Florida U-Turn Accident Lawyer

U-turn accidents can be highly unpredictable and pose a great risk to individuals involved. Whether it’s being struck by someone making an illegal U-turn or experiencing a collision while executing a U-turn yourself, these incidents can be incredibly frightening. The consequences extend beyond mere property damage and can result in severe injuries or even tragic loss of life. The suddenness and unexpected nature of such accidents highlight the importance of practicing caution and following traffic regulations to mitigate the potential dangers associated with U-turn maneuvers. By prioritizing safety and adhering to traffic laws, we can strive to prevent these alarming incidents and protect both ourselves and others on the road.

If you have sustained injuries in an accident where someone performed an illegal U-turn in your path, we urge you to contact a Florida U-turn accident lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Car Accident & Injury Lawyers without delay. Our team is ready to provide you with a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. When it comes to recovering from a U-turn car accident in Tampa, taking prompt action is crucial, and by contacting us, you can rest assured that we will provide advice that prioritizes your best interests. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

If you’re wondering whether U-turns are illegal in Florida, it’s important to note that U-turns are not illegal in Florida as long as they are conducted in accordance with traffic regulations, they do not interfere with the flow of traffic and are generally allowed under specific circumstances. Section 316.1515 of the Florida Statutes outlines the limitations on U-turns. According to this statute, a driver is not allowed to make a U-turn on any street unless it can be done safely without interfering with other traffic, and unless there are no posted traffic control signs prohibiting such a maneuver. Violating this section is considered a noncriminal traffic infraction and can be punished as a moving violation under Chapter 318 of the Florida Statutes.

However, it’s important to remember that right-of-way laws still apply, meaning you will typically be the last to make a maneuver. The key is to ensure that you have enough space to safely perform a U-turn.

It’s worth noting that the legality of U-turns in Florida depends on the context of the situation. The interpretation of what constitutes sufficient space for a safe U-turn can vary among individuals. Here’s how to avoid receiving any unwanted tickets, it is advisable to follow three simple steps.

1. Make sure there are no signs specifically prohibiting U-turns.
2. Carefully assess and confirm that you have enough room to execute the U-turn safely.
3. Proceed with the U-turn while respecting the rules of right-of-way.

By adhering to these guidelines, you should have no difficulty complying with Florida’s U-turn law.

Determining liability in U-turn accidents in Florida involves considering the state’s unique insurance system and the concept of negligence. Florida operates as a no-fault insurance state, meaning that regardless of fault, drivers are required to seek compensation from their own insurance companies. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is mandatory in car insurance, provides coverage for injuries sustained in an accident.

However, there are scenarios where the injuries are significant or exceed the limits of PIP coverage, prompting the injured party to file a lawsuit against the at fault driver. In such cases, it is crucial to establish negligence on the part of the other driver to succeed in the lawsuit and receive damages.

In certain situations, both drivers may bear some liability for the accident. For instance, if a U-turn was executed poorly, but the other driver was also in violation of traffic rules such as speeding or driving under the influence, both drivers may be held accountable. The allocation of liability becomes a significant factor in determining the amount of compensation.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that compensation is awarded based on the proportion of liability assigned to each party involved. For instance, if you were found to be 40% responsible for the accident, you would receive only 60% of the total damages. If, however, you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you are barred from recovering any damages.

To maximize your potential compensation, seeking guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer with expertise in car accident cases is advisable. They can effectively argue that the other driver bears a greater share of the blame, potentially leading to an increased compensation amount for you.

Florida U-turn laws allow drivers to make U-turns unless specifically prohibited in certain areas, as defined under Section 316.1515 of the Florida Statutes. However, it is important for drivers to exercise caution and ensure that they only make U-turns when it is safe to do so, while also yielding to vehicles that have the right of way.

Unfortunately, accidents can occur when drivers fail to adhere to these rules, leading to injuries for victims like yourself. When a driver is involved in an accident while executing a U-turn, they may be held accountable for the resulting damages. This is because, even if U-turns are legally permitted, they must never disrupt the normal flow of traffic and drivers must always give priority to others on the road. Safety and consideration for other drivers are paramount when making U-turns in Florida.

While U-turns are generally permitted in Florida, it is crucial to recognize that there are circumstances where they are improper and potentially hazardous. The Official Florida Driver License Handbook offers guidance on when U-turns are allowed and how to determine right-of-way while driving. Here are key details to be mindful of regarding this maneuver:

• U-Turns Are Not Always Legal – Not all locations allow U-turns. Although U-turns are permitted in specific areas of Florida, they are not always legally allowed. Drivers are prohibited from making U-turns on highways, curves, hills, or any location where signs explicitly prohibit the maneuver.
• You Must Yield – Yielding is necessary. In most cases, drivers making U-turns do not have the right-of-way. It is typically the responsibility of the driver performing the U-turn to yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and other vehicles in the oncoming flow. At intersections with two-way stops, the driver making the U-turn must yield to drivers proceeding straight.
• Left Lane Only – Use the left lane. When making a U-turn, it is vital to use the left lane, as it may seem obvious. Cutting across multiple lanes of traffic to execute a U-turn is not permissible.

There are several reasons why U-turns can be dangerous. Firstly, not all visitors or tourists may be aware of the allowance for U-turns in Florida, leading to potential confusion on the roads. Additionally, drivers may not always anticipate or watch out for vehicles attempting U-turns, increasing the risk of collisions due to sudden movements or failure to yield. It is crucial to exercise caution, adhere to the laws and regulations, and remain mindful of the potential risks associated with U-turns to ensure the safety of all road users.

$525,000 / Motor Vehicle Accident / Pasco County

Client was in the median waiting to make a U-turn, the defendant, who was traveling southbound, left the roadway, crashed through a road sign and collided with client. This caused client’s vehicle to collide sideways with another car. Our client sustained significant back injuries which led to surgery.

If you have sustained injuries in a U-turn accident in Florida, it is crucial to secure legal assistance to safeguard your rights and pursue rightful compensation. Seeking the support of a reputable Florida U-turn accident lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Car Accident and Injury Lawyers can provide you with the expertise and guidance necessary. Their seasoned team comprehends the intricacies involved in U-turn accident cases and will diligently construct a robust claim on your behalf.

Whether you have endured physical harm, emotional distress, or property damage, their proficient attorneys will vigorously advocate for your rights and strive to secure the maximum compensation available to you. Do not navigate the legal process alone—contact a Florida U-turn accident lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Car Accident and Injury Lawyers today for the necessary assistance and support.

Learn more about Florida Left Lane Law.