Getting into an unsafe U-turn accident in Vancouver, WA, can result in serious bodily injuries and property damage. And if this is the case, you should pursue compensation, especially if the other driver was entirely at fault.
If you have been the victim of an illegal U-turn car accident in Vancouver, you need to get the help of a personal injury lawyer. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of car accident attorneys in Vancouver has extensive experience with car accident claims, including those involving unsafe U-turns.
Keep reading to find out what Washington’s U-turn laws are and how you can prove liability for an unsafe U-turn accident in Vancouver, WA.
Understanding Washington’s U-Turn Laws
According to Washington law, drivers are allowed to make U-turns if it is safe to do so without interfering with traffic. For this to be safe and legal, they must also be visible to other drivers and be able to see any oncoming traffic.
Additionally, some areas may have signs indicating whether or not it is legal to make a U-turn. In these cases, drivers are required to follow the signs to maintain roadway safety.
Keep in mind that different cities and districts in Washington could have more lax or more strict rules regarding U-turns. So, drivers should always keep an eye out for any signs indicating whether or not U-turns are allowed and should only make U-turns when it is entirely safe to do so.
How U-Turns Cause Accidents
Even though Washington doesn’t strictly prohibit U-turns, this can contribute to accidents if drivers don’t maintain awareness and basic driving safety standards. Here are some examples of common scenarios where U-turns could lead to auto accidents:
- Crossing multiple lanes: Making a U-turn across multiple lanes dramatically increases the risk of a collision since there is more oncoming traffic.
- Failing to yield: Anytime a driver makes a U-turn, they are required to yield to any oncoming traffic, especially since these drivers may not be expecting the U-turn.
- Illegal U-turns: If a driver makes a U-turn in an area that prohibits this maneuver, this could lead to an accident since drivers would not be expecting it.
- Blind spots: A common contributor to U-turn car accidents is blind spots. That is why Washington law requires drivers to only make U-turns when they are clearly visible to other drivers, and they have complete visibility as well.
Determining Liability After an Unsafe U-Turn
if you want to get compensation after being involved in an unsafe U-turn accident in Vancouver, WA, you will need to determine liability. Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which comes with some benefits and downsides.
Pure comparative negligence means that all parties have the right to pursue damages, even if they hold a percentage of fault. There also isn’t a cap on this, so even if you were 80% at fault, you could still recover 20% of your damages.
This is good news if you hold some fault for the accident since you can still get compensation. For instance, you may not have been paying attention to the road or may have been speeding, which contributed to the accident.
In cases where the other driver made an illegal U-turn, fault will usually be more straightforward, and you can usually recover more damages.
Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim
Once you have determined fault for the U-turn accident, the next thing you need to do is collect evidence to prove this. It’s strongly recommended that you work with a personal injury lawyer in Vancouver, as an attorney can help you gather all of the necessary evidence to build a strong claim.
Here are some examples of the types of evidence that can help establish fault for U-turn accidents:
- The police report
- Dashcam footage
- Surveillance footage
- Collision scene photos
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
If you were injured in the accident, your medical documentation will also be essential for establishing the extent of your damages. Examples of medical documentation include things like doctor’s notes, treatment costs, official medical diagnoses, etc.
Recoverable Damages in Vancouver Car Accident Cases
There are several different types of damages you can recover in an auto accident claim, whether you have sustained physical injuries or property damage. Washington even recognizes some non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Here are some of the most common recoverable damages you may be able to get compensation for:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Future medical treatment
An auto accident lawyer in Vancouver, WA, can help you determine the types of damages you could pursue. And if you hold a percentage of fault, they can help you build a strong claim that still allows you to get the best possible outcome.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
U-turn Intersection accidents in Vancouver can be very serious, especially if the other driver completely disregards Washington’s U-turn laws. When this happens, you will have to prove fault so that you can get the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers in Vancouver, Washington, can help you file your car accident claim and establish fault to get the best possible outcome. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ Section
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which assigns a percentage of fault to each party. And no matter how high your percentage of fault is, you can still pursue compensation.
How do I prove the other driver made an illegal U-turn?
This will depend on the individual situation, but you may be able to provide proof of this with things like dashcam footage, surveillance footage, and eyewitness testimony.
What if the driver claims I was speeding?
If you were speeding and this contributed to the accident, it would result in you holding a higher percentage of fault, which will reduce your compensation. However, if you weren’t speeding, you may be able to prove this through expert testimony, dashcam or surveillance footage, the police report, or eyewitness reports.