Making a U-turn can be very convenient when you want to drive in the other direction. But this maneuver can be hazardous. And the first thing you want to know if you’ve been in a U-turn accident is who’s at fault.
Determining fault in any accident can be tricky, which is why you should seek legal representation as soon as you are able. The skilled car accident lawyers at Zirkin & Schmerling can help you sort through all of the details of your U-turn accident.
Determining Fault After a U-Turn Accident
The person at fault for a U-turn accident is the one who failed to follow Maryland’s right-of-way rules. These rules are put in place so that drivers know how to safely get from point A to point B in their daily travels.
If you are making the U-turn, you must yield to all oncoming traffic; other drivers have the right of way.
If you can prove that you followed the right-of-way rules and the other driver violated their right-of-way rules, then the other driver is at fault. Because Maryland operates under a pure contributory negligence system of liability, you will not receive any compensation for your injury claim if you are also found to be at fault. Again, this is why an experienced personal injury lawyer is beneficial to have in your corner. They can help gather information and evidence to prove your innocence and the other party’s negligence.
How to Make a Proper U-Turn
According to the Maryland Driver’s Manual, when you want to make a U-turn, you must first look to ensure they’re legal. If a U turn on a road is illegal, a “No U-Turn” sign will be posted. If a U-turn is permissible, you should put on your left turn signal, stop, and yield to all traffic coming toward you. When the traffic from the opposite direction is clear and you have a green light then it would be appropriate to make a U turn.
Maryland’s Laws on U-Turns
Knowing the laws surrounding U-turns is helpful because some are legal, and some are illegal. When they are illegal, a sign should be posted. However, knowing when it’s safe to make a U-turn is always good information to have. Let’s look at how to tell the difference between a legal and illegal U-turn
Legally Make a U-Turn:
- Across a double yellow line. Make sure it’s safe, and no signs are preventing it.
- U turns in residential districts are legal as long as no oncoming traffic is within 200 feet.
- At an intersection, once you get the green light.
- On a divided highway where there is an opening and a lane to make a left turn or a U-turn.
Do Not Make a U-Turn:
- Near, or on, railroad tracks.
- On a divided highway where there is no opening.
- If you don’t have a clear line of vision behind or in front of you.
- Anywhere a “No U-Turn” sign is posted.
- If there is oncoming traffic
- On a one-way street.
- In front of a fire station.
- In a corporate area.
Contact Zirkin & Schmerling – Maryland’s Car Accident Attorneys
If you did all the right things but were injured in an accident while making a U-turn, you must consult with experienced lawyers. The attorneys at Zirkin & Schmerling have expertise in Maryland’s laws and experience working on cases just like yours. They will help prove you abided by the right-of-way laws by talking to witnesses and the insurance companies, obtaining the police report, and gathering all the evidence needed to prove your innocence.
Call immediately at 410-753-4611 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for a free consultation. Let us help you recover!