Who’s at Fault in a California U-Turn Car Crash?

Making a U-turn seems harmless, but a U-turn car crash in California can result in serious injuries, property damage, and complex liability issues. Accident victims in Hawthorne, especially along busy roads like Hawthorne Boulevard, often wonder who’s at fault when such collisions happen. 

Because liability depends on circumstances, California traffic laws and a thorough evidence review are essential. Knowing how fault is determined can help drivers safeguard their rights and seek damages.

California Traffic Laws on U-Turns

California Vehicle Code sections clearly limit where drivers can legally make U-turns:

U-turns are prohibited (Vehicle Code §22102, §22103, §22105):

• Where signs specifically prohibit U-turns
• On one-way streets
• In business districts, unless at an intersection or marked opening (VC §22102)
• In residential districts, when another vehicle approaches within 200 feet, except at controlled intersections (VC §22103)
• When the road ahead isn’t visible for at least 200 feet in both directions (VC §22105)
• At railroad crossings
• Across double yellow lines that are two or more feet apart

U-turns are legal (Vehicle Code §21451, §22100.5):

• At intersections with green lights or green arrows, unless prohibited by signs (VC §21451)
• Must be made from the far left-hand lane available (VC §22100.5)
• When safe and with adequate visibility

Key Requirements: All legal U-turns must yield right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Violating these rules often results in the U-turning driver being held responsible for any collision.

When Is the U-Turning Driver at Fault?

The driver attempting a U-turn may be at fault if they:

• Failed to yield to oncoming traffic
• Made the maneuver in a restricted area
• Caused a rear-end collision during the turn
• Engaged in distracted driving while turning

In many car accident cases, the turning driver is presumed negligent because they must ensure the roadway is clear and safe before completing the maneuver.

When the Other Driver May Share Responsibility

Not all blame lies with the U-turning driver. The other motorist may share responsibility if they were:

• Speeding excessively
• Running a red light or ignoring stop signs
• Driving under the influence
• Distracted or failing to follow traffic laws

For example, if a driver on Hawthorne Boulevard was texting and struck a vehicle making a legal U-turn, both drivers may share liability.

Comparative Negligence in U-Turn Cases

California follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning both parties can share fault. If the U-turning driver was 70% responsible and the other driver 30%, the damages awarded would be reduced accordingly. This system impacts car accident claims, where auto insurance and insurance companies evaluate the degree of fault before determining an insurance payout.

How Evidence Determines Liability

Determining who’s at fault in a U-turn crash requires strong evidence. A skilled legal team or car accident lawyer in Hawthorne may use:

• Police reports
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
• Accident reconstruction experts
• Eyewitness statements
• Photos of property damage and the crash scene

These pieces of evidence clarify fault and strengthen a personal injury claim for car accident victims seeking compensation.

What Damages Can Victims Recover?

Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and medical care
• Lost wages and long-term care needs
• Repair costs for vehicles and property
• Emotional distress, pain and suffering, and brain injury treatment

Working with a reputable law firm in Hawthorne helps ensure car accident claims cover all damages, from insurance claims to litigation.

FAQs