Rochester, New York Failure to Turn as Required Car Accident

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Recognized as a Super Lawyer, Is Committed to Defending the Rights of Rochester Accident Victims . If You, or a Loved One, Have Been Seriously Injured or Incapacitated in a Rochester, New York, Accident That Was Not Your Fault, The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Could Help You Secure the Compensation You Need and the Justice You Deserve.

New York roadways are only as safe as the motorists traversing them. When drivers fail to make required turns, they risk causing an accident. Even at low speeds, any collision could have life-altering repercussions.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C., recognized as a U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firm, is committed to providing peerless personal injury service. Since our founding in 2005, we have helped our clients secure more than $250 million in damages—money they have used to eradicate their medical debt, afford higher-quality care, and begin to rebuild their lives amidst heartrending loss. We could help you, too, but you must act fast. Please send us a message online or call us at 585-939-3939 to speak to a Rochester car crash lawyer and schedule your free consultation.

Title 7 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law details and defines the rules of the road, with Article 28 of this code explaining the proper procedures for executing turns. This article includes instructions for the completion of the following types of turns:

1. Right Turns: Motorists taking a right turn must stay “as close as practicable” to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. They may not depart from the roadway to circumvent traffic or pass slower-moving vehicles unless such maneuvers are explicitly authorized by signage or the direction of a public safety official.
2. Left Turns on Two-Way Roadways: When traversing an intersection with two-way traffic, drivers should stay close to the center line and initiate a turn only when it is safe. If a left-turn lane is provided, motorists must use it.
3. Left Turns on Other Roadways: On one-way roads, drivers must travel to the extreme left-hand lane available to traffic moving in the same direction, after which they may turn when it is reasonably safe.
4. U-Turns: A U-turn may be made in the lane nearest to the center line, provided that the driver has right-of-way, a clear line of sight, and there are no signs prohibiting U-turns.

Article 28 of the Empire State’s traffic code provides drivers some leeway in deciding when and where to initiate certain turning maneuvers. However, New York VTL 1160 mandates that motorists adhere to traffic control signs, devices, and signals regulating the flow of traffic and directing travel in different directions.

Examples of traffic control devices that direct travel in different directions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Right and left-turn arrows on a traffic signal;
2. Posted signs stating that motorists in a particular lane must turn left, or turn right, or proceed straight; and
3. Pavement arrows directing the flow of traffic in any direction.

Violating New York VTL 1160 could result in drivers getting 2 points on their license and other statutory penalties. These penalties include fines of up to $150 for a first violation, fines of up to $300 for a second violation, and fines of up to $450 for a third violation, if the preceding violations occurred within 18 months of the first.

If a driver also causes an accident, they could face additional penalties, including the possibility of criminal prosecution. However, even if successfully convicted, criminal courts do not always have the authority to compensate victims for the totality of their damages. Restitution orders are often limited in scope and rarely afford accident victims the resources needed to begin rebuilding their lives after a collision.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. believes that nobody should have to pay out-of-pocket for another motorist’s mistake. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Rochester car crash that was not your fault, our attorneys could help you file a compelling claim for compensation. Please call us at 585-939-3939 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as possible.

Motorists who violate state law by failing to turn as required endanger themselves and everyone around them. In a worst-case scenario, they could cause an accident, including any of the following:

1. A rear-end collision;
2. A side-angle impact accident; or
3. A head-on crash.

In some cases, non-motorists could also be at risk of injury. Pedestrians and cyclists, for instance, could presume that a vehicle in a turning-only lane will abide by state law and execute the indicated turn. However, if the driver does not turn as required, they could cause an accident, and any car accident could cause serious and potentially life-altering injuries.

Common car crash-related injuries caused by failure to turn as required include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Bruises;
2. Cuts and lacerations;
3. Road rash;
4. Fractured bones;
5. Traumatic head injuries;
6. Internal organ damage;
7. Tissue or nerve damage;
8. Disfigurement;
9. Partial or total loss of limb; and
10. Wrongful death.

While New York’s no-fault insurance system affords accident victims the right to receive certain collision-related benefits from their insurance company, no-fault policies have critical limitations.

New York requires motor vehicle accident victims with no-fault insurance policies to petition their own insurance company for benefits. Basic coverage may include the repayment of necessary and reasonable medical expenses and the reimbursement of lost income up to a certain limit.

However, if an accident victim has suffered serious injuries, they may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person or party who caused their injuries. The potential damages in a successful claim could include compensation for the following:

1. Outstanding medical debt;
2. Anticipated medical care;
3. Physical therapy;
4. Reimbursement for paid deductibles and co-pays;
5. Lost income from work;
6. Diminished earning potential;
7. Emotional pain and suffering
8. Loss of enjoyment;
9. Disfigurement; and
10. Wrongful death.

Unlike some other states, New York does not limit the damages recoverable in most failure to turn car crash claims. This means you could receive as much money as needed to begin rebuilding your life and reclaiming your independence.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. understands that deciding to file a personal injury lawsuit can be challenging. However, our experienced team of attorneys could help you obtain a fair settlement without pretense, fighting for your rights even if the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith. Please message us online or call us at 585-939-3939 to speak to a lawyer and schedule your cost-free consultation.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 585-939-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Rochester, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!