Tampa Bay Injury Attorney Blog
When making a U-turn, a driver needs to be very cautious and make sure it is legal before doing so. Pedestrians and incoming automobiles must also be given the right of way. Careless U-turns are a frequent reason for collisions involving several vehicles, collisions with oncoming traffic, and collisions involving pedestrians.
A busy St. Pete intersection at Tyrone Blvd and 66th Street near the Crossroads Shopping Center is widely used by drivers to make U-turns, spurring concerns for area residents who feel the busy roadway coupled with drivers executing U-turns is a combination for disaster.
In Florida, U-turns are legal if there is not a sign at the intersection prohibiting them.
The problem with this specific intersection is that it is common for vehicles leaving the shopping center onto 66th Street to attempt a U-turn simultaneously with vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
In this case, the car making the U-turn should yield to the motorist turning right, but frequent visitors to the plaza feel that a ‘No U-turn’ sign would be a welcome addition to clear up any confusion and eliminate any dangers.
There is a sign up currently that alerts drivers to watch out for motorists turning.
According to a news report, the Florida Department of Transportation has been alerted to the potential issue and will conduct a crash review of the intersection to determine if any changes should be made.
Even if you are confident that the U-turn you are going to make is legal, you must execute it appropriately and with caution to ensure that oncoming traffic has passed and there are no pedestrians. Additionally, all U-turns should be made in the appropriate lane and location. The following are some causes of U-turn vehicle collisions:
- Not Yielding: Even though most of us are aware that we should look before turning, if we are in a hurry, we may make an irrational judgment and fail to check for oncoming traffic.
- Violation of Traffic Laws: A driver’s failure to observe or abide by the traffic signal often results in a U-turn crash. A driver who disregards the traffic signal and causes a U-turn collision may be held responsible for any injuries or property damage.
- Making a U-turn from an Incorrect Location: Examples include parking lots, areas where U-turns are prohibited, and the right side of two left-turn lanes.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Storms and fog can limit traction and visibility, increasing the likelihood of U-turn accidents. However, weather-related accidents do happen, even in the absence of rain or snow. Direct sunlight can impair a driver’s ability to see, which can lead to an accident.
U-turn car accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, and victims may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Should the accident be the consequence of another person’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, rehabilitation expenses, and even emotional distress.
Our St. Petersburg Auto Accident Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you obtain the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Call us in St. Petersburg at 727-823-0000 or contact us online for a free consultation.