Making a U-turn requires good timing, clear visibility, and a precise judgment call about oncoming traffic. When drivers misjudge these factors or attempt illegal U-turns, these maneuvers can end in serious accidents. If you were injured in one of these collisions, you have the right to pursue compensation from the parties responsible. Here’s what you need to know about your legal options after a U-turn accident in Texas. Make sure to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer in McAllen.
Common Causes of U-Turn Collisions
U-turn accidents often stem from split-second decisions made under pressure. These collisions frequently occur when drivers underestimate the speed of approaching vehicles or attempt U-turns in locations where the maneuver is explicitly prohibited.
Common causes include:
- Poor visibility caused by weather, time of day, or obstructed sightlines
- Misjudging oncoming traffic speed
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Mechanical failures, such as engine failures or faulty turn signals
- Distracted driving, such as texting, phone calls, or adjusting the GPS while turning
- Impaired driving from alcohol, drugs, or fatigue
Who’s at Fault for a U-Turn Accident in Texas?
Determining fault in U-turn accidents isn’t always straightforward, and your legal options depend heavily on the circumstances of your collision. For example, say that you are making a legal U-turn and another driver strikes you while running a red light. That driver is typically at fault for violating traffic laws. If a driver attempts a U-turn without yielding to your oncoming vehicle that has the right-of-way, you will likely bear primary responsibility for the accident.
Sometimes, both parties share fault for the accident. Texas’s modified comparative fault laws will split liability based on each person’s contribution to the crash. For example, if you attempt a U-turn with limited visibility while another driver is speeding through the intersection, you might be found 30% at fault for making an unsafe turn, while the other driver is 70% responsible for excessive speed.
In this case, your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. If your damages total $100,000, you’d recover $70,000. But if you are 51% or more responsible for the collision, you will not be able to recover any compensation.
Essential Evidence to Gather for Your Accident Claim
To win your U-turn accident case, you need strong evidence that clearly establishes what happened and who bears responsibility. Even seemingly minor details can significantly impact your claim’s outcome.
After the accident, your McAllen personal injury attorney will help you collect key pieces of evidence, such as:
- Traffic camera footage from nearby intersections or businesses that captured the accident
- Witness statements from pedestrians, other drivers, or passengers who saw the collision occur
- Police reports documenting the officer’s assessment, citations issued, and their opinion of who was at fault
- Analysis from accident reconstruction experts that helps establish how the accident happened
- Photos of traffic signs proving whether U-turns were legal at the accident location
- Medical records linking your injuries to the accident and documenting their severity
Schedule Your Free Case Review with De La Garza Law Firm
When a U-turn leads to an accident in Texas, the injuries can be severe and the insurance battles even tougher. De La Garza Law Firm knows what it takes to prove your case and maximize your recovery. Whether you made the U-turn or another driver hit you while attempting one, our Texas car accident lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (956) 201-8453 for a free consultation and start your path to full financial recovery.
