Making a U-turn may seem innocent enough, but there are times when this task turns dangerous. U-turn crashes in Bloomington occur at various intersections and roadways and may result in devastating consequences. At Hupy and Abraham, our skilled car accident lawyer understands the complexities of these accidents and will fight to get the compensation you deserve.
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Why U-Turns are Dangerous ![a sign to help avoid U-turn crashes in Bloomington]()
U-turns are a common maneuver drivers undertake when they need to reverse direction on a road. While they’re not inherently illegal in Illinois, they must only be performed when it’s safe to do so and not interfere with the flow of traffic. Not abiding by Illinois law can result in severe penalties.
4 Common Reasons for U-Turn Crashes in Bloomington
Some of the most common reasons for U-turn accidents include:
- Limited Visibility. One of the primary reasons U-turns are dangerous is because of a driver’s limited visibility. When attempting a U-turn, a motorist has to cross multiple lanes of traffic and may struggle to see approaching vehicles, especially on busy roads. This can lead to collisions with oncoming traffic.
- Miscalculating Speed and Distance. Drivers often don’t know the speed and distance of approaching vehicles, making it difficult to gauge whether it’s safe to make a U-turn. This misjudgment may cause someone to make abrupt and dangerous maneuvers.
- Intersection Confusion. U-turns at intersections are particularly chaotic. Drivers may not be aware of others attempting U-turns or merging onto the same road from different directions, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Lack of Skill. Not all drivers are adept at performing U-turns, especially in challenging conditions such as heavy traffic or adverse weather. Inexperience or poor execution frequently leads to accidents.
Types of U-Turn Accidents and Injuries
U-turn collisions and injuries range from minor to severe. Here are some common types of crashes caused by a U-turn.
- Head-On Collisions. When a driver attempting a U-turn fails to yield to oncoming traffic, this action may result in a head-on collision. These accidents cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even fatalities.
- T-Bone Collisions. U-turns executed at intersections can lead to T-bone collisions when the turning vehicle crosses the path of another vehicle traveling straight through the intersection. These accidents result in severe injuries to both drivers and passengers.
- Rear-End Collisions. U-turns made suddenly or without adequate signaling can surprise motorists following behind the turning driver, leading to rear-end collisions. In this type of accident, whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are common.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents. U-turns also pose dangers to pedestrians and cyclists who may not anticipate a vehicle making a sudden turn in their path. These accidents can result in grave injuries and even fatalities for vulnerable road users.
What to Do After a Bloomington U-Turn Crash
If you’re involved in a U-turn crash in Bloomington or anywhere in Illinois, it’s crucial to follow the appropriate steps.
- Seek Medical Attention. Make sure everyone is safe and if anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, getting prompt medical attention is advisable. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms until later, and a thorough examination can provide a record of any injuries sustained in the accident.
- Contact Law Enforcement. Regardless of the accident's severity, it’s essential to report the Bloomington incident to local law enforcement. They’ll arrive at the scene, assess the situation, and file a police report, which can be crucial for supporting your claim.
- Exchange Information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Be sure to obtain the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all drivers as well as contact information for any witnesses.
- Document the Scene. If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. These photos might serve as valuable evidence later.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Seeking legal assistance from a qualified Bloomington car accident attorney in the aftermath of a U-turn accident helps you navigate the complexities of the legal process and work towards obtaining the compensation you deserve. Here’s how a lawyer assists your claim.
- Investigation. Lawyers have the resources and expertise to investigate the accident thoroughly, gather evidence, and determine liability. This can be crucial in building a solid case.
- Negotiation. Your attorney may need to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Litigation. If your claim isn’t settled with the insurance company, a lawyer can represent you in court and advocate for your rights. They’ll work to establish liability and seek maximum compensation.
At Hupy and Abraham, we’ve successfully handled U-turn accident claims for our clients. We secured a settlement for a client who suffered serious injuries when another driver attempted to make a U-turn over a median on a state highway. For another client injured in a U-turn accident, we negotiated a settlement for nearly double what the insurance company initially offered.
Contact Our Bloomington Car Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a U-turn accident, contact our skilled car accident lawyers at Hupy and Abraham. Our personal injury lawyers in Bloomington offer a complimentary consultation to review your case without any obligations.
To request a confidential appointment, please fill out our convenient contact form by clicking the button above, or for immediate assistance, call us at 800-800-5678.