Q: If I am turning left at intersection & a car behind me side swipes my left trying to go straight, who has right of way?
Involved in a car accident in which we were stopped at a light waiting for green. It was a 3 lane road, with the left lane being a larger lane, but still one lane. Just after intersection it turns into 4 lanes. When the light turned green, I made to turn left in intersection. Car behind me had not paid attention, trying to cut around my slowness, ended up hitting me. Officer said I did not have right of way to turn. How can that logically follow? How can drivers feel safe and secure in making their left turns, or any turns, if someone can come up and hit them, and the victim becomes 50% responsible for that? I have right of way, I am first in line, I make the choice to turn now or later, regardless. Officer claimed next intersection becomes 4 lanes, so if other driver established a lane, it is fair game. I said she did not, as she hit my back left quarter panel up to my car door. He said it is still possible I am at fault. And I said for making a legal left turn as first in line?
A: from your description other driver is in the wrong if he is behind you. If it was you vs oncoming traffic then as the left turn person it's on you. I would plead not guilty on the ticket. If yuu were injured, speak with a member of the SC Assn for Justice like Carl Jacobson in Charleston.
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