You’re sitting at an intersection in Tempe, trying to make a left turn. There’s no green arrow—just a solid green light. You wait, ease forward, and then go for it. That’s when it happens.
Another vehicle barrels through the intersection, and the two cars collide.
Crashes like these are extremely common—and legally complex. Without a protected turn arrow, both drivers may believe they had the right of way. But Arizona law has specific rules for these situations, and not understanding them can hurt your claim, especially in fault investigations or court disputes.
Whether you were turning left or going straight, knowing what Arizona expects of you can help you stay safe and protect your rights after a crash. To explore your legal options after one of these wrecks, speak with a Tempe car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Unprotected Left Turns Are So Common in Tempe
Tempe’s urban grid includes dozens of intersections where protected turn arrows aren’t always present—or only activate intermittently. This includes busy stretches like:
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Southern Avenue and Mill
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University and Rural
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Broadway and McClintock
With high traffic volumes, impatient drivers, and complex light cycles, unprotected turns often become guesswork. Many drivers misinterpret solid green lights, especially during yellow phase transitions or when multiple lanes obscure visibility.
Arizona Law on Unprotected Left Turns
Under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-772:
“The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left... shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.”
This means:
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The turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic.
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Even if you have a green light, that doesn’t equal right-of-way.
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You must wait until it’s completely safe to turn.
If there’s no arrow, you’re making a judgment call—and the law expects that call to be cautious.
More details and exceptions are available at az.gov and court interpretations through azcourts.gov.
Common Scenarios and Why Fault Gets Murky
Scenario 1:
A driver is making a left across an intersection with no arrow. They crash with an oncoming driver who runs a yellow that turns red mid-intersection.
Result:
Courts may split fault depending on timing, eyewitness accounts, and video if available. The left-turning driver still bears a high burden to show it was safe to proceed.
Scenario 2:
A driver starts their turn assuming the opposite vehicle is slowing or turning. It doesn’t—it goes straight, and the cars collide.
Result:
Fault often leans toward the turning driver unless they can prove the other driver was speeding or made unpredictable moves.
Scenario 3:
Traffic blocks the turning lane’s view. The driver thinks it’s clear—but misjudges a motorcycle or smaller car coming through.
Result:
Again, fault likely rests on the left-turning vehicle. Obstructed view isn’t a defense under Arizona law.
What Evidence Can Help in These Cases?
If fault isn’t immediately clear, evidence becomes critical. Helpful items include:
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Intersection surveillance or dashcam footage
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Skid marks or debris angles
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Eyewitness statements
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Traffic signal timing data
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Photos of damage positioning
In Tempe, some intersections are monitored or adjacent to businesses with security cameras. After a crash, check nearby properties or submit a request through tempe.gov to see what footage may be available.
How Arizona’s Comparative Fault Law Affects the Outcome
Arizona uses a pure comparative negligence standard. That means:
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Each driver can be partially at fault
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Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
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You can still recover damages—even if you’re mostly responsible
For example, if you’re awarded $20,000 but found 40% at fault, you’ll receive $12,000.
Left-turn cases often end up in this gray area. The turning driver rarely escapes all blame, but if they can prove the other vehicle was speeding, distracted, or ran a stale yellow, that percentage may shift.
What About Police Reports?
Police officers often make initial assessments, but they aren’t the final word. Insurance companies and courts rely on:
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The crash report
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Physical evidence
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Vehicle movement patterns
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Interviews with both parties and witnesses
If the officer wrote that one driver “failed to yield,” it might influence the insurer—but it can still be challenged with strong evidence. If you feel the report was inaccurate, you may file a supplement or correction request via tempe.gov.
How These Crashes Impact Injury Claims
Left-turn crashes tend to cause severe injuries, especially when one car T-bones the other at speed. Victims often suffer:
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Neck and spine trauma
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Head injuries or concussions
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Rib fractures from side-impact
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Internal injuries or airbag burns
Because both drivers were moving, insurance companies often fight these claims harder. They may:
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Deny the claim entirely
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Assign majority fault to the turning driver
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Undervalue injuries due to “shared liability”
Working with legal counsel early can help establish fault more clearly and prevent your case from being undervalued.
Final Thoughts
Left turns without arrows are deceptively dangerous—especially on Tempe’s busy roads. Even though you may have a green light, it doesn’t mean you’re in the right if you turn into oncoming traffic.
The burden of proof often falls on the turning driver, but fault isn’t automatic. With the right evidence, you can show that the other vehicle was speeding, distracted, or otherwise responsible for creating a hazard.
If you’ve been involved in one of these confusing crashes, a Tempe-based car accident lawyer can help you make sense of Arizona’s traffic laws and build a case that reflects what actually happened.
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