U-Turn Car Accident Attorneys

It is critically important that whenever a driver attempts to make a U-turn that they do so only after exercising the utmost care. Drivers must first be sure that they only attempt a U-turn a either a duly marked location, so that it is legally permitted. Drivers must also use caution and yield the right of way to any oncoming cars, trucks or motorcycles. When motorists fail to use such caution when making a U-turn, they often cause significant and devastating car accidents in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. And when others are injured in those crashes, the driver who made an improper or too quick U-turn may be responsible for the damages the injured victim suffered, including broken bones, lacerations, medical bills and lost wages.

We are the Law Offices of Joseph I. Lipsky are dedicated to helping those injured by the negligence of a driver who makes an improper U-turn, by holding that driver responsible and helping our injured clients recover the maximum amount for their injuries. We welcome calls to our toll-free injury hotline for a free no obligation personal injury consultation.

When a driver is making what would otherwise be a legal U-turn, they must still do so safely. Such safe conduct includes insuring there is adequate time to complete a turn before oncoming traffic arrives and being sure to turn into the correct lane of traffic. These are some of the frequently encountered causes of U-turn car accidents:

• Turning at the wrong place — Often drivers begin making a U-turn from the outside lane of a two-lane road, rather than from the lane closest to the median, or at a spot with a sign prohibiting a U-turn.
• Poor weather — Weather conditions, particularly one of South Florida’s frequent afternoon thunderstorms, can limit a driver’s ability to see oncoming traffic.
• Turning without looking — Unfortunately due to pervasive cell phone use, too many drivers are distracted and drive without looking where they’re going and fail to pay enough attention to other traffic.

Florida law provides specific guidance to motorists. Florida statute section 316.1515, titled Limitations on Turning Around states:

“The driver of any vehicle shall not turn the vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any street unless such movement can be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic and unless such movement is not prohibited by posted traffic control signs.”

The plain and simple language of this statute means that so long as there is no sign prohibiting U-turns that a drive may make a U-turn as long as it is safe and won’t interfere with other vehicles.

Due primarily to the speed of oncoming traffic, many U-Turns result in serious crashes, and those injured need a serious attorney to help them figure out how the collision happened so as to maximize their needed recovery. Some crashes caused by a negligent driver making a U-turn are:

• Impact with a vehicle in the new lane of travel — This happens when the driver making the U-turn enters the oncoming lanes of traffic early or does not allow for enough time before turning.
• Motorcycle accident — When making a U-turn drivers often don’t take the time to look twice for motorcycles, which due to their smaller profile are more difficult to see.

And like many car accidents, even those which happen as slower speeds, crashes happening when a driver is making a U-turn may result in serious personal injuries and damages. Innocent injured victims of U-turn accidents should not have to bear the pain or costs from unpaid medical bills, that’s why accident victims need to reach out to an experienced Miami personal injury attorney. The Law Offices of Joseph I. Lipsky car accident team specializes in helping seriously injured victims of car accidents and will do everything possible to maximize your financial recovery.

For nearly thirty years we have helped our clients recover tens of millions of dollars for their injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages and medical expenses. Contact us today for your fee no-obligation consultation to learn about your legal rights and how we can help you pick up the pieces of your life.