In many driving situations in the San Fernando Valley, it is dangerous — and sometimes downright illegal — to make a u-turn. It is not surprising that turning the car 180 degrees, to travel with oncoming traffic, can cause serious accidents. Indeed, hundreds of drivers are injured and even killed every year when making u-turns. If you or a loved one was injured by a driver making a reckless u-turn, contact an experienced auto accident attorney.
Common Causes of U-Turn Accidents
Common causes of u-turn accidents can include making a u-turn where it is illegal to do so; making a u-turn from a parked position or stopped position on the right side of the road; reckless, careless or negligent u-turns without looking for traffic, and obstructed views; and making a u-turn through a middle yellow “turning” lane. Whether a u-turn is illegal depends in part on where you do it.
For example, if you are driving in a business district, the California Vehicle Code allows you to make a u-turn provided there is a clearly marked space for doing so. The law requires that the turn be as close as possible to the left-hand edge 
of the lanes moving in the driver’s direction of travel. If you are in a residential district, the Vehicle Code provides that you may turn anywhere except an intersection controlled by a stop light or stop sign, and as long as no other cars are within 200 feet.
Who is At Fault for U-Turn Accidents?
The driver making the u-turn is generally considered responsible for u-turn accidents; particularly if he or she was not paying attention and failed to check for oncoming cars. If you sue the driver for the injuries you or your passenger suffered as a result of his u-turn, he will likely try to argue that he acted legally or that you, the other driver, were even more negligent (careless) than he was. This does not seem fair, does it? No. And one more reason why you need a proven auto accident attorney in the San Fernando Valley on your side.
If you are injured in an accident and the other driver made an illegal or reckless u-turn, try to take photos of any road signs or street markings that may help you prove you acted properly. It is also wise to take photos of the damage on your car and the other car to show who was at fault. For more information on what to do immediately after you have been involved in a car accident in the San Fernando Valley, click here.
To discuss your right to recover financial damages after being injured in a car accident, contact auto accident attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
