Who Is at Fault for a U-Turn Accident?

U-turns can be risky maneuvers, as they involve wide turns that go against the traffic flow. When negligent drivers make improper or illegal U-turns in Missouri, they can cause devastating U-turn accidents.

What Makes U-Turns So Dangerous?

When drivers execute U-turns, they make sharp, swift turns that put them directly in the path of oncoming traffic. This sudden maneuver can startle other drivers, who sometimes fail to stop or respond appropriately. U-turns are especially dangerous at intersections, on curves, and in other road areas with poor visibility.

Additionally, drivers who attempt U-turns don’t always sufficiently account for the speed of oncoming traffic. Even a split-second miscalculation can leave a driver without enough time to complete a U-turn and avoid causing a wreck. U-turns are also more dangerous in areas with high speed limits, as fast-moving drivers have less time to react.

Common Causes and Types of U-Turn Accidents 

U-turns are dangerous, even for experienced drivers, but knowing the causes and types of U-turn accidents can help you stay safe. Common causes of U-turn accidents include:

• Inexperience – Many novice drivers are unaware of the risks of making U-turns and are more likely to make dangerous mistakes while turning.
• Distracted driving – Texting, talking on the phone, or fiddling with other distractions while making a U-turn can easily lead to an accident. 
• Drunk driving – Intoxicated drivers might fail to gauge the distance of other drivers and crash while making illegal U-turns. 
• Speeding – If a driver goes too fast for road conditions while making a U-turn, it increases their chances of causing an accident. 
• Poor visibility – Drivers might be unable to see other vehicles while making U-turns if they have unmanageably large blind spots or poor visibility due to inclement weather. 

Common types of U-turn accidents include: 

• Rear-end collisions – When a driver makes a U-turn, another driver can crash into the rear of the turning car if they fail to yield or stop in time. 
• Head-on collisions – Another motorist could crash into a vehicle making an illegal U-turn that violates their right of way.
• Sideswipe accidents – Drivers who make careless U-turns too close to other vehicles can accidentally scrape or swipe against the sides of other cars. 

What Does State Law Say About U-Turns and Accident Liability?

Under Missouri law, it is illegal to turn a vehicle around and proceed in the opposite direction when:

• At an intersection controlled by a traffic signal 
• At an intersection controlled by a police officer 
• Turning along a curve in the road
• Approaching the crest of a hill
• Oncoming drivers cannot see the vehicle
• Making a U-turn would create a traffic hazard

Missouri drivers can only make U-turns after determining they can do so safely and without interfering with other traffic. If a driver causes an accident by making an illegal U-turn, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries in a car accident claim.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys About a U-Turn Accident

You might be entitled to compensation if you got hurt in a U-turn accident in St. Louis. At Sumner Law Group, LLC, our experienced attorneys are ready to demand the money you need for your losses. Contact us today for a free legal consultation with our St. Louis car accident attorneys.