Making a U-turn means turning your vehicle around to drive in the opposite direction. For many Nevada drivers, this is an easy way to correct a missed turn or find a faster route. Still, under Nevada laws, a U-turn is not always allowed. The rules vary depending on where the driver is, the type of road, and what traffic signs are posted.
Accidents often happen when drivers attempt a U-turn in the wrong place. A driver who misjudges oncoming traffic or ignores a traffic sign can cause a serious car accident, leading to severe injuries and property damage. Victims are often left with medical bills, a damaged motor vehicle, and lasting harm to their lives and family members.
Understanding when a U-turn is legal in Nevada and when it is not can help drivers avoid dangerous mistakes. For those already hurt in a U-turn accident, THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can explain the law, protect your rights, and help recover damages through a free consultation.
How THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys Can Help After a U-Turn Accident
If you’ve been involved in a U-turn accident, it can be challenging to know what steps to take next. Here’s how THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can support you and your family after such an incident:
- Experience with U-turn accident cases: Our attorneys have handled numerous claims involving disputes over whether a U-turn was legal in Nevada or an illegal U-turn, providing us with practical insight into how these cases are resolved.
- Evidence collection: We review police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. We also examine any official traffic control devices or signs that prohibit U-turns to determine fault.
- Legal knowledge of Nevada law: Nevada’s U-turn laws, including NRS 484B.403, define when U-turns are authorized and prohibited. We apply these statutes directly to your case to establish liability.
- Accountability for at-fault drivers: If another driver violates U-turn laws and fails to ensure the maneuver is executed safely, we work to hold them responsible for the injuries caused.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurers often attempt to minimize or deny claims. We communicate directly with the insurance company to pursue fair compensation.
- Pursuing damages for serious consequences: We fight for recovery of medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term costs associated with severe injuries or permanent harm.
- Support for families: We understand how U-turn accidents affect not only victims but also their family members. Our team provides guidance and advocacy for all who are impacted.
- Free consultation available: We offer a no-cost initial meeting so injured individuals in Las Vegas and across Nevada can understand their options before making decisions.
What Nevada Law Says About U-Turns
Under Nevada traffic laws, the ability to make a U-turn depends on location, road conditions, and posted signs. The basic rule is that U-turns are generally allowed unless they are specifically prohibited by law or by an official traffic control device. Some of the main legal guidelines include:
- U-turns are not permitted under NRS 484B.403.
- Drivers must only turn when it can be completed safely without interfering with other drivers or other vehicles.
- A U-turn is not legal when an opening exists, but conditions make it unsafe, such as limited visibility or fast-moving oncoming traffic.
- A complete stop may be required before turning if a traffic sign or light directs the driver.
Violating these rules can result in demerit points, fines, or an additional penalty if the action leads to a crash.
When Is a U-Turn Illegal in Nevada?
While many U-turns are legal in Nevada, there are clear restrictions. A driver could face a traffic violation for making an illegal U-turn in places such as:
- Divided highways without a crossing place exist.
- Business district streets where visibility is limited or where local authorities and local government have posted signs to prohibit U-turns.
- School zones or a school crossing zone when children are present create a higher risk.
- Work zones with construction where visibility and other factors make turns unsafe.
- Intersections controlled by an official traffic control device that bans the maneuver.
- Areas with a sign prohibiting U-turns or where a U-turn sign directs otherwise.
Failing to follow these rules can lead to serious consequences, including citations, points on a license, or even liability in the event of a car accident.
Common Causes of U-Turn Accidents
A U-turn accident often happens when a driver misjudges speed, distance, or road conditions. Some common causes include:
- A driver turns in front of a vehicle approaching at the posted speed limit.
- The turn blocks more than one traffic lane, creating conflict with other vehicles.
- A U-turn is made in business areas where heavy traffic limits reaction time.
- The driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic or ignores a traffic sign.
- A motorist attempts to make a U-turn at a school crossing zone or work zone.
These accidents may result in severe injuries to drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians. Victims often face hospital stays, time off work, and costly recovery.
Legal Liability in U-Turn Accidents
When U-turns are made unsafely, liability often falls on the at-fault driver. Nevada law requires that a turn be executed safely and completed safely without endangering other drivers. If a violation like making an illegal U-turn caused the crash, the responsible driver may be held accountable. Insurance claims and lawsuits often consider:
- If the maneuver ignored a sign prohibiting U-turns.
- Whether the driver had a valid driver’s license or a history of demerit points on their driving record.
- The presence of other factors, such as poor weather, work zone activity, or children present in a school zone, can impact traffic flow.
Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of repairing a motor vehicle damaged in the crash.
How Insurance Companies Handle U-Turn Claims
An insurance company may try to argue that the injured party contributed to the accident, even when a U-turn was illegal. For instance, they might suggest that other vehicles were speeding or that an opening exists for a safe turn. Having legal guidance is essential because:
- Insurance adjusters often minimize payouts when U-turns are authorized but unsafe.
- Proving that the turn was against the foregoing provisions of Nevada law can strengthen your case.
- Claim delays can be time-consuming and may leave injured parties without needed resources.
Our team works to hold insurers accountable so victims receive the full value of their claim.
How Drivers Can Avoid Tickets and Accidents
Nevada drivers can reduce their risk of traffic violations and accidents by following simple steps:
- Look for signs. Always obey a sign prohibiting U-turns or a posted U-turn sign.
- Check traffic. Make sure oncoming traffic and other vehicles are far enough away before turning.
- Avoid restricted areas. Do not turn in school zones, business district areas, or work zones where U-turns are limited.
- Follow the basic rule. Only turn when the movement can be executed and completed safely.
- Know Nevada laws. Familiarize yourself with the law to understand when U-turns are legal in Nevada.
- Respect speed limits. A driver must always account for how fast a vehicle approaching may arrive.
By doing this, drivers can avoid tickets, protect their driving record, and keep themselves and family members safe.
Why Local Rules Matter
U-turn restrictions are not only set by statewide Nevada laws but also by respective jurisdictions. Local authorities and local government can add rules based on road design, accident history, or community needs. For example:
- Some intersections in Las Vegas prohibit turns even though they might be generally allowed in other cities.
- Business areas may have restrictions due to heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Rural areas may have different expectations, with more openings in road dividers.
Drivers should always pay attention to posted signs and remember that what may be legal in Nevada generally may still be restricted in certain jurisdictions.
When You Should Call THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been hurt because another driver made an unsafe or illegal U-turn, you may face medical expenses, lost income, and long-term recovery. THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can guide you through every step of the process, from proving fault to dealing with an insurance company that may try to reduce your claim. We can help you:
- Review your case under U-Turn laws.
- Collect evidence to show how the turn was not executed safely.
- Seek damages for severe injuries, property damage, and other losses.
- Help protect your rights when serious consequences arise from another driver’s actions.
Take Action After an Illegal U-Turn Accident in Nevada
Knowing when a U-turn is legal in Nevada helps drivers avoid accidents and protect their records. While U-turns are generally allowed, they become illegal in a business district, a school zone, on a divided highway, or anywhere a sign prohibiting the maneuver is posted. Ignoring these rules often results in serious consequences, including tickets, liability, or a dangerous U-turn accident.
If you or your loved ones are coping with injuries caused by another driver’s unsafe turn, THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can help. Our team reviews U-turn laws, deals with the insurance company, and holds the at-fault driver accountable.
Do not let an illegal U-turn disrupt your life without action. Call us at (702) 478-2266 or complete our online form for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how Nevada laws apply to your situation.
