Making a left turn in Arizona might seem routine until it ends in a crash, and suddenly, you’re the one holding the ticket. State law often puts the blame on the turning driver, even if the other car sped up, ran a yellow, or came out of nowhere. But fault isn’t always as clear as it seems, and what you do next could shape everything from your insurance payout to your driving record.
TL;DR: Are Left-Turn Drivers Always at Fault in Arizona?
“Just because you were turning left doesn’t automatically make you at fault,” says Kyle Allen, a personal injury attorney at our firm. “Left-turn drivers do have a high duty to ensure the intersection is clear, but every crash is fact-specific.”
If the other driver ran a red light, was speeding, or you already had control of the intersection, those details could shift liability. That’s why it’s critical to share the full story with your attorney and document everything, from witnesses to what the other driver was doing in the moments before impact.
What Arizona Law Says on Left Turns
Under ARS §28-772, any driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard. On paper, it makes sense. But in the middle of real traffic when lights are changing, drivers are speeding up to beat the red, and visibility is poor, it’s not so black-and-white. Even if the crash wasn’t entirely your fault, the law gives insurance companies and police a starting point that often favors the other driver.
If you’re cited for failing to yield:
- Expect a civil traffic fine between $150 and $300, including court costs.
- You’ll likely get 2 points on your license.
- Your insurance premiums can spike, especially if you’re found at fault.
- You may be eligible for defensive driving school to avoid points, but doing that may count as admitting fault in the eyes of insurers or lawyers.
And if the crash caused serious injuries or property damage? You could face lawsuits, out-of-pocket expenses, or long battles with insurance. Either way, you’re suddenly dealing with more than just a fender bender, and the system can feel stacked against you.
Common Left-Turn Crash Scenarios in Arizona and Who’s at Fault
Arizona doesn’t treat all left-turn accidents the same. The fault can shift depending on how the crash happened, who had the right of way, and what each driver was doing at the moment of impact. Here’s what the law usually says in different real-life situations:
You Turned Left in Front of Oncoming Traffic
Most likely at fault.
If you turned left at a green light (not a green arrow) and hit a car coming straight through the intersection, you’re probably getting cited under ARS §28-772. Arizona law says you must yield to oncoming traffic unless you’re completely clear to turn. Even if the other driver was going a little fast, that typically won’t be enough to shift liability completely, unless there’s evidence of aggressive or reckless driving.
You Were Hit While Turning on a Yellow Light
Still likely at fault, but it’s more complicated.
If you were already in the intersection waiting to turn and the light changed from green to yellow, you’re allowed to clear the turn. But if an oncoming driver accelerates through the yellow and hits you, there may be shared fault. If you’re struck near the rear of your car, it could show you were almost out of the intersection. That detail can help you argue for comparative negligence, which could reduce your liability.
The Other Driver Ran a Red Light
Not automatically your fault.
If you began turning left on a protected green arrow or after the oncoming light turned red, and the other driver ran the light and crashed into you, fault may fall entirely, or mostly, on them. But this depends heavily on proof. Without dashcam footage or witnesses, police might still assume you failed to yield. This is where documentation can make or break your case.
A Car Changed Lanes Last Second and Hit You Mid-Turn
Fault can be shared or shifted.
Let’s say the oncoming car was stopped behind others, swerved into another lane to beat the light, and slammed into you halfway through your turn. That kind of lane change can violate ARS §28-729, which prohibits unsafe lane changes. If this happened, you may not be 100% at fault, but again, it comes down to what can be proven.
You Couldn’t See the Car Because Their Headlights Were Off
Liability depends on evidence.
If you made a turn at night and honestly didn’t see the other car because its headlights were off, it could be considered contributory fault or comparative negligence, but only if you can prove it. Without witnesses or video, the insurance company will likely side with the other driver. If you do have proof, you could argue they weren’t operating their vehicle safely, which might reduce your share of liability.
The Crash Caused Injuries or Involved Multiple Cars
The fault gets more serious and expensive.
When a left-turn accident causes injuries, hits more than one car, or leads to significant property damage, everything escalates. You may face civil lawsuits, medical claims, and higher scrutiny from insurers. Even if you’re only partially at fault, Arizona’s pure comparative negligence law means the other side can still recover damages, just reduced by their percentage of fault.
What Happens After the Crash: Filing (or Defending) a Left-Turn Accident Claim
Once the crash is over, the real process begins, and for most people, that’s when the stress really hits. Whether you were turning left or going straight, what you say and do next can directly affect your insurance payout, legal responsibility, and driving record.
If You Were the Victim: Hit by a Left-Turning Driver
If a driver turned left in front of you and caused the collision, Arizona law is on your side. Under ARS §28-772, left-turning drivers must yield before crossing opposing traffic. In most cases, they’ll be considered primarily at fault, but that doesn’t mean you can coast through the process.
- Document everything. Take photos of the damage, skid marks, intersection layout, and any traffic signals nearby.
- Ask for witness info. Independent witnesses carry more weight than either driver’s version of events.
- Don’t give recorded statements without legal advice. Insurance companies will look for any reason to reduce your payout, even if liability seems obvious.
- Watch for quick settlement offers. If you’re hurt, even slightly, don’t accept money until you’ve seen a doctor and talked to a lawyer. Some injuries take days to show up.
- If your injuries are serious, you have the right to file a personal injury claim to recover costs like medical bills, missed work, and pain and suffering. But you’ll need proof, patience, and someone to fight for your story.
If You Were the One Turning Left: Defending a Left-Turn Accident Claim
If you were turning left and got hit, the odds are already stacked against you. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Arizona uses a pure comparative negligence system, which means fault can be shared, and you’re allowed to fight for your percentage.
- Don’t Assume You’re 100% at Fault. Many drivers panic after getting cited and think they have no defense. But fault isn’t always black and white. If the other driver ran a red or yellow light, was speeding, these can all shift some liability away from you—if you have the right evidence.
- Gather Evidence Fast. Take photos of the damage, the position of both vehicles, and the intersection. Try to show where you were in the turn. Impact on the rear of your car can suggest the other driver had time to stop.
- Get the Right Citation Reviewed. Some people are mistakenly cited under ARS §28-722 (passing) instead of 28-772 (left turn failure to yield). That matters. If the officer got the statute wrong, it could help you fight the ticket in court or even get it dismissed.
- Be Careful with Statements. Don’t admit fault at the scene. Don’t tell the insurance company, “I didn’t see them coming” or “I thought I had time.” Those words could haunt your claim. Instead, focus on the facts, and talk to a lawyer before you say anything formal.
- Defensive Driving School? Think Twice. If you’re thinking about taking the class to avoid points, know that in many cases, doing so counts as an admission of guilt in the eyes of insurance adjusters. It may help your record, but it can hurt your claim defense.
Whether you were hit or accused, left-turn crashes in Arizona carry serious consequences. Insurance companies don’t always care who’s telling the truth—they care who has evidence. So don’t guess your way through this. Get help, protect your story, and take back control of your case.
Let Us Help You Navigate Your Left-Turn Accident Case
Left-turn crashes in Arizona aren’t always as simple as they seem. Whether you were hit by a driver who failed to yield or you’re being blamed after making a left turn, the law, insurance companies, and the claims process can feel overwhelming and unfair.
At Esquire Law, our car accident attorneys know how these cases work because we handle them every day. We understand how to challenge assumptions, build evidence, and fight for a fair outcome, whether that means proving the other driver’s fault or protecting your rights if you’re being held responsible. If you’re dealing with a citation, injuries, or an insurance dispute after a left-turn accident, don’t go through it alone. Our team is here to listen, guide you, and fight to get you the compensation and the clarity you deserve.