Are U-Turns Legal in Indiana?

Apr 26

A U-turn can be a real convenience when you miss your turn and don’t want to drive miles out of your way – and for a million other reasons. It is important, however, to know when U-turns are legal in Indiana – and to perform them safely when they are. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident because someone performed a U-turn, you should not wait to discuss your claim with an experienced Indiana car accident attorney

Generally, U-Turns Are Legal

Throughout the State of Indiana, U-turns are generally legal – as long as they are performed safely and as long as there is no traffic sign prohibiting such a maneuver. There are, however, certain kinds of U-turns that are always illegal in the state – in accordance with the law’s stance that it is always illegal to turn a car so that it faces in the opposite direction (such as by making a U-turn) in the following situations:

  • When taking a curve
  • When approaching the crest of a graded road
  • When driving near the crest of a graded road
  • When the turn cannot be seen by those in oncoming vehicles that are within 750 feet

The upshot is that drivers are required to use their common sense. If it is safe to make a U-turn in Indiana, it is generally legal to do so. All the above scenarios represent risk factors that make U-turns illegal. Motorists who fail to heed these common sense guidelines often cause serious accidents that lead to serious losses. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to explore your options and potentially pursue the compensation you are entitled to. 

Median U-Turns

A Median U-turn (MUT) refers to when a motorist employs a break in the road’s median to make a U-turn and to change the direction of travel. Typically, MUTs are considered safer than other varieties of U-turns because motorists making these turns have the natural break of the median to stop and assess when it is safe to proceed. It is important to understand, however, that traffic control devices and traffic signs always prevail, which means that if there is a sign that says no U-turns – regardless of how convenient and seemingly safe – it is illegal to make a U-turn.

The Other Driver’s Negligence

When a motorist makes a U-turn, he or she changes the direction of his or her travel, which naturally ups the ante when it comes to safety. Not only do motorists who are engaged in U-turns leave their own lane of traffic, they also cross through and join another lane of traffic that is traveling in a different direction. In other words, there are plenty of opportunities for accidents to ensue, and drivers who make U-turns must remain hyper-vigilant to the inherent risks in order to proceed safely. 

An Experienced Indiana Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Although no two cases are the same, the focused Indiana car accident attorneys in South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lafayette and Terre Haute areas. have an impressive wealth of experience handling U-turn accident claims like yours, and we are standing by to help you. To learn more, please don’t delay contacting us today. 

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