U-Turn Car Accident Lawyers: Chicago, Illinois

Anyone who makes a U-turn must do so knowing that the maneuver is legal and must yield the right of way to any on coming traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians. Negligent U-turns in Chicago cause pedestrian injuries, accidents with oncoming vehicles, and multiple-car crashes.

Whenever motorists make decisions that result in other individuals’ injuries, they might be held liable for serious injuries and property damages that include the cost of medical care, car repair or replacement, and any wages that have been lost while victims recover from their injuries.

A U-Turn Car Accident Injury Attorney Can Help

The Chicago car accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC are committed to holding drivers making U-turns in Chicago fully accountable for injuries they cause others. Our team of Chicago car accident lawyers will do what it takes to obtain the compensation you deserve for injuries related to a U-turn accident.

To receive a free case evaluation, contact our Illinois law firm, or complete our contact form. Our Auto accident lawyers currently represent clients throughout the United States, Illinois, the Chicago area, and the following localities: Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, Will County, Aurora, Chicago, Elgin, Naperville, and Waukegan.

U-Turn Car Accident FAQs

Factors that Contribute to Illinois U-Turn Accidents

Even when it is legal to make a U-turn, drivers must do so correctly, making sure that there are no pedestrians in the area and that oncoming traffic has passed before attempting the turn. Also, the turn must be made from the correct lane and location on the road. The following are the most common contributing factors to U-turn accidents.

• Making a U-turn from an improper location— Some drivers attempt to make a U-turn from the right of two adjacent left-turn lanes, from a parking space or in a location where there are NO U-TURN signs are present. It is vital that drivers only make U-turns from positions where it is both legal to do so and complete awareness of their surroundings.
• Adverse weather— Inclement weather conditions, including extreme cold or violent storms, can limit driver visibility or reduce traction, causing accidents. However, not all weather-related crashes are the result of rain, sleet, or snow. In some cases, direct sunlight can make it difficult for drivers to see, for example.
• Making a U-turn without looking or yielding— When drivers are in a hurry, they can make bold and irrational decisions. It may seem elementary to suggest that drivers look before turning, but some drivers may make a U-turn without checking for oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
• Failure to obey traffic signal— Drivers making U-turns or motorists in oncoming vehicles may fail to obey a changing traffic signal, resulting in a collision. Whenever drivers disobey traffic control devices and accidents occur, they are usually responsible for providing financial restitution to all victims.

Illinois U-Turn law and how it Applies to Chicago U-Turn Accidents

Whenever making a turn from the left lane, as is the case whenever making a legal U-turn, the right of way must always be provided to all other traffic except if a traffic signal protects the turn. For example, if a vehicle is at an intersection with a green light, the driver must wait until there is no oncoming traffic present or until a light change occurs to permit to process in making the turn. This applies to U-turns as well. This is made clear in Illinois vehicle code—

“(625 ILCS 5/11-801) Sec. 11-801 states:

(2) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at an intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle, and after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.

Additionally, the law states that U-turns must be performed from the same location as left turns and vehicles are only permitted to enter the intersection from the left lane when preparing to make either a left turn or U-turn:

(2) A vehicle shall not be driven in the lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway or when preparing for or making a U-turn when otherwise permitted by law.”

U-turns must be treated as left turns, and motorists must only perform a U-turn from the left lane and only enter the intersection while a traffic signal permits it. Any driver performing this maneuver must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Additionally, the U-turn must only be performed from a location where it is legal to do so.

The Different Types of U-Turn Accidents and Who is Affected

While some U-turn accidents are minor incidents, some U-turn maneuvers can cause severe accidents that require complex and extensive litigation to resolve legally. Some severe accidents resulting from improper U-turns include:

• Collision with an oncoming vehicle— Accidents occur most often when the driver acts too soon or fails to provide the right of way to oncoming vehicles. The accident scene at many U-turn crashes reveals that one vehicle smashed into the side of another vehicle (“T-bone”) that was driving through an intersection.
• Injury to pedestrian— Whenever a crosswalk is present at an intersection, pedestrians must be given the right of way, and it is a common mistake for motorists not to notice a pedestrian crossing when while making a U-turn.
• Motorcycle accident— Motorcyclists are sometimes difficult to notice. They are often the accident victims involving other drivers who fail to see them or provide the same rights to them that all vehicles sharing the road deserve.
• Truck accident–According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many motor vehicle traffic accidents are caused by truckers making illegal U-turns at red lights, stop signs, and shopping centers.
• Multiple vehicle accidents— Chain reaction accidents can occur because of a reckless or negligent U-turn when the impact’s angle causes one vehicle to slide into oncoming traffic or other vehicles occupying the intersection. These accident claims can be challenging to litigate because of the complexity in establishing which parties are liable and to what extent.

Even at lower speeds, U-turn accidents can cause severe injuries that require medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Maximize Your Recovery With U-Turn Car Accident Lawyers

The cost of your medical bills and physical recovery should not become a burden if someone else’s actions were the cause of your injuries. If you were injured in a U-turn car accident, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC Chicago auto accident legal specialists can help.

Our law firm is well versed in Illinois traffic law. We typically send an accident reconstruction team who can establish the cause of your accident. Their efforts determine who is legally liable and accurately value your car accident case for compensation.

Contact our law firm today at 888-424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or through the contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys work on your behalf to give you the best opportunity for a successful recovery and obtain the maximum amount of financial compensation you deserve.

If our law office cannot recover damages on your behalf, our services will be free of charge. Our injury attorneys handle personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits for family members who have lost a loved one through a drunk driving event or U-turn accident.