Texas law states that drivers must yield to all other drivers when they make a U-turn in a lane with no traffic signal. However, Texas has many intersections, and it is easy for drivers to make a U-turn in the wrong place.
Incorrect U-turns can lead to multi-vehicle accidents, which can cause injury and death. In some instances, the turning driver cannot be blamed for a U-turn accident.
For example, the turning driver may make a U-turn in the right place, but another driver in oncoming traffic may break a traffic law, causing an accident.
This is why determining fault in a U-turn accident is crucial. It must be established whether the other driver was reckless before pointing a finger at the turning driver.
How Does Texas Law Deal With U-Turns?
In addition to yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, drivers can only make U-turns where traffic laws allow them to. That said, few Texas roads have signs that allow U-turns. If drivers want to make a U-turn, they can only do so on a two-way road without signs prohibiting the maneuver.
Drivers must also have a clear view of oncoming traffic for at least 500 feet in both directions. If the driver is on a divided highway, they can only make a U-turn with a designated opening in the median. It is against the law to make U-turns anywhere else, including over a concrete divider.
Determining Fault After a U-Turn Accident
If you want compensation after a U-turn accident, you and your lawyer must determine the fault. This means establishing who was to blame for the accident. There are several factors to consider during this process:
- Which of the two cars had the right of way during the accident? In most U-turn accidents, the car going straight would have the right of way of a U-turning vehicle.
- Was there a sign prohibiting U-turns at the site of the accident? If so, the U-turning driver will likely be to blame for the accident.
- Did the U-turning driver refuse to yield to oncoming traffic, including your vehicle? If so, they will likely be held liable for the accident.
In some cases, other elements will play a role in determining fault. These may include obstructed visibility and bad weather.
What If the Accident Was a Rear-End Crash?
The above factors also count when a U-turn leads to a rear-end crash. According to Texas law, liability in this case must be determined by discovering which party was negligent.
So, if the U-turning driver ignored the rule to yield the right of way before turning, the accident is their fault.
Also, even if drivers look for oncoming vehicles before making a U-turn, they could still cause an accident if they do not look out for vehicles in close proximity. A driver may look towards oncoming traffic but fail to see a vehicle close enough to be a hazard. If the driver turns in front of that vehicle, it becomes impossible to avoid an accident.
Drivers who want to make a U-turn must also signal their intention well in advance. Making a U-turn without signaling can cause a major rear-end collision. In this instance, both parties involved in the accident may be apportioned blame.
For example, the U-turn driver would be to blame for not signaling. The other driver should have exercised caution and reasonable care before proceeding, but most blame would still lie with the U-turning driver.
U-Turn Accidents That Affect Oncoming Vehicles
The same goes for situations where the U-turning driver crashes into an oncoming vehicle. If another driver does not yield when they should and they crash into you, they will be found at fault for the accident.
Oncoming traffic has the right of way, so U-turn drivers must yield. However, if you (in the oncoming vehicle) were distracted or speeding, you may share some blame.
You should have tried to brake or change lanes in time to avoid the car making a U-turn. This is especially true if the driver signaled their intention and there was a gap in traffic.
Can You Claim Compensation After a U-Turn Accident?
If you are injured in a U-turn accident that was not your fault, you could potentially claim compensation. Texas follows modified comparative negligence laws, so you can still recover damages even if you share some of the blame.
However, if you are more than 51% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any damages.
If your lawyer confirms that you have a compensation case, you can claim several damages. These include medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Having a lawyer on your side is important because the legal side of things can become very complicated.
Your lawyer will help you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. They will also negotiate your settlement with the insurance company. You are always advised to let a lawyer handle the negotiations on your behalf. Insurance companies are known for making low settlement offers right off the bat.
When you have a lawyer, they will fight to ensure you get enough compensation to cover all your expenses.
Most personal injury cases are resolved outside of court. However, if your lawyer cannot get the insurance company to offer a fair amount, your case may need to proceed to court. This can be overwhelming, but your lawyer will handle all the legal aspects.
Protecting Yourself after a U-Turn Accident
If you are in the aftermath of a U-turn accident, it is important to follow these steps to strengthen your legal case.
- Document everything about the accident scene, including road signs, weather conditions, position of the vehicles, etc.
- Exchange information with the U-turning driver and get witness statements if possible.
- Inform the police of the accident. Also, get a copy of the official accident report.
- Get a lawyer to help you file a legal case if you were injured in the accident.
Understanding how blame is assigned and gathering the needed evidence can help your lawyer win your case. It will also ensure you get the compensation you need to cover your post-accident expenses.
