Many different motor vehicle maneuvers have the potential to cause automobile accidents. Drivers are responsible for doing what they can to prevent collisions by driving cautiously and obeying signage, including signs that prohibit U-turns in certain places. A driver who fails to adhere to this duty of care could cause a serious U-turn car accident in Albuquerque.
If you get hurt in a U-turn accident in Albuquerque, it can benefit you to hire an accident lawyer in Albuquerque, NM early on in the legal process.
When Are U-Turns Prohibited in Albuquerque?
A driver in Albuquerque may only make a U-turn where it is legal and safe to do so. Certain intersections and locations have posted signage specifically prohibiting U-turns. In addition, Albuquerque Code § 8-2-6-10 states:
“No vehicle shall be driven so as to make a U-turn, that is, turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction, unless the U-turn can be made in safety and without interfering with any other traffic, and there is no sign so prohibiting a U-turn.”
When making a U-turn, a driver must preemptively use a turn signal for at least the prior 100 feet, must be in the proper lane and must ensure the roadway is clear. A U-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic in the intersection and cars that are close enough as to constitute an immediate hazard.
Common Causes of U-Turn Accidents
U-turns are one of the most dangerous traffic maneuvers because they put a driver in the middle of an oncoming lane of traffic for an extended period of time.
Common mistakes behind U-turn accidents include:
- Making a U-turn where prohibited
- Turning into oncoming traffic
- Misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles
- Failing to yield to bicyclists and pedestrians
- Making an improper or dangerous U-turn
- Cutting across multiple lanes
- Driving while distracted or intoxicated
The driver making a U-turn must carefully calculate whether he or she has enough time to safely complete the maneuver. Even a small miscalculation could result in a serious automobile accident.
Who Is Responsible for a U-Turn Accident in Albuquerque?
The driver who attempted to make the U-turn in the moments leading up to a crash will most likely be held responsible, as it is this driver’s legal responsibility to ensure the safety of the maneuver before entering the intersection.
Proof that the driver did not act with the same level of care that a reasonably prudent motorist would have under the same circumstances can establish fault and liability, or financial responsibility. However, it may also be possible to hold the other driver accountable in certain circumstances.
If the oncoming driver was running a red light or stop sign, speeding, driving while distracted, or making other dangerous mistakes, this could place all or part of the blame on him or her for a U-turn accident. An investigation of the crash may be necessary to assign fault.
How a U-Turn Accident Attorney in Albuquerque Can Help
An attorney can take immediate steps to begin building your case, such as visiting the scene of the accident to collect evidence. A lawyer can also hire accident reconstruction experts to help prove liability. You can count on a lawyer to handle claim negotiations or a car accident trial on your behalf while you focus on healing from your injuries. To discuss a particular U-turn accident with an attorney at no cost, contact The Fine Law Firm to request a free consultation.