Right turns may seem routine, but in Houston’s heavy traffic—especially near I-45, I-10, and I-69—they can quickly become dangerous. These accidents often occur along major roads like US 290, SH 288, Beltway 8, and inside the I-610 Loop, where drivers frequently misjudge speed, distance, or right of way. These high-traffic areas are especially prone to right-turn accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. A rushed turn, failure to yield, or blocked line of sight can lead to serious injury.
At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, we know how Houston traffic patterns contribute to collisions. A car accident attorney from our legal team investigates the full context of your crash, identifies who’s at fault, and aggressively pursues maximum compensation. If a careless driver hit you during a right turn, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Understanding Texas Right Turn Laws
Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.101, drivers making a right turn must approach and execute the turn as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. When turning right on a red light, drivers must come to a complete stop, carefully check for pedestrians and oncoming vehicles, and only proceed when it is safe to do so.
Failing to follow these laws—such as not yielding, making an improper turn, or ignoring traffic signals—can result in serious collisions and legal consequences. Our Houston right turn accident lawyers are well-versed in these rules and can thoroughly investigate your case to determine if a violation of the law contributed to your accident, ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.
Common Causes of Right Turn Accidents
Right turn accidents in Houston often result from a combination of driver error and challenging road conditions. Common causes include:
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or cyclists in crosswalks
- Turning without signaling or checking blind spots
- Making wide right turns that encroach into adjacent lanes, causing sideswipe collisions
- Turning from the wrong lane or from a stop sign without proper clearance
- Distracted driving, such as using a mobile device while turning
- Drowsy or fatigued driving that slows reaction time
- Speeding, which reduces the ability to control the vehicle during the turn
- Poor visibility due to weather conditions or obstructed views
These factors can lead to side-impact (T-bone) collisions, rear-end accidents, or even head-on crashes in more severe cases.
Right Turn Accident Statistics
Right turns play a major role in intersection crashes in Houston, especially with its heavy traffic. Improper right turns, like wide right turns, have been reported in over 4,399 cases, increasing the risk of collisions involving vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, of the 4,289 fatal crashes in 2023, 1,120 occurred at intersections. Studies show that in jurisdictions allowing right-turn-on-red, right-turn crashes increase by about 18%. At nearly 80% of intersections with this law, right-turn crashes rise 23%, pedestrian crashes by 60%, and bicyclist crashes double, underscoring the dangers tied to right turns and improper driver behavior.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Right Turn Accidents
Accidents resulting from improper right turns can lead to a range of injuries, varying in severity. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), such as concussions or more serious brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or full paralysis
- Herniated discs and other types of back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding or damage to vital organs
- Amputations from severe impacts
- Soft tissue injuries like whiplash, torn ligaments, or muscle strains
- Knee injuries caused by impact with the dashboard or twisting motions
These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and can have long-term impacts on a victim’s quality of life.
Steps to Take After a Right Turn Accident
If you’re involved in a right turn accident in Houston, taking the following steps can protect your health and legal rights:
- Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
- Dial 911 to report the accident and ask for medical help if necessary.
- Take pictures of the vehicles, surrounding road conditions, traffic lights or signs, and any noticeable injuries.
- Get contact and insurance information from everyone involved in the accident.
- Ask any witnesses for their names and contact details.
- If you are the victim of a hit and run, immediately notify law enforcement and provide any details about the fleeing vehicle.
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation to document your condition.
- Contact a Houston right turn accident attorney to discuss your case before speaking with insurance companies.
Determining Fault in Right Turn Accidents
Determining liability in right turn accidents requires careful examination of multiple factors, including adherence to traffic laws, driver conduct, and roadway conditions. Those who may be held responsible include:
- The driver making the right turn, particularly if they failed to yield the right of way, ignored traffic signals, or made an improper turn
- Other motorists involved, especially if they were speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly
- Commercial vehicle operators or trucking companies, when trucks or delivery vehicles are involved and negligence or improper training contributed to the crash
- Municipal authorities or government entities, if poorly designed intersections, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals played a role
- Vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers, in cases where mechanical failure or defective parts caused or worsened the accident
Our experienced legal team will thoroughly investigate all relevant evidence to identify every liable party and build a compelling case to maximize your compensation.
Compensation Available for Right Turn Accident Victims
Under Texas law (Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.001), victims of right turn accidents—or their families in the event of a wrongful death—may be entitled to recover compensation for the full scope of losses, including:
Keep in mind that Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation could be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any damages.
- Medical expenses (both immediate and long-term care)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Funeral and burial expenses in fatal accident cases
- Loss of companionship and support in wrongful death claims
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Right Turn Accident Claim
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, as outlined in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Missing this deadline typically results in losing your right to pursue compensation. Because time is critical, it’s important to consult with a Houston right turn accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and ensure timely filing.
How Mokaram Injury Lawyers Can Assist You
Navigating the aftermath of a right turn accident can be overwhelming. At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, we provide comprehensive legal support to help you through this challenging time. Our services include:
- Conducting detailed investigations to gather evidence
- Collaborating with accident reconstruction experts
- Handling all communications with insurance companies
- Negotiating settlements to secure fair compensation
- Representing you in court, if necessary
Our dedicated team is committed to advocating for your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact a Houston Right Turn Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a right turn accident, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact Mokaram Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
They are always committed to supporting the people and standing up for the cause. The staff treats everyone with compassion, especially Milagro, who goes above and beyond to ensure humane and respectful care.
From the moment I called, I felt at ease and that’s largely thanks to Lesly. She was incredibly kind, patient, and professional. It’s often overlooked, but that first interaction really sets the tone, especially when you’re calling about something as stressful and personal as a potential injury case.
had a great experience working with Lesly, who handled my case with professionalism, care, and attention to detail. From the beginning, they made me feel heard and supported, clearly explaining the process and always keeping me informed every step of the way. Their communication was timely and thoughtful, and they truly went above and beyond to make a stressful situation feel more manageable.
I spoke with Lesly over the phone and had such a great experience. She was incredibly helpful, patient, and informative. She took the time to explain everything clearly regarding my case and made sure I understood all my options. It made the process way less stressful. Thank you, Lesly, for your professionalism and kindness!
“I live near the Galleria and recently needed help with a premises case I experienced. Lesly Rodriguez took my information, and the entire process was handled smoothly. I appreciate the professionalism and efficiency!”
Working with Ali J was an excellent experience. He handled everything with professionalism and made the process clear and straightforward. I always felt informed and confident knowing he was representing me. I truly appreciate his expertise and highly recommend him.
Mokaram Injury Lawyers made a difficult situation so much easier to handle. Their team really fought for me and made sure I understood every step along the way. I felt like more than just a case number—they genuinely cared about my outcome. Highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and dedicated injury lawyer in Houston!
If you’ve been injured and need someone to advocate for your rights, Mokaram Injury Lawyers is an exceptional choice. With years of experience specializing in personal injury cases, Mokaram Injury Lawyers offers expert legal counsel with a focus on maximizing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Known for a compassionate approach and a strong record of successful outcomes, Mokaram Injury Lawyers fights hard to ensure justice for clients!
Awards & Honors
Contact Us Today to Schedule
Your Free Consultation
Fields Marked With An “*” Are Required
