Car Crashes Involving Improper Turns

Although speeding often causes disastrous car crashes, even the smallest actions such as making an improper turn can precipitate accidents as well. Improper turning is the cause of thousands of car collisions each year. In these collisions, at least one of the vehicles involved is placed into the direct path of another oncoming vehicle. Often these crashes occur due to one of the drivers failing to pay attention to the rules of the road before making the turn. The consequences of making these improper turns can range from minor personal injuries to fatalities.

Defining an improper turn

There are various types of possible improper turns. All of them involve a violation of the rules of the road and place other lives in danger. Head-on, broadside, and side collisions are all possible as a result of one driver making an improper turn.

Examples of improper turns include the following:

Making a left turn at a “no left turn” intersection

At some intersections, left turns are not permitted at all in order to help ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. When a left turn is made at one of these “No Left Turn” intersections, the results can be disastrous.

Turning at a “no turn on red” sign

As with “No Left Turn” signs, a “No Turn on Red” sign is designed to protect the safety of motorists as they turn into a traffic lane. Disregarding this sign and making a right turn into traffic while the light is red, can increase the chances of a collision.

Illegal U-turn

Due to the risk of a collision on certain roads and/or intersections, you will sometimes find a “No U-turn” sign posted. The purpose of this sign is to prevent the possibility of a major accident occurring from a car attempting a U-turn maneuver into the flow of traffic.

Turning from the wrong lane

Making a turn from the wrong lane can also lead to a collision. If you are making a right-hand turn, the far right lane is the ideal, safe turning lane. If you are making a left-hand turn, the far left lane is the ideal, safe turning lane.

Turning into a lane of incoming traffic

In some cases, a driver may make a legal turn, but turn into the wrong lane. For instance, an extremely dangerous situation occurs when a driver makes a turn in the correct general direction but enters into the wrong lane, such as the wrong ramp for a highway or a one-way street with oncoming traffic.

Turning without right-of-way

Another instance of a legal turn, but at the same time an improper turn, involves making a turn before securing the right-of-way. Drivers need to follow right-of-way rules when making turns to help avoid unnecessary collisions.

Failure to use a turn signal

Using a turn signal at the proper time when making a turn or merging into traffic is highly important for safety on the roadway. Turn signals warn others on the roadway of your intentions. Any failure to use a turn signal at the required time can increase the risk of a crash.

The above-mentioned improper and sometimes illegal turns can place many people at risk for injury or death – not only drivers and passengers, but potentially bicyclists and pedestrians.

If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in a car crash resulting from an improper turn, you may be eligible to pursue and secure financial compensation from the responsible party. At Wagner & Wagner, our Chattanooga car accident attorneys understand how the insurance companies operate. We can advocate effectively on your behalf in pursuit of the damages you are owed. To set up a free case review, call us today at 423-756-7923 or reach us through our contact form. Our service area includes Chattanooga, Cleveland, TN, and all across North Georgia.