Improper Turn Car Accident Lawyer Big Auto

An improper turn is the action of a motorist to turn into a different lane of traffic when it is illegal or unsafe to do so. This can include situations when the general law forbids turns under certain circumstances, when signage prohibits turns at specific junctures or even when a motorist simply does not come to a complete stop at an intersection before turning.

Improper turns can be extremely dangerous because drivers in the other lane are not likely to expect that the at-fault person will perform an illegal or dangerous maneuver. When a negligent driver performs an improper turn, it can leave oncoming traffic with little or no chance to react before a devastating collision occurs.

If you experienced an accident due to another driver’s unsafe actions, you might wonder if their maneuver was actually an improper turn. Knowing the different types of improper turns can help you identify how your accident happened and establish the root cause of the crash. Determining which type of improper turn the at-fault driver performed leading to your accident can help strengthen your insurance claim.
 

Improper U-Turns

A U-turn occurs when a driver turns into another lane of traffic going the opposite direction in a single maneuver, but an improper U-turn is when a motorist does this in a place where traffic signs specifically prohibit this action. For example, some traffic intersections allow U-turns, but it is illegal at other intersections on a case-by-case basis. It is also unsafe to perform a U-turn when there is nearby oncoming traffic or when there are pedestrians that may be in the trajectory of the maneuver.
 

Improper Left-Hand Turns

Improper left-hand turns refer to situations when a motorist at an intersection attempts to turn left across a lane of traffic when it is unsafe to do so. Vehicles may turn left at an intersection during a steady green light but must yield to oncoming traffic and should remain aware of pedestrians or bicyclists. Keep in mind that a vehicle turning left at an intersection does have the right of way during a green left-facing arrow.

When an accident does occur because of an improper left turn, it can be particularly severe because it is often the case that at least one of the vehicles is traveling at a high speed. Due to the orientation of the vehicles during an improper left turn, t-bone crashes can be especially common.
 

Improper Right-Hand Turns

It is almost always the case that a vehicle can legally make a right-hand turn at a traffic intersection, even during a red light. However, an improper right-hand turn occurs when a motorist does not come to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign before executing their turn. Drivers at a red light must remain aware that oncoming traffic has the right of way, so it is necessary to check that the way is clear and that there are no pedestrians or bicyclists in the intersection either. If obstructions, such as hedges or other vehicles, are blocking one’s view of oncoming traffic, then it is safer and more proper to wait for a green light before performing a right-hand turn.

Keeping in mind that there are multiple types of improper turns, there are also several types of accidents that can occur as a result. Head-on collisions, t-bones and sideswiping accidents are all common results of an improper turn. This also means that the types of injuries you might incur in an improper turn accident are numerous and varied as well.

Some common injuries that can occur in any type of car accident include:

• Whiplash
• Internal organ damage
• Traumatic brain injury
• Bone fracture
• Spinal injury

It is always of the utmost importance to seek immediate medical attention after any car accident, regardless of the accident’s severity or whether or not you notice any pain or symptoms after the fact. If it turns out that you did sustain an injury in your accident, your improper turn car accident lawyer can leverage your medical records and treatment costs during settlement negotiations with the insurance company.

Establishing fault is an essential step in the insurance claims process, and it is also necessary to prove that the negligent actions of the at-fault party directly caused your accident and any damages you incurred as a result. That is why it is so important to know who is at fault and how to prove it beyond any doubt.

Liability in an improper turn accident, as with most car accidents, hinges upon who had the right of way at the time of the accident. The other driver is clearly at fault if you had the right of way but they violated that right by executing an improper turn. You have the right of way whenever another driver attempts to U-turn into your lane of traffic, if they attempt to make a right-hand turn on a red light into your lane of traffic or if they make a left turn through your lane of traffic during a steady green light.

There are many complexities to consider in a car accident case, particularly in the event of an improper turn where it might not be abundantly clear that the accident stemmed from the other driver’s negligence. Your main priority after an accident should be to focus on physical recovery and processing your emotions, so an improper turn car accident lawyer can handle the legal burdens pertaining to your case.

The team at Big Auto Accident Attorneys can assist you by:

• Investigating the circumstances around your accident
• Collecting evidence that points to the other party’s negligence
• Handling any paperwork or administrative tasks
• Negotiating with the insurance company and other lawyers
• Taking your case to court if necessary

Even if your improper turn accident seems like an open-and-shut case, it can still be in your best interest to involve an attorney early on in the process. Your legal team can help you file your insurance claim with legal accuracy and provide guidance every step of the way.