Unprotected Left Turn Accident Victim? Know Your Rights and Legal Options

If you’ve been hurt in an unprotected left turn accident, HawkLaw P.A. wants you to know you’re not alone and that you have rights. Whether you were driving, riding, or walking, understanding what happened can make a huge difference in your recovery and your ability to hold the at‑fault party accountable. Our South Carolina accident lawyers guide clients through every step after a crash, helping them explore legal options, understand fault, and pursue fair compensation.*

What Is An Unprotected Left Turn?

An unprotected left turn is made when the light is green, but it’s not a protected arrow. That means there’s no dedicated signal granting you the right‑of‑way. Instead, you must yield to oncoming traffic before completing your turn.

Protected vs Unprotected Left Turn

A protected vs unprotected left turn is simple: a protected turn has a green arrow, giving you the exclusive green light to turn. An unprotected left is simply a green light without an arrow, meaning you must wait for a safe gap before turning and must yield to both lanes of oncoming cars.

What Makes Unprotected Left Turns So Risky?

Unprotected left turns rank among the most dangerous intersection movements because drivers cross paths with vehicles coming from multiple directions – oncoming traffic, turning vehicles, and sometimes even those behind you. One misjudgment can lead to t-bone accidents, head-on collisions, or multi-car crashes. Intersections are already hotspots; adding the unpredictable timing of unprotected left turns increases the risk of car accidents, especially in heavy traffic or when sightlines are poor.

Left-Turn Risks for Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorcycle Operators

Unprotected left turns aren’t just dangerous for drivers. They pose even greater risks to vulnerable road users:

• Pedestrians. Drivers turning left often focus on oncoming vehicles, not pedestrians in the crosswalk. This oversight can lead to severe or even fatal accidents involving pedestrians.
• Cyclists. Bicycles are smaller and move faster than pedestrians, making them harder to see. A driver may check both directions and still miss a cyclist approaching the intersection.
• Motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are often overlooked for the same reasons as cyclists, but face even more severe injuries in a crash.

When Semi-trucks Make Unprotected Lefts

Now imagine the same scenario, but add a semi‑truck. These massive vehicles have wide turning radiuses, blind spots, and slower acceleration, making an unprotected left even more hazardous. Misjudging a traffic gap can be catastrophic. Wide‑turn truck accidents are serious, and if a tractor‑trailer was involved, our truck accident team in South Carolina can help you understand the added liability issues.

Can I Turn Left on a Green Light in South Carolina?

According to South Carolina Code § 56‑5‑970, left‑turning drivers must “yield the right‑of‑way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute an immediate hazard” and to pedestrians in crosswalks. That means, even with a green light, you need a clear path before proceeding.

How to Be Safe at an Unprotected Left Turn

Staying safe during an unprotected left turn starts with awareness and caution. Consider these pointers:

• Stay back about two car lengths from the crosswalk while waiting.
• Watch out for both vehicles and pedestrians and be mindful of cyclists.
• Look for brake lights; slow-moving oncoming traffic indicates a safer gap.
• Keep your wheels straight until it’s safe. If you’re hit from behind, this helps prevent being pushed into oncoming lanes.
• Use your turn signal early to give others a clear warning of your intent.
• Stay alert for vehicles running red lights because not everyone follows the rules at intersections.

How HawkLaw P.A. Can Help After an Unprotected Left Turn Accident

If you’ve been injured in a left turn accident, especially an unprotected one, HawkLaw P.A. in South Carolina is ready to assist. We are ready to assist South Carolina victims in exploring their legal options. Please reach out to us via our contact form. You don’t have to face this alone. We serve clients throughout South Carolina from offices in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson*.

*Anderson office is by appointment only and cases are primarily handled out of the Greenville office.