Sometimes, you need eyes everywhere when trying to dodge other drivers’ unexpected maneuvers, such as U-turns. When an accident occurs, another’s negligence can leave you with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. You’re in pain and out of pocket. However, you can seek justice and compensation when someone else is responsible. If you’ve been affected by a U-turn accident, we’re here to help you every step of the way. A St. Louis U-turn accident lawyer at Bradley Law can fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us now to learn about your rights in a free case evaluation.
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Common Causes of U-Turn Accidents in St. Louis
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), more than half of all accidents, including U-turn crashes, occur at intersections. Here are some of the most common causes of U-turn accidents:
- Making a Prohibited U-Turn: Drivers attempting U-turns at intersections with traffic signals or without properly assessing traffic conditions can cause devastating collisions with vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
- Speeding: Excessive speed while attempting a U-turn increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle or being unable to react quickly to traffic situations.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions such as using a cell phone, adjusting navigation systems, or talking to other passengers divert the driver’s attention from the road and traffic. Distracted drivers may not notice approaching vehicles or misjudge the timing of their U-turn.
- Inadequate Signage and Poor Road Design: Poorly designed intersections or a lack of signs can confuse drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with local traffic patterns. This can result in sudden U-turn maneuvers, increasing the risk of collisions.
While some causes of U-turn crashes occur due to outside factors, such as bad weather or poor road conditions, many causes can be traced back to a driver’s negligence.
You could be entitled to damages if you or a loved one suffered an injury in a U-turn accident. Our St. Louis U-turn accident lawyers can assess your crash, determine who is responsible, and help you move forward with a claim.
Who Is At-Fault for your St. Louis U-turn Accident?
Knowing who’s at fault can be critical for your compensation claim. In many cases, the driver making the U-turn is responsible, especially if they violated traffic laws. However, there can also be other responsible parties, including:
- Employers: If the driver making the hazardous U-turn operated a work vehicle or was on work time when the accident happened, an employer may be liable for your damages.
- St. Louis Local Government: When an accident occurs due to bad road design, obscured signage, or road defects, you could have a case against a local government body.
- Vehicle Defects: If a vehicle defect caused the crash, such as failing brakes or malfunctioning steering, a car manufacturer could be liable or share liability.
Since there can be various potential defendants in your case, speak to a St. Louis U-turn accident lawyer to clarify all potential avenues for compensation.
What Are Missouri’s U-Turn Laws?
According to the Missouri Revised Statute 304.341, U-turns are prohibited at any intersection controlled by traffic signals or by law enforcement. In addition, drivers must avoid U-turns where they could compromise safety or interfere with other traffic.
You could qualify for compensation if you were hurt in a U-turn accident in St. Louis due to a driver violating Missouri’s traffic laws. Moreover, the other driver might face criminal charges in addition to civil charges. A criminal charge or conviction can help to prove the other driver’s negligence and strengthen your case.
Compensation You Could Receive After a U-Turn Crash
If you’ve been involved in a serious accident in St. Louis, you know how it has impacted your health and financial stability. However, if another caused your accident, you could receive the following damages and others:
Medical Costs
Reimbursable medical expenses after a U-turn accident can include doctor’s appointments, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and more. You could also qualify for future healthcare costs.
Property Damage
If another caused your U-turn crash and damages, you could receive amounts for any property damaged or destroyed in the accident. This can include the repair and replacement of your vehicle and other items, such as your phone, laptop, and clothing.
Physical and Emotional Pain
If you suffered significant injuries, you might be experiencing the physical and emotional effects, such as:
- Pain
- Limited mobility
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Fear of driving
Since the physical pain and emotional effects of a crash can impact your life profoundly, you could be entitled to damages for any suffering experienced.
Lost Income
Whether you’re temporarily or permanently unable to work after a crash, you could qualify for loss of earnings. If permanently disabled, you could also receive compensation for loss of future earning capacity.
Since every U-turn car accident claim is unique, your compensation will depend on the circumstances of the crash, the extent of your injuries, and other factors. However, since an accident can severely impact your ability to make ends meet and your quality of life, consider hiring a St. Louis U-turn accident lawyer who can fight for maximum compensation.
How a St. Louis U-Turn Accident Lawyer at Bradley Law Can Help
Serious car accidents can be life-altering. Dealing with the aftermath of a U-turn accident and fighting for what you deserve can be frustrating. Know you’re not alone. Our attorneys understand what you’re going through and can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you need to put your life back together.
- Insurers Aren’t on Your Side: An insurance adjuster may approach you soon after the accident with a settlement offer. However, this is often an attempt to lowball victims, and the offer may not cover all your damages. We can negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies and ensure you’re not shortchanged.
- Proving Fault: Determining and proving who is at fault in a U-turn crash can be tricky, especially if several vehicles are involved. We can gather evidence and work together with professional crash investigators to determine who is liable for your damages.
- Handling all Legal Aspects: Missouri’s laws differ from those of other states. Our attorneys know local and state regulations and can handle all the legal aspects of your claim, such as completing and filing legal documents, observing crucial deadlines, and others.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: A St. Louis U-turn accident lawyer at Bradley Law can assess all your damages and determine the full value of your claim. If an insurance company refuses to compensate you adequately, we can take them to court and fight hard for what you deserve.
Without efficient legal representation, the aftermath of a car accident claim can be stressful and overwhelming. An experienced lawyer can handle your claim from beginning to end, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.
FAQs – Get Answers from a St. Louis U-Turn Accident Lawyer
Who is at fault for my U-turn accident?
Determining fault in a U-turn accident can be tricky and may depend on factors such as driver negligence, road conditions, vehicle defects, and others. Generally, if the driver making the U-turn violated traffic laws, such as failing to yield the right-of-way or making an unsafe turn, they could be at fault for your accident.
However, if the other involved parties were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they could also be liable or partially liable for the accident. Consulting with a St. Louis U-turn accident lawyer can help you understand who is responsible for the crash and your damages.
How long do I have to file a U-turn accident claim?
According to the Missouri Statute of Limitations, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, some factors may shorten the time you have available, such as having a claim against a government entity. Therefore, seeking legal advice as soon as possible after your crash can be essential for preserving your rights. Waiting too long to pursue your claim could result in having your case thrown out.
Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and take the crucial steps to protect your legal rights after a U-turn accident.
Do I have a car accident case?
Not all those involved in a U-turn accident in St. Louis have a legal claim. However, you could file an insurance claim or sue the responsible parties in certain circumstances, including but not limited to:
- Another driver caused your crash with a negligent or reckless U-turn
- A defective car part contributed to the accident
- The accident occurred due to road defects, such as potholes
- You were involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle
If you were recently involved in a U-turn accident, seek advice from a St. Louis U-turn accident lawyer to discover whether you qualify for compensation.
Our St. Louis U-Turn Accident Lawyer Team Can Help
If you got hurt due to another driver’s recklessness or carelessness, don’t let them off the hook. Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers has helped countless injured individuals recover the settlement they needed to get their lives and health back on track.
We know this can be one of the most challenging times in your life. Our attorneys can advocate strongly for what you need to put your life back together and are here to help you through every step of the process with compassion. Contact us now and tell us what happened in a free case review.
