Improper turn accidents are a common type of vehicle collision and can cause serious physical and mental injuries. However, personal injury laws can provide victims and their families with legal recourse that can help with costly medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Cullotta Bravo Law Group’s attorneys understand that an improper turn accident is a challenging experience for any individual or family; our attorneys are here to help.
What is an Improper Turn Accident?
Improper turn accidents occur when a driver makes an improper or illegal turn causing an accident. The accident can be a collision with an oncoming vehicle or hitting a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist.
Improper Left Turns
Improper left turn accidents occur when a driver attempts to make a left turn at an intersection, crossing a lane of oncoming traffic. Improper left turn accidents are particularly common in situations where a driver does not come to a full and complete stop to assess whether it is safe to turn, the driver has failed to use their left turn signal, or the driver incorrectly judges the speed of oncoming traffic and turns before it is truly safe.
Improper Right Turns
Improper right turns can happen when a driver turns right when the light is red and either ignores a “No Turn on Red” sign or fails to come to a full and complete stop to ensure conditions are safe to turn. This improper turn can also occur when the light is green but the pedestrian crosswalk signal is on and the driver has not ensured the crosswalk is free of pedestrians.
Improper U-Turns
An improper U-turn occurs when the driver turns the vehicle left in a U-shape to join traffic going in the opposite direction. This can occur in areas with “No U-turn” signs and areas where U-turns are permitted if the driver does not ensure the intersection is clear before turning.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
There are a couple of types of lawsuits you may be able to file following an improper turn accident. If you were the victim and injured in an improper turn accident, a personal injury lawsuit can be a good option to pursue. If you are not the victim of the accident but have lost a family member or loved one to this type of accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit can provide you compensation for the followingexpenses and potentially more:
- Past and future loss of wages if you are or have been unable to work due to the accident.
- Past and future medical expenses for your accident-related injuries.
- Expenses related to fixing your car or purchasing a new vehicle, if necessary, and transportation costs while you wait for your repaired or new vehicle.
- Physical pain and suffering related to the accident.
- Mental pain and suffering related to the accident.
An attorney can help you determine which types of compensation you may be eligible for, and the appropriate amounts to request.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If your loved one did not survive the accident, you may consider pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of lawsuit can entitle you to compensation,including the cost of the funeral, burial, cremation, etc. You may also receive compensation for your loved one’s income if you or others relied upon that income. Damages can also be available to you for the emotional impacts of your loss.
Can I Receive Compensation if an Accident was my Fault?
Different states have different laws and regulations governing if and how much compensation you can receive if you are partially or fully responsible for an improper turn accident. Consulting an attorney is the best way to learn about your state’s laws and your eligibility for compensation. The Cullotta Bravo Law Team can guide you through the ins and outs of at-fault accident compensation.
If you or someone close to you has been involved in an accident involving an improper turn, the attorneys at Cullotta Bravo Law Group can help. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at (630) 898-7800 or contact us online.
