Understanding the Problem

If you were driving in North Carolina and the other driver turned left and T-boned you, the key question is whether you can show that the left-turn driver failed to yield when they had a duty to wait. Here, one important fact is that the impact was a T-bone that pushed your car into a second vehicle, which often helps clarify how the collision happened.

Apply the Law

North Carolina traffic law generally requires a driver who intends to turn left to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic that is already in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard. In an injury claim, “fault” usually means negligence: the other driver failed to use reasonable care (for example, by turning left when it was not safe), and that failure caused the crash and your injuries. North Carolina also follows contributory negligence rules in most ordinary car-wreck cases, meaning the insurance company may look for any evidence that you contributed to the crash (even slightly), so clean, objective proof matters.

Key Requirements

• Right-of-way and duty to yield: Show you were the oncoming driver with the right-of-way and the other driver had to wait before turning left.
• Unsafe left turn (breach of duty): Prove the left-turn driver turned when an oncoming vehicle was close enough to be a hazard, or turned from/into the wrong lane.
• Causation: Connect the unsafe turn to the T-bone impact (and any chain reaction into a second vehicle).
• Damages: Document injuries and losses with medical records, work records, and receipts.
• Credible, consistent evidence: Use objective proof (photos, video, measurements, independent witnesses) and consistent statements to police/medical providers.
• Defense awareness (contributory negligence): Be prepared for arguments like speeding, distraction, or failing to keep a proper lookout.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-155 (Right-of-way; left turns must yield) - Requires a left-turn driver to yield to oncoming traffic that is in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-153 (Turning at intersections) - Sets rules for how a driver must position and complete a left turn.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-139 (Burden of proof of contributory negligence) - Places the burden on the party asserting contributory negligence to prove it.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: A T-bone crash after a left turn often lines up with a failure-to-yield scenario: the turning driver entered your path and struck the side of your vehicle. The fact that your car was pushed into a second vehicle can also support a straightforward impact sequence (first collision, then secondary impact), which helps when insurers argue the injuries or damage came from “something else.” Your ER visit, imaging, referral for follow-up care, and missed work are the kinds of records typically used to prove the injury and loss part of the claim, even when imaging is clear.

Process & Timing

1. Who gathers proof: The injured driver (and often their attorney). Where: The investigating law-enforcement agency for the crash report; your medical providers for records; and the insurance companies for claim documents. What: Order the crash report, collect photos/video, identify witnesses, and request medical and wage records. When: Start immediately while evidence (vehicle positions, debris, surveillance footage, witness memory) is still available.
2. Build the “fault packet”: Combine the report diagram/narrative (if available), intersection photos, vehicle damage photos, and witness statements to show the left-turn driver crossed your lane when it was unsafe.
3. Connect injuries to the crash: Use consistent medical documentation (symptoms, treatment plan, restrictions) and work documentation (missed time, limitations) to show the crash caused real harm.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• “You were speeding” arguments: Insurers often claim the oncoming driver was going too fast to stop. Photos, scene measurements, vehicle damage patterns, and neutral witnesses can matter a lot here.
• “You could have avoided it” arguments: They may argue you failed to keep a proper lookout or failed to brake/swerve. Evidence of a sudden left turn (and limited reaction time) helps address this.
• Unclear or incomplete crash reports: A report can be helpful, but it is not the only proof. If the report is missing key details, your photos, witness statements, and medical timeline become even more important.
• Gaps in medical care: Waiting days or weeks to seek care can give the insurer room to argue the injury came from something else. If you did wait, document why and make sure your providers record the crash history accurately.
• Recorded statements too early: Giving a detailed recorded statement before you understand your injuries or have the report can create inconsistencies that get used against you.
• Chain-reaction confusion: When your vehicle is pushed into a second car, insurers may try to shift blame between drivers. Clear documentation of the first impact and sequence helps keep the focus on the unsafe left turn.

Conclusion

To prove the other driver was at fault for a left-turn T-bone in North Carolina, you generally need evidence that you had the right-of-way, the other driver failed to yield before turning left, and that unsafe turn caused your crash and injuries. The most persuasive proof usually includes the crash report, photos/video, witness statements, and consistent medical and work records. As a next step, order the crash report from the investigating law-enforcement agency as soon as possible so you can preserve and organize the key evidence.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a left-turn T-bone crash and the insurance company is disputing fault, an attorney can help you gather the right records, preserve time-sensitive evidence, and present a clear, consistent claim. Reach out today.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.