Left turn lane accident - who exactly is to blame?

[DJames93]

Hi, first post here. I've been signed up for a while with the intention to use the boards to discuss driving and cars and such but never got round to posting,
so I thought I would get some opinions on a very near miss I had today. Have a look at this image of the location where this happened.



As I've highlighted the two lanes are respectively left turn only and straight on. Left lane is marked at 3 different point by arrows accompanied by painted words 'TURN LEFT' The road going straight on staggers slightly to accomodate for the opposite filter lane as you can probably see requiring slight alteration of course.

So I am going straight on, from the correct lane which is indicating straight from painted arrows. Driver B is in the left turn lane going straight in an attempt to claw back a few seconds during the busy evening commute. Traffic is moving and one or two cars have already passed him as the lights change, then comes me, approacing the rear quarter of B at a greater speed. I am already edging left slightly to remain in lane, and I can see the other driver drifting out to the right very slightly. I blow the horn and they don't stop at first but seem to get the message when they are right in the middle of the left lane on the adjacent 'melling rd' and go hard on the brakes. I could have stopped and allowed them out but didn't as traffic was busy behind, and.. well... I surely had right of way? My work colleague who I was giving a lift thinks maybe it was all a bit daft.

So my question is, lets say they were trying to force their way out and forewards, and I hit their o/s doors or front, despite being able to do an emergency stop and prevent it all, who would be to blame? 50/50 as I could have prevented it by taking further action? The other driver as they were in the wrong lane and not giving way? Me entirely?

How about if I was to go into their rear? however that would probably require them to swing out of lane by a considerable amount.

Anyhow I am thinking of getting a dash cam very soon. The driver looked very angry and was waving their arms everywhere. I get the idea they would never have accepted any blame if anything was to happen and it that seems to be a common thing on the roads. In the end they decided to turn left after traffic built up behind them all blowing horns.

cheers

Edited by DJames93 on Friday 19th January 18:24

Edited by DJames93 on Friday 19th January 18:27

[DJames93]

paintman said:

Whilst you had the ROW and were in the right it all becomes academic when sorting out the damage to your car.

Regard everyone else as an idiot & expect them to do something stupid & you won't be surprised when they do.

If somebody wants to drive like a tt I'd rather they were in front of me than behind.

I agree entirely with your passenger.

Yes, I understand what you are saying. At the time after just leaving work I just wasn't giving them the courtesy... if I was in a bit of a better mood maybe but my thought process what pretty much 'well if everyone else has to wait in traffic to get where they need to be why should you not'. If you were in the same situation would you just allow them out and be done with it?

TooMany2cvs said:

DJames93 said:

I blow the horn and they don't stop at first but seem to get the message when they are right in the middle of the left lane on the adjacent 'melling rd' and go hard on the brakes. I could have stopped and allowed them out but didn't as traffic was busy behind, and.. well... I surely had right of way?

50/50 as I could have prevented it by taking further action

*ding*

I get that feeling but slightly doubt it, what if I felt their intention was to actually turn left, given the lane markings, even if it was a bit late?

[DJames93]

Pothole said:

112.The horn.
Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users
of your presence.
Never sound your horn aggressively.

He knew you were there.

Ahem.

Not necessarily the case. I was strarting to approach beside when I seen what was happening and did not even know if he knew I was there. I used the horn to alert the driver as he may not have seen traffic passing in the through lane.