U-Turn Accidents in Houston

Overview of U-Turn Accidents in Texas

U-turn car accidents in Houston are more common than most drivers realize. A U-turn occurs when a vehicle reverses direction at an intersection or designated point in the roadway.  If you have been hurt in a U-turn accident, Baumgartner Law Firm can help. We aggressively fight for full compensation for U-truck accident victims.

These turns are often legal under Texas law, provided they are executed safely and by traffic signs or signals. However, unsafe or illegal U-turns are a significant contributor to serious car accidents, particularly on busy urban streets, feeder roads, and intersections across Harris County.

Contact our legal team at (281) 587-1111 and schedule a free consultation with our car crash injury attorney. We will evaluate your case and let you know your rights and options.

Texas Laws Governing U-Turns

Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.102, a driver may make a U-turn only when it can be completed safely and does not interfere with approaching traffic. Drivers must also yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles and ensure visibility of at least 500 feet in either direction when making the maneuver. U-turns are prohibited in areas where signs explicitly forbid them or where the driver must cross multiple lanes of traffic.

Violating these rules not only results in traffic citations but can also serve as critical evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.

Why U-Turns Are High-Risk in Houston Traffic

Houston’s complex traffic flow, multilane roads, and high-speed intersections increase the likelihood of collisions involving U-turns. These accidents frequently happen when:

• A driver makes a U-turn at a green light without ensuring no oncoming traffic
• The vehicle turns where U-turns are not permitted, or visibility is limited
• A U-turn is made abruptly, giving the following vehicles little time to react
• Drivers misjudge the distance or speed of approaching traffic

Due to the sudden nature of U-turns, opposing traffic often has little to no time to avoid a crash, leading to T-bone or front-end collisions. Motorcyclists and cyclists are at even greater risk in these scenarios due to reduced visibility and lack of protection.

Common Injuries from U-Turn Accidents

The severity of injuries from U-turn accidents can be catastrophic depending on vehicle speed and point of impact. Victims may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

Medical expenses, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation place immense financial and emotional burdens on victims and their families.

Determining Fault in a U-Turn Crash

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule as outlined in Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. Fault laws in Texas mean a driver may recover compensation only if they are 50 percent or less at fault. Proving fault in a U-turn crash often depends on the following factors:

• Whether the U-turn was illegal or made without proper visibility
• Whether the turning driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic
• Traffic surveillance footage, dashcam videos, or eyewitness statements
• Police crash reports and citations were issued at the scene
• Vehicle damage location and point of impact analysis

Insurance companies often try to shift the blame to avoid paying full compensation. That’s why accident victims should act quickly to preserve evidence and consult an experienced attorney before speaking with adjusters.

Legal Rights of Victims Injured in U-Turn Accidents

If you were injured because another driver made an unsafe U-turn, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Emergency medical care and hospitalization
• Ongoing treatment and physical therapy
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage and replacement costs

Survivors of fatal U-turn crashes may also pursue wrongful death claims on behalf of a lost loved one, seeking damages for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and emotional trauma.

Proving Liability with Expert Support

Establishing fault in a U-turn accident often requires expert reconstruction analysis. Skilled accident reconstruction experts can evaluate tire marks, vehicle positioning, and digital vehicle data (such as Event Data Recorders) to provide a clear picture of how the collision occurred. In many cases, black box data, phone records, or video evidence from nearby businesses can confirm driver distraction or reckless behavior.

Experienced attorneys work with these experts to build compelling claims and counter any attempts by the defense to downplay liability.

Time Limits to File a Claim in Texas

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file a claim within this window can permanently bar your right to compensation. Early legal intervention is critical to securing witness statements, obtaining traffic footage, and preserving medical records before evidence is lost or altered.

Steps to Take After a U-Turn Collision

If you were involved in a crash caused by a U-turn, take the following steps immediately:

• Call 911 and request law enforcement at the scene
• Seek medical attention even if symptoms are minor
• Take photos of the damage, skid marks, and surrounding traffic signs
• Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses
• Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident with insurance representatives
• Contact a Houston car accident lawyer as soon as possible

Documenting the aftermath thoroughly helps ensure your claim is backed by evidence and difficult to dispute.

Call an Experienced Law Firm for Help

When are Houston accident reports required?

Insurance companies prioritize profit and often minimize or deny legitimate claims. They may argue you were partially at fault, delay the investigation, or offer lowball settlements. A dedicated car accident attorney ensures your rights are protected, handles all communications with insurers, and fights for full compensation.

An experienced lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm will investigate the crash, collect vital evidence, consult experts, and negotiate aggressively or pursue trial if necessary.

Contact Our Car Wreck Attorney for Help With a U-Turn Accident Case in Houston

We represent victims of negligent driving across Houston, including those injured in U-turn collisions. If a reckless or illegal maneuver harmed you or a loved one, we are ready to help you pursue justice. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t delay - call now to protect your rights and start your recovery.

Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111.

Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77069
(281) 587-1111

Driving Directions

Related Resources:

• Car Accident Laws in Texas
• How a Car Accident Ticket Affects a Personal Injury Case
• How a Ticket Impacts an Auto Injury Case
• Houston Car Accident Statistics
• What You Should Know About Traffic Tickets in Texas