Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky law says a left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic. Here is how a left-turn accident claim is proven.
Reviewed by Larry Forman, Attorney.
Left turns are among the most dangerous moves a driver makes. The turning driver has to judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic, watch for pedestrians and read the signal correctly. When they get it wrong, the result is often a violent T-bone or angled crash. Forman & Associates represents people hurt in a left-turn accident anywhere in Kentucky.
Key takeaways
Under KRS 189.330(9), a driver intending to turn left within an intersection must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is within the intersection or so close as to be an immediate hazard. The turning driver must also signal (KRS 189.380).
The turning driver isn’t always fully at fault. An oncoming driver who was speeding, ran a red light or was distracted may share responsibility. Under KRS 411.182, each party’s fault is compared, and damages are reduced by the claimant’s share. See how pure comparative fault works.
Your own PIP coverage pays first, up to $10,000 for medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault, unless you rejected no-fault limits in writing (KRS 304.39-020). To claim pain and suffering from the at-fault driver, you generally need more than $1,000 in medical expenses or a qualifying injury (KRS 304.39-060). Kentucky’s pure comparative fault rule reduces, but doesn’t bar, recovery if you share some fault (KRS 411.182).
Most Kentucky motor vehicle injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash or the last PIP payment, whichever is later (KRS 304.39-230). Wrongful death and claims against government entities can follow different rules. Estimate your dates with our statute of limitations calculator, then confirm them with a lawyer.
Usually, but not always. Speeding, red-light running or distraction by the oncoming driver can shift some fault.
You may still have a claim if the other driver ran a red, was speeding or had no headlights at night. Evidence matters.
Turning drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk. See our pedestrian accident page.
Yes, through requests to the agency that runs the signal. Ask early, before records are overwritten.
We get the signal data and video that show who had the right-of-way.
Get a free case evaluation or call 502-931-6788.
This page is general information about Kentucky law as of October 2026, not legal advice. Every case is different.
