U-turn car accidents are common in many cities where there is a high volume of traffic. These crashes may also occur due to driver negligence or confusion about who has the right of way. Understanding who is at fault in these crashes is often complicated, especially when multiple factors are involved.
At Sigman Janssen, our experienced car accident lawyers in Appleton are here to help you through this difficult time. Contact our law offices to discuss your situation and potential legal options. When we represent you, we guide you throughout the legal process and keep you informed about your case every step of the way.
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Where Can I Make a Legal U-Turn in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, U-turns are permitted with a number of restrictions.
Drivers have the responsibility of making sure they understand and follow the law, which includes not attempting a U-turn where it is prohibited. Even when U-turns are legal, they can only be made under these conditions:
(1) The operator of a vehicle may not make a U-turn upon a highway at any of the following places:
(a) At any intersection at which traffic is being controlled by a traffic officer unless instructed by the officer to make a U-turn.
(b) In mid-block on any street in a business district, except where the highway is a divided highway and where the U-turn is made at an opening or crossover established by the authority in charge of the maintenance of the highway.
(c) In mid-block on any through highway in a residence district, except where the highway is a divided highway and where the U-turn is made at an opening or crossover established by the authority in charge of the maintenance of the highway.
(d) At any place where signs prohibiting a U-turn have been erected by the authority in charge of the maintenance of the highway.
(e) Upon a curve or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade on any undivided highway where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle within 500 feet approaching from any direction.
(f) At any place where a U-turn cannot be made safely or without interfering with other traffic.
(1m) The operator of a vehicle shall exercise due care when making a U-turn upon a highway and shall only make a U-turn when the movement can be made safely and without interfering with other traffic.
(2) The operator of a vehicle may not back the vehicle at an intersection controlled by an official traffic control device for the purpose of making a U-turn.
(3) In this section, “mid-block” means any part of a street or highway other than an intersection.”
In short, drivers can make a legal U-turn on most streets in Appleton but be aware of the statutory restrictions.
Common Causes of U-Turn Accidents on Appleton Streets
U-turn crashes are often caused by driver negligence, such as taking a U-turn too fast to be able to properly check for traffic or attempting a U-turn when it is illegal.
U-turns along College Avenue, downtown Appleton, and near the Fox River Mall require extra caution due to the area’s busy commercial traffic patterns and frequent pedestrian activity. Whether navigating near Lawrence University’s campus or along the busy retail corridors, drivers can make safer decisions and help prevent a crash by understanding the risk factors, including:
- Limited visibility around commercial buildings and parked vehicles, particularly in downtown areas
- Complex traffic patterns when approaching and exiting I-41
- Congested conditions during peak hours near major shopping areas and business districts
- Misjudged turning space, especially where streets narrow or multiple lanes merge
- Rushed maneuvers during high-traffic periods around major destinations
How Multiple Drivers May Share Fault for a U-Turn Crash
Yes, multiple drivers can be at fault in a U-turn crash, and this is especially relevant in Wisconsin due to the state’s modified comparative negligence law. Let me explain:
Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence rule. This means a driver can be partially to blame and still recover damages as long as they are 50 percent or less at fault for the accident. If you are partially at fault for a crash, however, it is important to know that any compensation awarded would be reduced by your percentage of fault
Here are some common scenarios where fault could be shared for a U-turn crash:
- Driver A makes a U-turn without proper signaling, but Driver B approaches at 15 mph over the speed limit and hits Driver A. Driver B would likely have had time to stop if going the speed limit.
- Driver A begins a U-turn from the outer lane (incorrect position) while Driver B changes lanes without signaling, leading to a collision.
- Driver A makes a U-turn during rush hour while Driver B is tailgating another car, leaving no time to react when traffic suddenly slows for the turning vehicle
The key in Wisconsin cases is documenting each driver’s actions and working with accident reconstruction experts to determine precise percentages of fault. This becomes crucial since any driver found more than 50% percent at fault cannot recover damages under state law.
Why Insurance Companies Fight U-Turn Accident Claims
Insurance companies heavily scrutinize U-turn accidents because these collisions often result in significant damage and complex liability disputes. By challenging specific details of the crash, insurers attempt to minimize payouts by shifting blame to the opposing driver.
- Location and Timing of the U-turn: Examining whether signs prohibited the maneuver, if the maneuver was done in a location that is statutorily prohibited and if the driver chose a sufficient gap in traffic to be able to safely make the turn.
- Signal Use and Precautions: Many drivers fail to use turn signals (signaling too late or not at all). Insurance companies know this and may question whether the U-turning driver properly signaled or checked for oncoming traffic before proceeding.
- Vehicle Positioning: Disputing the exact location of each vehicle at the moment of impact
- Driver Anticipation: Arguing that their insured could not have reasonably been able to predict or avoid the sudden maneuver.
- Traffic Pattern Evidence: Analyzing the flow of traffic and lane positions leading up to the collision
Do I Need an Attorney to Prove Fault for My U-Turn Accident?
Insurance adjusters will scrutinize every detail of a U-turn crash, from signal timing to vehicle position during impact. If you handle the claim alone, you are up against professionals who are trained to minimize payouts. One way they do this is by trying to shift more blame to you, which could cause your claim to be devalued or denied.
A car accident attorney knows how to gather evidence to prove liability for a U-turn crash and dispute any unfair fault assessed against you by the insurance company. Your lawyer can fully manage communications with the liable insurance company and fight for full and fair compensation you deserve.
Ready to Take Legal Action? Reach Out to Our Experienced Team Today
Injured in a U-turn crash in Appleton? If so, you don’t want to let insurance companies unfairly blame you for the crash.
At Sigman Janssen, our experienced Appleton car accident attorneys are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. We help injured victims every day, including those injured in car accidents, and we have a history of proven results.
Concerned about cost? We take injury cases on contingency, so there are no upfront costs and no fees to pay. Find out about your potential legal options today. We only get paid attorney fees if we win your case.
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