A U-turn is one of the riskiest actions a driver can make in traffic. Drivers need to make sure the road is clear before executing a U-turn. A miscalculation in combination with heavy traffic could result in a severe accident.
You can seek compensation from the individual who caused the U-turn accident if you were injured. Determining who is liable for damages after a U-turn collision might be challenging, but you can always make it easier by contacting a lawyer. If you cannot get a lawyer immediately, search “car accident lawyer near me.”
How to determine liability for U-turn accidents
Several rules and regulations regulate U-turns. In general, it is appropriate to make a U-turn:
- If there are no other cars within 200 feet of a residential area
- When incoming traffic in a residential neighborhood is monitored by traffic signals or signs
- Unless it is prohibited, at a junction when there is a green light or an arrow to guide traffic
- On motorways with a center divider gap reserved for U-turns
It is against the law to attempt a U-turn at or on a:
- Railway crossing
- The roadway is divided if there is a curb, a turf strip, or two double yellow lines.
- One-way street
Before doing a U-turn, a driver must be able to see effectively for at least 200 feet in both directions. Furthermore, the driver needs sufficient space for steering their car without running into another vehicle. Below are some factors that can help you determine liability.
Did the Driver Violate on the Right of Way of Another Individual?
When performing a U-turn, drivers must always give way to approaching traffic.
At certain controlled intersections, the left-turning lane traffic is marked with a green arrow. This arrow also applies to automobiles trying to do a U-turn, unless it is prohibited at the intersection. As a result, vehicles performing a U-turn have the right-of-way.
What if other motorists violate the traffic law?
Even though the driver executing the U-Turn is generally the liable party, there are various cases when someone else has to tolerate at least partial fault for the accident. For example, if another motorist breaks a traffic law, like running a red light or stop sign, before slamming into the U-turning driver,
Contact an attorney
You require experienced legal assistance to recover maximum compensation after a car accident because the insurance company will always look for loopholes to deny your claim.