If you’ve been hit by a driver making a U-turn, you’re probably dealing with more than just vehicle damage. These accidents often happen when drivers misjudge traffic, ignore the rules of the road, or assume they can squeeze in a quick turn. In a busy city like Joliet, it doesn’t take much for things to go wrong quickly.
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we understand how overwhelming this kind of crash can be. We’ve spent decades helping injured people across Illinois, and in that time, we’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients. We know the tactics insurance companies use—and how to fight back.
Contact our law office in Joliet, Illinois, today at (815) 726-1616 to schedule a free consultation.
How Zayed Law Offices Can Help After A U-Turn Car Accident In Joliet, IL
At Zayed Law Offices, our Joliet car accident attorneys will provide ongoing legal support. We can help you by:
- Assessing your claim during a free consultation
- Investigating the U-turn accident
- Gathering evidence
- Establishing liability
- Calculating economic and non-economic damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Taking your case to trial if a settlement can’t be reached
Being involved in a U-turn car accident in Joliet, Illinois, can mean facing injuries that could prevent you from working and might even lower your quality of life for months or years to come. If the accident occurred because of another party’s negligent conduct, filing a personal injury claim gives you the chance to recover your losses.
We are a trusted firm that has been assisting people in Joliet, Illinois, for decades. With determination and experience, we can deftly investigate the collision and gather crucial evidence to show that you deserve compensation. Whether you suffered a minor fracture or a catastrophic injury, contact our Joliet personal injury lawyers to arrange a free consultation.
Understanding Illinois U-Turn Laws
Illinois allows drivers to perform U-turns only when the maneuver can be completed safely and in locations without signs that expressly forbid it. They must not impede the flow of traffic or create any type of hazard. Drivers are also forbidden from attempting U-turns on hills or curves where other drivers won’t have enough warning.
This means that if a driver attempts a U-turn near an intersection, on busy roads, or over a double yellow line, they’re breaking the law. Crucially, even if the driver attempting the U-turn is doing so legally, they must still yield the right of way to pedestrians and cyclists.
Who Is Liable In A U-Turn Car Accident in Joliet, IL?
The driver attempting the turn is usually liable for any losses that occur because of their conduct. That’s particularly the case if they ignored signage or made the turn when it wasn’t safe to do so.
Illinois will usually consider an accident that occurred in a prohibited area as being the result of negligence per se. That’s because there was a law in place that the driver violated. That’s enough to hold them responsible.
In some cases, however, other parties could also be responsible. For example, if you were not paying attention to the road at the same time that the other driver attempted the U-turn, it’s possible that you are partly liable. Since Illinois has a modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover losses as long as your percentage of fault is below 51%.
What Compensation Is Available After A U-Turn Accident?
After suffering losses in a U-turn car accident, you may be able to receive economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate you for financial losses, including medical expenses and lost wages. If you can’t return to work in the same capacity or at all, you can claim loss of earning potential.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, cover losses that don’t come with a price tag. These include physical and emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. If a loved one dies in the accident, you can also receive compensation for the loss of support and companionship you suffered.
Contact Our Joliet Car Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
U-turns can be dangerous maneuvers if they involve any form of negligence. If you have suffered losses because of another party’s conduct, filing a personal injury claim can allow you to receive compensation. Even if the claim appears simple and straightforward, it’s never a good idea to pursue it alone. Instead, you need assistance from experienced lawyers.
At Zayed Law Offices, we know how difficult the aftermath of a crash is. We can provide the compassionate support you deserve as you begin a legal action. Contact us to speak with a Joliet car accident attorney about your case.
