Have you been hurt in a Los Angeles, California car accident caused by a driver making an unsafe U-turn? Our Los Angeles U-turn car accident attorneys at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers can assist you in holding the culpable parties accountable and maximizing your compensation.
Our award-winning attorneys understand how to respond to insurance companies that will do anything to avoid paying your claim. We are aware of their strategies and will not allow them to take advantage of you.
Contact our law offices in Los Angeles today by calling (877) 300-4535. We will schedule a free meeting with you to discuss your case and legal options.
How M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a U-Turn Car Accident in Los Angeles, CA
Our highly-regarded car accident attorneys at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers have over 100 years of combined legal expertise and are prepared to advocate for you.
We have handled countless car accident cases, including complex speeding accidents, DUI accidents, distracted driving crashes, and more. We are familiar with every detail.
Nothing takes us by surprise. Our outstanding win rate illustrates why we have a reputation for success.
If you retain us to represent you in your U-turn car accident action, our car accident attorneys in Los Angeles, CA would proceed as follows:
- Guide you through the California car accident claim process and handle every aspect of it on your behalf
- Conduct our own accident inquiry
- Examine evidence, such as photographs and videos of the scene, accident reports, and medical records
- Collaborate with specialists, such as medical personnel and accident reconstructionists
- Manage all negotiations with insurance providers
If the insurance companies do not play by the rules, we will sue them in court. You can relax—your case is in capable hands with us in Los Angeles, CA. Read our FAQ to learn more about car accident legal matters.
Are U-Turns Authorized in California?
A U-turn is a traffic move in which a driver turns around and reverses the direction of their vehicle. When drivers execute U-turns illegally and/or carelessly, they pose a threat to other motorists.
California drivers are permitted to execute a U-turn crossing a double yellow line provided it is safe to do so and a U-turn is not otherwise restricted.
Legal U-Turns
Even legal U-turns need drivers to execute the move correctly. Before executing, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that there is no risk of collision with another vehicle, cyclists, or pedestrians.
In residential zones, U-turns are permitted under the following conditions:
- At a traffic signal, a U-turn is executed to avoid a collision with oncoming vehicles.
- No vehicles are approaching within 200 feet.
- At green arrow traffic signals, U-turns are permitted unless a sign indicates otherwise.
- On a divided roadway with a designated gap that allows drivers to make the maneuver safely, U-turns are also permitted.
Even when lawful, drivers are expected to use caution and assess the safety of a U-turn.
Illegal U-Turns
California drivers are obligated to obey traffic laws and observe signs indicating that U-turns are prohibited. There are also numerous sites where U-turns are always prohibited:
- At/near a train crossing
- If there is a “No U-Turn” sign, drivers are prohibited from making a U-turn
- No visibility
- In a commercial district
- In front of a firehouse
It is against the law to make a U-turn when it is unsafe to do so. This applies regardless of whether the situation falls into one of the above categories.
Why Do U-Turn Accidents Occur?
Accidents involving U-turns are typically caused by a reckless motorist, with potentially catastrophic results.
Among the causes of a U-turn accident are:
- Attempting a U-turn without sufficient space to complete the turn
- Cutting across traffic lanes
- Decelerating to execute the turn
- Turning unlawfully
The driver must be able to safely manage the car without excessively slowing down or crossing into other traffic lanes.
What Injuries Do U-Turn Accidents Cause?
The driver, oncoming automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians are all at risk of being involved in a serious collision if an unsafe U-turn is executed.
These incidents may cause serious or even life-altering injuries, including:
These common injuries can lead to substantial medical expenses and a decline in quality of life.
Before executing a U-turn, California drivers are required by law to determine whether it is safe to do so. Unfortunately, irresponsible drivers are common, and we cannot always prevent tragedy.
If you were injured by another driver’s carelessness, you should hire an auto accident lawyer. Let M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers handle your claim. We will do everything in our power to ensure that they pay for your hardship. Our car accident lawyers handle all types of car accident claims, including:
Personal injury claims must be filed within two years after the accident date, per California law. That gives you little time to gather evidence and construct a strong case.
Do not allow time to lapse. Contact us right away to arrange a free consultation with a Los Angeles car accident attorney.
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