Accident While Making A Left Turn

[1accident]

Hi I got into my first car accident just recently in Washington. There were two intersections one with a light and one after the light. I was in the turn lane after the light about to go left. There was a line of cars stopped at the light. A lady was not blocking the second intersection and let a truck go through. Next she allowed me to go through. Upon doing so I checked right before proceeding into the next lane to make sure there were no cars coming in the other lane. I saw a car coming upon me and I stopped. I did not move, the other car passed my right side and then hit my left front fender. My blinker and parking light are completely gone. My metal was pushed and turned like a cork screw. Their car had minimal damage. I got out of the intersection as to not be a hazard and turned my hazard lights on. The other car stayed in the intersection and did not turn on their hazard lights they just sat there holding up traffic. We called the police and exchanged information. When the police arrived they did not make a report and did not give us their names or badge numbers. The information I received from the other party is different I have never heard of the insurance company before and neither has my insurance company. I only received the drivers name, vehicle info, insurance company's name, and phone number for the insurance company which the number does not match the name. The witness stayed for further support and gave her name and number also. After the police arrived the other party confessed that their cars' back lights, break lights and rear turn signals did not work. Also their hazard lights did not work. Since the accident my car does not work. We had to jump it the discovered I needed a new battery. We got a new battery which helped for the first night and again now it still does not start. I have been told that maybe it’s the alternator or maybe it’s the electrical has a short in it. I am new at this so my question is what should I do and whose fault is it? I don't blame myself for being cautious and careful at all. I just need another opinion.

[blewis]

Unfortunately for you, the law in WA is pretty clear.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway 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.

The fact that they hit you is usually considered prima facie evidence that they were close enough to be an "immediate hazard."

Even though you did not receive a ticket on the spot, don't be surprised if one arrives in the mail in a couple of weeks. This is SOP in many WA jurisdictions.

Yep, it sounds like a short in the electrical system.

Barry

[1accident]

Luckily I never received a ticket in the mail and the insurance companies are on my side. Since i did stop and look left to make sure there was no traffic coming i am completely not at fault since we also took picture i had evidence. I had 2 witness and they agreed on my story. The other party is arguing the fact. I only did look left because i could not see past the car waiting for me. they were coming around a corner and if there are 2 cars stopped in another lane there could be a reason for them being stopped. So why change lanes in the middle of an intersection?