An illegal turn is any unsafe or unlawful turning maneuver, such as making an illegal U-turn, turning without signaling, turning when prohibited by traffic signs, or turning without first using the designated location to do so. These turns cause wrecks because other drivers may not notice them and stop in time, which can result in sideswipes or rear-end accidents.
Although every citizen must pass a driver’s exam, not everyone remembers what constitutes an illegal turn. An illegal turn can bring serious consequences if there’s an accident, like extensive car damage, bodily injury, and outrageous medical bills.
The best way to avoid illegal turns is by learning more about what type of turns break the law. Keep reading if you’re wondering, “what counts as an illegal turn?”
- An illegal turn occurs when a driver makes an unsafe or unlawful maneuver, such as turning without signaling, making an illegal U-turn, or turning when prohibited by traffic signs.
- Always check for blind spots and slow down on winding roads. Taking time to look both ways and use turn signals well in advance can prevent accidents caused by improper turns.
- Stop at red lights and stop signs, and only make U-turns when allowed. Turning without checking for traffic or signs can easily lead to crashes.
- Use proper techniques when turning: slow down, signal in advance, and check your surroundings carefully to avoid causing accidents or putting others at risk.
How to Prevent Improper Turn Car Wrecks in West Houston?
You can prevent improper turn car wrecks by knowing what counts as an improper turn, slowing down to check blind spots, stopping at red lights and stop signs, making U-turns only where signs allow it, signaling well before you turn, and changing lanes with care.
While many drivers have gone to considerable lengths to be responsible motorists. Unfortunately, not all drivers have implemented these precautions. Therefore, it is good to know ways in which these car wrecks caused by illegal turns can be prevented for the safety of all motorists. But how can you stop an improper turn from happening?
While we are human and make mistakes, we should learn to avoid them by following these simple guidelines.
What Counts as an Improper Turn?
Whenever a driver makes an unsafe turn, it is considered illegal. Some examples are:
- Making an illegal U-turn
- Turning without signaling
- Turning right on a red light when there is a “no turn on red” sign
- Turning without first using the designated location to do so
Other drivers may not notice these turns and stop in time to avoid collisions, resulting in sideswipes or rear-ending accidents.
Slow Down, Look and Listen
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent illegal turn accidents is to check for blind spots. Check your rearview and side mirrors, slow down on twisting roads, and drive with caution in an unknown region. Remember to pause, look, and listen. This small act can help prevent unnecessary accidents.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Red implies a halt, whether it’s a stop sign or a red light. Drivers who run red lights and stop signs risk causing wrongful death because they frequently cause high-speed side-impact and rollover incidents. In 2024, 1,119 people were killed in crashes that involved red light running. Always come to a complete stop and look both ways for approaching traffic to avoid an automobile collision.
Case Study: $1.275 Million Verdict After a Driver Ran a Stop Sign in Katy
Monica Jones was injured in a collision in Katy when Qinglai Wang ran a stop sign and struck her SUV. Her injuries included herniated discs and a fractured tibia. A Texas jury found Wang negligent and awarded $1.275 million to Monica Jones. The amount to the client was $534,368.
Only Make a U-Turn in the Proper Locations
Only make a U-turn if you see a sign indicating that it is legal to do so. You may cause an accident if you make a U-turn without checking for suitable signage. If there is a sign prohibiting you from making a U-turn, it is there for a purpose. Making a U-turn in this region is not safe, and you would be risking yourself and others.
Slow Down When Turning
If you’re trying to make a turn, drive slowly. Make sure you are following all the necessary steps, such as turning on your turn signal at least 100-feet before the turn you want to make and braking before the turn. Otherwise, you risk making a sharp turn and cause a serious accident.
Be Aware of Lane Changes
There will always be a point when you will need to switch lanes. When drivers fail to conduct safe lane changes, they are more likely to be involved in a car collision. Use your turn signals to avoid an accident, and always check your blind areas before moving to the left or right lane.
Hire a Lane-Change Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured by the negligence of another, you could hire any personal injury law firm near you, or you can hire a double board certified West Houston car injury attorney. Joe Stephens has been defending injury victims in Texas for over 3 decades from negligent individuals, companies, and greedy insurance companies. As a client-focused car accident law firm in Katy, Joe handles all cases personally, and his staff is always available to answer questions.
A single illegal turn can change your life in seconds. Joe Stephens helps victims of reckless driving hold negligent drivers accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.
If You Were Injured in an Illegal Turn Car Wreck, Call West Houston Injury Attorney Joe Stephens Now
Have you been involved in a car accident caused by someone making an illegal turn? You may be eligible for compensation. Contact The Stephens Law Firm today to speak to an illegal turn car accident attorney. Joe Stephens has years of experience representing victims of these accidents in court and can build evidence to support your case. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
