In busy Los Angeles traffic, every maneuver behind the wheel can carry consequences. Two of the most dangerous driving actions are overtaking and making wrong turns. These choices often lead to devastating crashes, primarily when drivers act recklessly or fail to assess their surroundings. Knowing your legal rights is the first step toward securing compensation if you were injured in a crash caused by one of these scenarios.
Schedule a free case review with LA Injury Lawyers today. We have recovered millions for victims of overtaking accidents, wrong turn crashes, and other dangerous driving incidents.
What Is an Overtaking Car Accident?
Overtaking refers to a vehicle passing another vehicle moving in the same direction. In theory, overtaking is legal when done correctly and within the bounds of traffic laws. In practice, however, overtaking car accidents often occur when drivers:
- Attempt to pass on curves or hills
- Misjudge oncoming traffic
- Fail to signal or check blind spots
An overtaking car accident can involve head-on collisions, side swipes, or run-off-road crashes. Even at moderate speeds, these collisions can result in significant damage and injury.
Common Scenarios Leading to Overtaking Accidents
Not every overtaking situation is equal. Some circumstances dramatically increase the risk of an accident:
Dangerous Overtaking Scenarios:
- Two-lane highways with no dedicated passing lanes
- Construction zones where lanes shift or narrow
- Residential areas with limited visibility
- Weather conditions, such as rain or fog, that limit sight distance
Drivers who overtake in these conditions may be found negligent and liable for damages. Before attempting to pass another vehicle, it is critical to assess the road and traffic patterns.
Who Is at Fault in an Overtaking Accident?
Establishing liability in an overtaking accident depends on several factors. The driver attempting to overtake is often presumed at fault, especially if they crossed a double yellow line or ignored traffic signs. However, the driver being passed may share some blame if they:
- Increased speed during the overtake
- Made a sudden turn without signaling
- Drifted into the passing lane
Comparative negligence rules in California allow both parties to be assigned a percentage of fault. Evidence such as dashcam footage, witness testimony, and traffic citations plays an important role in determining responsibility.
What Is a Wrong Turn Accident?
Wrong turn accidents involve vehicles making illegal or unexpected turns that violate traffic flow. This includes:
- Turning the wrong way down a one-way street
- Making illegal U-turns
- Turning without yielding at an intersection
- Failing to use a turn signal
These errors often lead to T-bone or head-on collisions, particularly in complex intersections or heavy traffic areas.
Consequences of Overtaking and Wrong Turn Collisions
The physical and financial implications of overtaking and wrong-turn crashes are often severe. Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones or internal injuries
- Emotional distress and PTSD
Repairing the damage also extends beyond physical recovery. Lost income, ongoing medical care, and insurance complications add layers of stress to an already traumatic situation. Whether recovering from a rear-end collision or a high-speed side swipe, documenting your injuries and legal costs is essential.
How to Prove Negligence in These Types of Accidents
Legal claims for overtaking and wrong-turn accidents are based on proving driver negligence. Key steps include:
Gathering Evidence:
- Police Reports: Official documentation of the crash scene
- Photographs: Images of the vehicles, skid marks, and the surrounding area
- Witness Statements: Neutral third-party accounts of the incident
- Medical Records: Documentation of injuries and treatment timelines
- Surveillance or Dash Cam Footage: Real-time proof of the events
An experienced attorney can help organize and present this evidence to build a strong case.
What to Do Immediately After an Overtaking or Wrong Turn Accident
Your actions following a crash are vital to protecting your rights and health.
Immediate Steps:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Take photos of all vehicles, injuries, and surroundings.
- Exchange insurance and contact information.
- Do not admit fault at the scene.
- Seek medical attention, even if symptoms are mild.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Maximum Compensation Available Under California Law
Victims of overtaking and wrong-turn crashes may be entitled to several types of compensation:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to recovery time or inability to work
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional and Psychological Effects
- Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement
In rare cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Why You Need a Lawyer for These Cases
Crashes involving overtaking and illegal turns often require detailed investigations. Insurance companies may try to shift blame or downplay your injuries. A qualified car accident attorney will:
- Handle all communications with insurers
- Work with experts to reconstruct the accident
- Ensure all legal deadlines and documentation are met
- Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
LA Injury Lawyers has a proven record of helping victims recover from life-altering car crashes.
Get Legal Support for Dangerous Driving Accidents
Whether you were struck during an illegal overtake or blindsided by a wrong turn, we are here to help. LA Injury Lawyers has successfully recovered millions for car accident victims across Los Angeles, including:
- $11 Million – Brain injury victim
- $10 Million – Car accident victim
- $8.2 Million – Motorcycle accident victim
- $7 Million – Back injury victim
Call (818) 539-5390 or email in**@*************rs.com to schedule your free case evaluation.
You pay nothing unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as an overtaking car accident?
An overtaking accident occurs when a vehicle attempts to pass another and collides due to misjudgment, poor visibility, or illegal maneuvering.
Who is typically at fault in a wrong-turn collision?
The driver making the incorrect or illegal turn is usually considered at fault, especially when ignoring signs or traffic laws.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California’s comparative fault laws allow you to recover compensation, reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the accident date.
What if there were no witnesses to the accident?
In the absence of eyewitnesses, dash cam footage, vehicle damage, and expert accident reconstruction can still help prove your case.
