in treatment becomes ammunition for insurance companies to deny claims. We connect clients with appropriate medical care immediately and document the connection between the accident and all resulting injuries.
The McCormick & Murphy Advantage: A Proven Record in Left-Turn Cases
Our approach to left-turn accident cases combines established legal expertise with cutting-edge technology and investigation techniques. We understand that every day you wait to take action, critical evidence diminishes, and your case can become harder to win.
Located at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, our team has built a reputation for meticulous preparation and assertive advocacy. Our professional track record speaks for itself—we’ve consistently achieved results that exceed our clients’ expectations.
What Makes Our Evidence Collection Stand Out
- 24-hour response team: We begin evidence collection within hours of your accident.
- Technology partnerships: Direct relationships with digital forensics and reconstruction experts.
- Thorough investigation: We examine every possible angle, not just the obvious evidence.
- Proactive approach: We anticipate insurance company arguments and prepare counter-evidence in advance.
Regulatory Changes Affecting Your Case
Colorado’s traffic laws and insurance regulations continue to evolve, particularly regarding autonomous vehicles and rideshare accidents. New regulations in 2025 address the complexities of accidents involving both human and automated systems, which often occur in left-turn scenarios where decision-making algorithms and human actions intersect.
Additionally, Colorado’s modified comparative fault system allows you to recover damages even if you’re partially at fault, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 49%. Understanding how these regulations apply to your specific situation requires the guidance of experienced legal professionals.
Market Shifts Impacting Left-Turn Accident Cases
The rise of rideshare vehicles and increasing traffic density in Colorado Springs has led to more intricate left-turn accidents involving multiple parties. Insurance companies are also employing more refined claim denial strategies, making skilled legal representation more important than ever.
Virtual healthcare consultations and remote legal meetings have changed post-accident procedures, but they’ve also created new opportunities for evidence collection and case presentation that benefit our clients.
Your Immediate Next Steps: Protect Your Evidence, Secure Your Future
Every hour that passes after your left-turn accident, valuable evidence is at risk of disappearing. Traffic camera footage is overwritten, witnesses forget details, and physical evidence at the scene is cleared away. The insurance companies know this—they rely on evidence degradation to weaken your case and minimize your recovery.
Don’t give them that advantage. If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident in Colorado Springs or anywhere in Colorado, contact McCormick & Murphy P.C. immediately. Call us at (719)-389-0400 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
We’ll begin evidence collection without delay while you focus on your recovery. Our team handles everything from digital forensics to expert witness coordination, ensuring that your case is built on the strongest possible foundation, maximizing your chances for full compensation.
You don’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. That’s our commitment to you—and our confidence in our ability to prove fault and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Your evidence is diminishing right now—but your opportunity for justice doesn’t have to.
