If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone making an illegal U-turn in New Jersey, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. The most important step you can take after being injured in a U-turn car accident is to reach out to us right away. We will provide you with advice tailored to your best interests.
About U-Turns in New Jersey
A U-turn is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous maneuvers a driver can attempt. U-turns can be made from various locations such as the side of the road, a straight roadway, or even at an intersection with traffic control devices.
A recent report by the New Jersey Herald highlighted a tragic incident in which a 52-year-old tractor-trailer driver from Newark, NJ, attempted to make a U-turn on State Route 206 near its intersection with Halsey Road. His attempt resulted in the death of a 25-year-old motorcyclist. While U-turns are not inherently illegal in New Jersey, New Jersey Annotated Statute 39:4-125 prohibits U-turns where indicated by signage. Drivers must also ensure they have at least 500 feet of visibility in front of or behind them before making the maneuver. In this case, the truck driver was cited for careless driving and making an improper U-turn.
The 500-Foot Rule in NJ
When executing a U-turn, it is crucial to ensure that other vehicles can see you from a distance. A U-turn becomes hazardous if visibility is less than 500 feet, particularly in areas with curves or hills where drivers may not be able to see you in time.
Types of U-Turn Accidents in NJ
Even if a driver is in a location where making a U-turn is legally permitted, they must still exercise caution to avoid causing harm to others on or near the road. Here are several examples of the potential consequences of making an unsafe U-turn:
- Colliding with an oncoming vehicle.
- Striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- Causing a multi-vehicle pile-up.
- Hitting a motorcycle or bicycle.
Tip: If you’ve been involved in an accident, ensure you obtain a copy of your NJSP accident report or any other police reports.
Who is at Fault in a U-Turn Accident in NJ?
In New Jersey, the driver attempting to make the U-turn is typically considered at fault in a U-turn-related accident. This is due to several key reasons:
- The turning driver may have limited visibility when attempting a wide turn.
- The vehicle might not be visible to oncoming drivers, particularly during nighttime or in poor weather conditions.
- The driver making the U-turn could block a lane of traffic during the maneuver.
- U-turns generally take longer to complete than standard left or right turns.
Even if the driver making the U-turn pulled out in front of you, it’s advisable to contact us before providing any written or recorded statement to the opposing insurance company. New Jersey law does not require you to do so. The opposing insurer may attempt to shift some or all of the blame onto you, and your own statements could later be used against you to damage your credibility or undermine your case.
Contact an Experienced New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer
Instead of speaking with the opposing insurer, reach out to us to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We will listen to your account, assess the facts of the case, and guide you on your legal options. There are no upfront costs to retain our services. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe any legal fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. Our experienced New Jersey improper U-turn accident lawyers are here to help.
