With traffic growing along Hwy 99, 196th St SW, and Edmonds Way, left-turn collisions are increasingly common in Lynnwood and Edmonds. Knowing the hot spots, why these crashes happen, and what evidence matters can protect your health and your claim.
Hot-Spot Intersections and Corridors
- Highway 99 at 196th St SW, 208th/212th St SW, 220th St SW
- 196th St SW (SR-524) near 44th Ave W, 36th Ave W, Alderwood Mall Pkwy
- Alderwood Mall Pkwy and mall entrances/exits
- Edmonds Way (SR-104), 76th Ave W, Five Corners, 220th St SW by Hwy 99
Why Left-Turn Crashes Happen More Often
Left-turn crashes often stem from drivers misjudging oncoming speed and distance—especially at dusk or in the rain—combined with confusion over flashing-yellow arrows that still require yielding. Visibility is frequently blocked by large vehicles, landscaping, or medians, and multi-lane “courtesy” situations create a trap where one lane stops but the adjacent through lane continues. Driveway turns from plazas along Hwy 99 and Alderwood Mall Pkwy add surprise conflict points that other drivers don’t anticipate.
What To Do Immediately After a Left-Turn Crash
- Move to safety if drivable; hazards on.
- Check traffic before exiting; avoid standing in live lanes.
- Call 911 and request police for a report.
- Exchange info (drivers, plates, insurers).
- Document vehicle positions, signal heads, lane markings, debris, and weather/lighting.
- Get witnesses’ contacts.
- Seek same-day medical care.
- Notify your insurer (facts only); avoid recorded statements until you get legal advice.
- Evidence That Helps Prove a Left-Turn Case
Strong cases are built on clear documentation of the signal phase (flashing yellow versus protected green), promptly preserved dashcam or business-camera footage, and roadway clues such as skid marks, debris fields, and damage angles that clarify direction and speed. Photos that show sightline obstructions—like buses, parked trucks, or dense landscaping—help explain why a driver couldn’t see a second oncoming lane, and timely witness statements from through-lane drivers or nearby pedestrians can corroborate how the collision unfolded.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Claims
- Admitting fault or speculating at the scene
- Leaving before police arrive when there’s injury/major damage
- Delaying medical care or missing follow-ups
- Posting about the crash on social media
- Assuming “they waved me through” makes the turn safe
How Bridge Law Can Help
Do you feel you deserve compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and so forth? If so, bold representation by an experienced personal injury attorney is critical to the success of your case.
Our attorneys boast many years of experience in auto accidents. When you need professional assistance on your side who will secure the best possible compensation for your losses, contact us today.
