Las Vegas Left-Turn Accidents: Who’s at Fault and What Nevada Law Says

Intersections in Las Vegas are among the busiest and most dangerous in Nevada. A large percentage of serious crashes happen when drivers attempt left turns. These accidents often result in side-impact collisions that leave little protection for occupants.

Left-turn crashes are rarely simple. Understanding how Nevada law assigns fault, what evidence matters most, and what rights victims have is essential. This guide explains what state statutes say about left-turn accidents, how fault is determined, and the practical steps accident victims should take.

Why Left-Turn Accidents Are So Frequent in Las Vegas

According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly half of all crashes in the U.S. occur at intersections, with left turns posing higher risks than right turns. In Las Vegas, drivers frequently encounter protected left-turn signals (green arrows) and permissive left turns (green or flashing yellow lights).

Misreading a permissive signal or misjudging oncoming traffic speed can quickly lead to a serious crash.

Contributing factors in Las Vegas include:

• Heavy traffic, especially on the Strip and major arteries like Tropicana and Sahara.
• Tourists unfamiliar with local road design.
• Wide intersections and double-left lanes that increase complexity.
• High motorcycle and pedestrian presence, especially at night near entertainment districts.
• Understanding these factors helps explain why left-turn collisions are a persistent problem in the city.

Nevada Laws Governing Left-Turn Accidents

Nevada statutes provide a clear framework for determining responsibility in left-turn crashes.

“The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” – NRS 484B.253

Key laws include:

• NRS 484B.253: Duty to yield when turning left across oncoming traffic.
• NRS 484B.400: Drivers must turn into the nearest available lane; failure to do so can shift liability in a collision.
• NRS 484B.307: Governs traffic signal compliance. Turning against a red light violates this section.
• NRS 484B.403: Permits a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way after a complete stop when safe.
• NRS 41.141: Nevada’s comparative negligence rule, which reduces compensation by the injured party’s share of fault.

“In any action to recover damages for death or injury, the comparative negligence of the plaintiff shall not bar recovery if it was not greater than the negligence of the defendant.” – NRS 41.141

While left-turning drivers are usually presumed at fault, liability isn’t automatic. Each case depends on the circumstances.

Determining Fault in a Left-Turn Crash

Left-turning drivers generally carry the duty to yield. This means if a collision occurs, they are usually presumed at fault. But certain exceptions can shift or split liability. If the oncoming driver was speeding excessively, they may be found partially liable for the crash.

When an oncoming driver runs a red light, they may hold the majority of the fault since their violation created the hazard. Fault can also fall on a driver in a double-left turn if they fail to enter the correct lane. Cutting across lanes violates Nevada’s turning rules.

Nevada follows comparative negligence, which allows fault to be shared. A driver who failed to yield can still recover damages if the other driver contributed to the accident. Since damages are reduced by fault percentage, strong evidence is key to deciding who pays—and how much.

Key Evidence in Left-Turn Accident Cases

Testimony alone rarely proves fault. Solid evidence is essential. Police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, and vehicle black-box data can all play a role. But many people mistakenly believe Nevada’s highway traffic cameras record crashes. In reality:

According to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), traffic cameras in Las Vegas are for real-time monitoring only and do not record footage.

Instead, valuable evidence often comes from casino or retail security cameras, nearby homes, or dashcams. Attorneys may also pursue public records.

The Nevada Public Records Act (NRS 239.0107) requires a written response to records requests within five business days. – Nevada Legislature

Signal timing, skid marks, and lane-use compliance under NRS 484B.400 all matter. Together, they show whether a driver created an ‘immediate hazard/

What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident in Nevada

Knowing the proper steps to take after a crash protects both safety and legal rights:

1. Move to a safe location and call 911 for medical help if needed.
2. Exchange insurance and driver details with all involved parties.
3. Take photos of vehicle positions, skid marks, and traffic signals.
4. Ask for contact information from witnesses.
5. Seek medical evaluation even if injuries are not apparent.
6. Notify your insurer promptly and keep careful records of expenses.

Delays in collecting this information can make proving fault more difficult later.

Filing a Claim After a Left-Turn Accident

In Nevada, accident victims generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance claims begin sooner, and many are disputed when fault is unclear.

Damages available in left-turn cases may include:

• Medical treatment costs
• Lost income from time away from work
• Property damage repairs
• Pain, suffering, and long-term disability

Insurance adjusters often argue that the left-turning driver is automatically at fault. Substantial evidence and legal support are usually necessary to challenge these assumptions and pursue fair compensation.

Fault Determination in Common Left-Turn Scenarios

FAQs

Who is usually at fault in a Las Vegas left-turn accident?

Usually, the left-turning driver is at fault unless the oncoming driver is speeding, distracted, or running a red light.

Can both drivers share fault in a left-turn crash?

Yes. Nevada’s comparative negligence law allows both drivers to share responsibility, reducing compensation by their percentage of fault.

Is a left turn on red ever legal in Nevada?

Yes. From one one-way to another one-way after a complete stop, unless prohibited by posted signs.

What if a double-left turn collision occurs?

Usually, the driver who failed to enter the nearest lane is at fault under Nevada’s turning lane statute.

Do Las Vegas traffic cameras record accidents?

No. NDOT cameras provide live feeds only and do not record or archive footage for later use in accident claims.

Conclusion

Left-turn accidents are among the most dangerous causes of crashes in Las Vegas, often leaving victims with serious injuries and complex insurance disputes. Nevada law requires turning drivers to yield, but fault depends on specific facts, evidence, and comparative negligence.

If you’ve been hurt in a left-turn accident, acting quickly to gather evidence and understand your rights is critical. The attorneys at Gina Corena & Associates have extensive experience handling complex car accident claims in Nevada. Contact Gina Corena & Associates today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue fair compensation.