Dallas U-Turn Car Accident Lawyer

U-turn car accidents in Dallas can occur for various reasons, many of which involve errors or negligence by drivers.

Illegal U-Turns:

Accidents can happen when drivers make illegal U-turns in areas where they are prohibited, such as at certain intersections, highways, or school zones.

Failure to Yield:

Drivers making a U-turn must yield to oncoming traffic. Failure to do so can lead to collisions with oncoming vehicles.

Obstructed View:

Drivers might not see oncoming traffic due to obstructions, leading to accidents when they make a U-turn.

Misjudgment of Oncoming Traffic:

Drivers may misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, causing accidents when they make U-turns.

Distracted Driving:

Both the driver making the U-turn and oncoming drivers can contribute to accidents if they are distracted and not paying full attention to the road.

Impaired Driving:

Accidents can occur when drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs make U-turns without proper caution.

Inadequate Signaling:

Failing to use turn signals before making a U-turn can lead to accidents, as other drivers may not know the driver’s intentions to turn.

U-turn car accidents can lead to various injuries, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the specifics of the car wreck, such as the speed and size of the involved vehicles.

Whiplash:

Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, occurring when the head and neck are suddenly and forcefully thrown back and forth. It can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and other complications.

Broken Bones:

The impact of a collision during a U-turn can cause fractures in any part of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and more.

Concussions or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):

A strong impact can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, potentially leading to a concussion or more severe brain injury.

Spinal Cord Injuries:

U-turn accidents can damage the spine, potentially causing paralysis or other long-term mobility issues.

Internal Injuries:

The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding or damage to internal organs, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.

Cuts and Abrasions:

Broken glass or metal can cause cuts, bruises, and abrasions during a U-turn accident.

Burns:

In cases where a collision leads to a fire, occupants can suffer burns of varying degrees.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma:

Beyond physical injuries, car accident victims may experience significant emotional or psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.

In Dallas, Texas, making an illegal U-turn can result in a traffic citation, and penalties may include fines and points on your driving record. The specific amount of the fine can vary, but generally range from $100 to $200.

In addition to fines:

Points on Your License:

Illegal U-turns can add points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to additional fines and potentially getting a driver’s license suspended.

Increased Insurance Premiums:

Traffic violations like illegal U-turns can cause your auto insurance premiums to increase, costing you more money over time.

Driver’s Education Courses:

Individuals cited for illegal U-turns may be required to complete a driver’s education or defensive driving course.

Court Appearance:

Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to make a court appearance for an illegal U-turn violation, particularly if it led to an accident or other infractions.

Gathering comprehensive and convincing evidence is crucial to hold the other driver responsible for a U-turn car accident. Here is a list of evidence that can substantiate your personal injury claim:

Photographs/Videos:

Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, damage to the cars, the road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries you have sustained.

Police Report:

Obtain a copy of the police report. It provides an official record of the accident and may include details about the other driver’s fault, traffic law violations, and statements from drivers and witnesses.

Witness Statements:

Collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident. Their accounts can provide insight into the accident and who was at fault.

Medical Records:

Secure all medical documentation related to your injuries from the accident. These records can prove the extent and severity of your injuries and link them to the accident.

Expert Testimonies:

In some cases, testimonies from accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals can strengthen your case by providing specialized insights into the accident dynamics or your injuries.

Traffic Camera Footage:

If available, obtain footage from traffic or security cameras near the accident scene that captured the incident.

Vehicle Damage Assessments:

Obtain detailed reports from auto repair shops regarding the damage to your vehicle, which can help establish the dynamics of the accident.

If the at-fault driver in a U-turn accident is uninsured or underinsured, it can complicate obtaining compensation for your damages and injuries. However, there are still avenues you can explore:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Check your own insurance policy to see if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This type of coverage is designed to protect you financially in the event of an accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance. Your insurance company can compensate you for your damages up to the limit of your UM/UIM policy.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

You may file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. Remember that collecting compensation this way is challenging, especially if the driver lacks the financial resources to pay.

MedPay or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

If you have Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you can use it to cover medical expenses resulting from the U-turn crash regardless of who is at fault.

Collisions Coverage

If you have collision coverage, it can pay for repairs to your vehicle regardless of fault, although you will have to pay the deductible.