Improper Turning
Making an incorrect turn in traffic is a common cause of severe accidents. Turning must be clearly communicated to all drivers in the area in order to be done safely, and drivers must wait patiently for the right of way to minimize the chance of a collision. When motorists are in a rush, are driving inattentively, or are overly aggressive, they may cause an accident by executing an improper turn.
Common Turning Mistakes
There are several different driving actions that may be classified as an improper turn. Not signaling is one of the most common mistakes made by drivers. Turn signals are an important form of communication between drivers, without which other motorists can not predict what a driver plans to do. A driver making a left or right turn without a blinker may brake without warning, not giving following cars enough warning to safely slow down in time.
Another popular form of improper turning is failing to yield. Contrary to what some drivers seem to think, a yield sign does not simply mean that a driver must slow down. A vehicle that approaches a yield sign must pause or stop until the oncoming traffic has cleared and the vehicle can turn without disrupting vehicles that have the right of way. When a driver ignores a yield sign, he or she puts him or herself and other drivers in danger of a collision.
Failing to yield on a left turn at a green light also causes accidents each year. When a light is green but there is no arrow present, the traffic planning to turn left must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic that is proceeding through the light. Sometimes drivers try to jump between oncoming cars to make a turn, causing a potentially deadly t-bone crash. Drivers who inch too far out into oncoming traffic also put other drivers at risk of being hit.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident because a driver made an improper turn, consider contacting a car accident attorney immediately. The driver at fault may be liable for your injuries and damages, including medical bills, lost wages from time off of work, and pain and suffering.
Contact Us
For sound legal advice regarding improper turn collisions and accident liability, please contact the experienced Wausau car accident lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ® today at 800-242-2874.
