U-turns are a common but tricky driving maneuver that can result in an unexpected accident. This is particularly true on busy roads or in densely populated areas like Fort Worth. Regardless of where these accidents may happen, however, there a lot of factors that make determining liability for a U-turn crash complex.
At Anderson & Cummings, we have managed many types of crashes over decades of representing injured victims and have a history of proven results. Below, we discuss the legality and common causes of U-turn crashes, as well as who may be liable for your damages.
If you were injured in a U-turn crash in the Fort Worth area, we are ready to help.
Request your FREE case review today. (817) 920-9000
Are U-Turns Legal in Texas?
A U-turn involves a driver making a 180-degree turn to travel in the opposite direction. While U-turns are generally legal in Texas, there are specific guidelines you need to follow.
According to Texas Transportation Code §545.101, U-turns are only allowed when they can be made safely and without disrupting other traffic.
Even when drivers take the appropriate precautions, U-turns carry inherent risks. The drivers making the turn may have limited visibility and they could get hit from oncoming traffic. Drivers turning right may not notice a U-turning driver or may be distracted by something else.
What Factors Determine Liability in U-Turn Collisions?
There are many things that could contribute to or cause a U-turn crash to occur. However, the most common factors include:
Driver Negligence
The primary factor in U-turn accidents is often driver negligence, such as failing to check for oncoming traffic. Other negligent actions of U-turning drivers often include:
- Failing to yield to oncoming traffic
- Misjudging the speed and distance of approaching vehicles
- Misuse or nonuse of turn signals
Visibility and Signage
Proper road signage and infrastructure are critical in preventing U-turn accidents. Inadequate signs warning against making U-turns at specific intersections or poorly designed road layouts can make a U-turn crash more likely. While harder to prove, local authorities may share some liability. For instance, if there is evidence they knew a road was unsafe and failed to take appropriate measures to ensure road safety.
Third-Party Involvement
At times U-turn accidents may involve multiple vehicles. A driver trying to make a U-turn, for instance, could trigger a chain reaction collision. Determining liability for a multi-vehicle crash is extremely difficult. Having an attorney on your side in this situation ensures your rights and legal interests are protected.
At Anderson and Cummings, our Fort Worth auto accident attorneys have been representing crash victims for decades. No matter what type of crash has caused you harm, we know what evidence is required to build a solid claim and how to get it.
Commercial Vehicles
U-turn accidents involving commercial vehicles are the most complex. They may also have the most severe consequences because of their size, weight and inability to maneuver quickly. If a commercial driver’s U-turn attempt leads to an accident, there may be multiple parties who share responsibility, including:
- The commercial vehicle driver
- The trucking company
- Cargo loaders
- The party responsible for vehicle maintenance
- And more
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a major concern. If a driver trying to do a U-turn gets distracted by their phone or something else, it could cause or contribute to an accident. According to Texas Transportation Code §545.424, drivers are permitted from using handheld devices while driving in certain areas, such as a school crossing zone. Even if it is not prohibited, drivers owe a legal duty to not engage in activities that could end up causing harm to others.
Who May Be Liable for a Fort Worth U-Turn Crash?
Liability for a U-turn crash is typically the fault of the driver attempting to make the turn. For instance, if a U-turning driver tried to floor the accelerator to beat oncoming traffic, oncoming vehicles may be unable to avoid a collision. If the U-turning driver failed to signal, approaching traffic or drivers turning right may not have realized the U-turning driver’s intentions.
Is The U-Turning Driver Always at Fault?
There are times when the U-turning driver may not be the at-fault party. For instance, if an oncoming vehicle was speeding, the U-turning driver might have misjudged the turn. A reckless driver who ran a red light, for instance, may also be to blame.
What Evidence Can Help to Support My U-Turn Crash Claim?
The strongest evidence often includes credible eyewitness accounts, traffic surveillance footage and dash cam footage. However, there are other types of evidence that can help to support your claim. Crash debris, the location and extent of vehicle damage, the types of injuries sustained, your police report and other evidence are all useful to investigators. If your attorney determines that more clarity about the cause of the crash is needed, he or she may bring in an accident reconstruction specialist. These experts are specially trained to do a deeper examination of the evidence.
We strongly recommend that you contact an attorney sooner rather than later after a crash. Taking this step right away helps to ensure you have access to all available evidence.
Unfortunately, some types of evidence, like crash debris and camera footage, are only available for a short time. Crash debris gets swept away, and camera footage may be overwritten in just a few days.
How Can I Reduce the Risk of a U-Turn Collision?
To reduce the likelihood of being involved in a U-turn crash, be sure to take these proactive measures beforehand:
- Be sure you understand safe U-turn practices
- Follow Texas laws and do not attempt U-turns where prohibited
- Remember to double-check for oncoming traffic
- Yield to approaching traffic as they have the right of way
- Do not try to “floor it” to beat oncoming traffic – it is too risky
Call Anderson & Cummings To Discuss Your Situation
If you were injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver making a U-turn, we encourage you to seek legal help as soon as possible. You may be eligible to recover significant compensation for your medical costs and other losses.
At Anderson & Cummings, we take car crash cases on contingency, so there are no upfront costs to pay.
Call our law offices to discuss your situation today: (817) 920-9000