Left‑Turn Crashes with E‑Scooters in NYC

By David DeToffol | April 17, 2025
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A steady green light should mean safe passage. Yet left‑turn crashes still plague New York City streets. The 2024 NYS Supreme Court case Munoz v. City of New York exemplifies how the law views these incidents. This article unpacks that decision, reviews the controlling statutes, and outlines what injured workers should do next.

Snapshot of the Munoz Decision

Luis Munoz was riding his electric scooter southbound in the Second Avenue bike lane. He entered the 30th Street intersection on a green light. A van driven by a city employee turned left on a flashing yellow and struck him. The court granted Munoz summary judgment on liability. It held that the driver’s failure to yield under VTL § 1141 and to proceed with caution under § 1113(b) was negligence per se.

Why Left‑Turn Drivers Usually Carry the Blame

  • Right of way. VTL § 1141 requires left‑turning drivers to yield to oncoming traffic that poses an “immediate hazard.”
  • Duty of lookout. Drivers must see what is plainly visible.
  • Flashing yellow. Proceed only with caution.

When these rules are broken, courts rarely excuse the driver.

Electric Scooter Riders Have Equal Status

VTL § 1281 grants riders the same rights and duties as motorists. That means a rider going straight on green holds priority over a vehicle turning left.

Evidence That Wins These Cases

  • Traffic‑camera video. Objective proof of signal phases.
  • Bicycle‑lane markings. Show lawful position of rider.
  • Vehicle damage points. Reveal angle and speed.

Early legal help secures this evidence before it disappears.

How the Court Weighed Comparative Fault

The defense argued Munoz might share blame. The court noted that comparative negligence affects damages, not liability. The ruling still favors the rider on the key issue—who caused the crash.

Practical Safety Tips

  • Use bike lanes when available.
  • Wear high‑visibility gear.
  • Approach intersections defensively.
  • Record your route with a handlebar camera.

Next Steps After a Left‑Turn Collision

  1. Seek medical care. Adrenaline masks injury.
  2. Get the report. Police narratives note signal status.
  3. Notify the employer. Protect job rights.
  4. Call legal counsel. Preserve claims and evidence.

How DeToffol & Gittleman Can Help

Our firm blends traffic‑injury knowledge with deep experience. We build a complete damages picture, from lost overtime to future medical care.

Call to Action

Have you been hit by a left‑turning vehicle while riding an electric scooter? Talk to a New York City lawyer who understands both traffic and workplace laws. DeToffol & Gittleman offers video, phone, and in‑person consultations. Reach out now before vital evidence fades.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only. It is not legal advice. Statutes, regulations, and case law change often and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified attorney about your specific circumstances.