California Improper Turning Accidents
Thousands of car accidents occur every year that are caused by improper turning. When a driver makes an improper or illegal turn, the car can be put directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The resulting collision often leads to serious personal injuries and fatalities. Proving liability in these cases can be complicated because the at-fault driver will often attempt to deny any liability. This is why it is essential to have a skilled personal injury attorney in your corner.
J&Y Law Firm is one of the premier car accident law firms serving clients in Northern and Southern California. Our attorneys provide a powerful combination of legal knowledge and negotiating skills to help our clients achieve the best possible outcome. If you or a loved one has been injured in an improper turning accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Improper Turning Accidents and Collisions
Improper turning accidents are often the result of the at-fault driver not having the right-of-way. Under the California Vehicle Code (§ 21801), however, a driver intending to turn left on a highway, into public or private property or an alleyway, must yield the right of way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. Drivers making a U-turn are also required to yield the right of way. In both cases, the driver must wait until the turn can be made safely.
Left Turn Accidents
Left turn accidents often occur at intersections. In some cases, a driver turning left may attempt to speed through a traffic light. On the other hand, the driver traveling in the other direction may also rush to beat a red light. When one or more vehicles are traveling at a high rate of speed, or too fast for conditions, the resulting impact can cause serious injuries. Some of the common causes of left-turn car accidents include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Not paying attention
- Distracted driving (from using smartphones or other mobile devices)
- Initiating a left turn before it is safe
- Failing to obey a traffic signal
- Poor visibility
- Weather conditions (sun glare, rain, wet and icy roads)
Making a left-turn is a dangerous maneuver because the vehicle turning left enters or crosses into the lane of other vehicles. Therefore, the law requires a driver to proceed with caution. A left turning motorist is required to signal his or her intent to turn before reaching an intersection. The driver is also required to make sure that the turn can be undertaken without endangering a passing vehicle.
In short, a left turning motorist has the duty to yield to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are within an intersection or close enough to create an immediate danger. In most cases, the driver turning left bears responsibility for an accident, unless it can be shown that the opposing vehicle ran a red traffic light or entered the intersection against a stop sign.
U-turn Accidents
Drivers often attempt to make U-turns from a parked or stopped position while drivers to the left are traveling in the same direction. Collisions can also involve vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. U-turn accidents also occur when drivers fail to obey traffic signals or during bad weather conditions. Finally, it is illegal to make a U-turn in many locations. Generally, the driver making the U-turn is held responsible for an accident, either due to failing to observe approaching vehicles or making an illegal U-turn.
Other Improper Turning Accidents
In addition to left-turn and U-turn accidents, other improper turning accidents include:
- Turning when there is a “No Turn on Red” sign at a traffic light
- Turning at a stop sign or red light without completely stopping
- Failing to yield to traffic or pedestrians
- Turning without signaling
Improper Turning Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in an accident that was caused by improper turning, J&Y Law Firm can help. We are well versed in the applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code and have decades of experience handling car accident cases. Our legal team leverages its negotiating skills to obtain the full value of claims from insurance companies. If the insurer fails to offer a reasonable settlement, we are prepared to litigate the case in court. You may be able to recover damages for lost wages, past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering and other losses. We believe that no one should be forced to suffer because of another driver’s negligence. Call our office or complete the contact form on our website to set up a consultation.