Florida does not allow U-turns on highways. However, the state generally does permit them on streets and roads except where a sign prohibits them or in cases where the driver cannot make the maneuver without interfering with other vehicles. As a result, drivers generally approach these maneuvers as safe and legal.
A carelessly executed U-turn can lead to a traffic accident. Whether you were hit by a driver while operating a car, riding your bicycle, or walking, U-turn car accidents in Fort Walton Beach, FL, can result in serious injuries.
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has experience representing victims after U-turn accidents. If you need help, contact our Fort Walton Beach car accident attorneys at (850) 863-5297 for a free case evaluation.
How Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a U-Turn Accident in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has represented clients against insurers and at-fault parties since its founding over 30 years ago. Our Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers have over 60 years of combined legal experience fighting for fair compensation.
Our lawyers provide the following legal services if you suffer injuries in a U-turn accident in Fort Walton Beach, Florida:
- Evaluating your claims and explaining your legal rights and options
- Collecting records and evidence to prove your arguments
- Filing an insurance claim and negotiating for a fair settlement
- Litigating against at-fault parties and insurers if negotiations fail
Your injuries may threaten your financial and physical well-being. Contact our Fort Walton Beach personal injury attorneys for a free consultation to learn about your rights under Florida law to pursue compensation for your injuries.
How Many Florida Car Accidents Result From Improper Turns?
According to the Florida Crash Facts report, improper turns are a leading cause of crashes in the state.
In 2022, crash statistics showed that drivers making improper turns caused:
- 38 deaths
- 311 serious injuries in which victims required an ambulance
- 1,482 minor injuries where victims had a visible injury but did not ask for an ambulance
- 3,254 possible injuries involving complaints of pain without visible wounds
Bear in mind that not all of these improper turns involved U-turn maneuvers. Incorrectly executed turns can also include left turns across the path of an approaching vehicle and right turns into oncoming traffic.
Accidents Resulting From U-Turns: Causes and Liability
Most drivers learn to execute U-turns at intersections. At these locations, traffic controls can help the driver make the maneuver while somewhat protected.
However, intersection accidents can occur during a U-turn in the following situations:
- A driver going straight hits the car making the U-turn in front of it
- A driver turning right hits the car making the U-turn from the intersecting road
- A driver merging into traffic hits the car making the U-turn
- The driver making the U-turn gets hit in the intersection when the light changes
The liability and injuries associated with each of these collisions can vary significantly.
U-Turn Across Another Vehicle’s Path
The danger of U-turn maneuvers comes from the time and space they require. To execute a U-turn, you typically need to use the entire roadway. Worse yet, even if the way looks clear, an approaching vehicle can reach yours before you complete the U-turn.
The liability for these crashes often falls on the driver executing the U-turn. Any driver turning left or executing a U-turn must yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles. When you begin the maneuver, you must have a gap in traffic that’s big enough to complete it.
However, there are situations where the other driver might bear some or all of the liability for a U-turn crash. For example, if the driver going straight saw the turning driver and failed to slow down, they might be partially at fault for the resulting collision. Similarly, drivers who speed or run yellow lights might have some responsibility for U-turn crashes.
U-Turn Collision With a Driver Turning Right or Merging
Another common scenario happens when a driver executes a U-turn and collides with a car that’s turning right. In this situation, the driver making the right turn often bears the fault for the crash. The turning driver is usually going right on a red light. Florida permits this move but only after yielding to traffic on the intersecting roadway.
If the driver turns right and collides with a driver making a U-turn, it means they’ve failed to yield the right-of-way. Thus, at least some of the blame for the crash could fall on them.
U-Turn Crash After a Signal Change
Some crashes happen when the driver making the U-turn waits for the light to change to red. Under Florida law, drivers facing a green light must first wait for any cars in the intersection to move before proceeding through it themselves. In this case, a driver going straight who hits a car already in the intersection may bear a share of the blame.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Fort Walton Beach U-Turn Accident Lawyers
A U-turn accident can result in serious injuries, particularly when they involve a side-impact collision. Contact Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your traffic accident and the compensation we can help you recover for your injuries.
Other types of car accidents that we cover are:
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents
- Rollover Accidents
- Uninsured Motorist Claims
