Dangerous U-Turns Causing Intersection Accidents

This post is prompted by seeing a near car accident this weekend where a car made a u-turn right into oncoming traffic. A dangerous u-turn can lead to an intersection accident really, really easily. What happens is the car making the dangerous u-turn exposes its side to oncoming traffic and slows down - sort of doubling down on danger.

Of course, making a u-turn where you can't see oncoming traffic really is just begging to cause an intersection accident. For that reason, it is illegal to make a u-turn where you can't see at least 200 feet in both directions. California Vehicle Code Section 22105 provides:

No person shall make a U-turn upon any highway where the driver if such vehicle does not have an unobstructed view for 200 feet in both directions along the highway and of any traffic thereon.

If you have been in an intersection accident, this law (among others) will govern who is liable. If you suffrered a personal injury (i.e., injruy to your body or your 'person') in an intersection accident, this law (and others) will govern who pays you for your damages.

Pete Clancy is an Oakland personal injury lawyer.