U-Turn Accident Lawyer in New York City
Protecting Injured Victims in Manhattan • Brooklyn • Queens • The Bronx • Staten Island
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
U-Turn Crashes in New York City: Dangerous, Common, and Preventable
U-turns let drivers reverse direction – but in New York City’s dense, fast-moving traffic, they’re among the most dangerous maneuvers on the road. A single misjudged turn can cause catastrophic collisions with other cars, pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists.
Suppose you or a loved one were injured in a U-turn accident. In that case, the New York City personal-injury attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP will fight for your rights and pursue maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
Understanding New York’s U-Turn Laws
Under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law §1161 and DMV regulations, U-turns are legal only under limited, safe conditions. They are prohibited:
- In business districts and school zones
- On limited-access highways or expressways
- On curves, hills, or grades where the vehicle cannot be seen from 500 feet in either direction
- Anywhere posted with “No U-Turn” signs
Even where permitted, a U-turn must begin from the leftmost lane nearest the centerline and can only be made after yielding to all vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
A driver who makes an unsafe or illegal U-turn may face traffic citations and civil liability for resulting injuries.
Why U-Turns Are So Dangerous
A U-turn effectively creates an intersection where none exists. It requires crossing opposing lanes, judging multiple traffic flows, and maneuvering in tight urban spaces. Frequent hazards include:
- Crossing into oncoming traffic moving at full speed
- Obstructed visibility from buildings, parked cars, or bad weather
- Abrupt stops or reversals that block travel lanes
- Chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles
- Pedestrian and cyclist impacts at crosswalks and bike lanes
Even experienced drivers can misjudge speed or distance – turning an everyday maneuver into a life-altering event.
Common Causes of U-Turn Accidents
Most U-turn crashes result from driver negligence, including:
- Performing a U-turn where prohibited by law
- Failing to yield to oncoming vehicles or pedestrians
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, or GPS)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or unsafe lane changes before turning
- Limited visibility from curves, buildings, or poor lighting
- Reversing mid-turn after misjudging distance
These actions often lead to T-bone, sideswipe, head-on, or multi-vehicle collisions, especially at busy intersections.
Determining Liability After a U-Turn Crash
In most cases, the driver performing the U-turn is primarily responsible – especially if the turn violated §1161 or basic safety rules.
However, liability can be shared under New York’s pure comparative negligence law when:
- Other drivers were speeding, distracted, or impaired
- Road signs or signals were unclear
- Multiple vehicles were involved
Our Investigation Process
The attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP conduct a detailed, evidence-driven investigation by:
- Reviewing police and DMV accident reports
- Securing traffic-camera or dash-cam footage
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and consulting accident-reconstruction experts
- Examining vehicle damage, skid marks, and roadway design
- Obtaining medical and employment records to calculate damages
When a driver violates a safety statute, we use the doctrine of negligence per se to establish fault automatically – streamlining your case and strengthening your claim.
Common Injuries in U-Turn Collisions
Because U-turn crashes often involve side or head-on impact, injuries can be devastating. Common outcomes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal-cord injuries or paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones
- Whiplash, neck, and back trauma
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Severe lacerations, burns, or disfigurement
- Amputation or crush injuries
- Wrongful death
We collaborate with medical and economic experts to document the full scope of your injuries, treatment, and long-term care needs.
Compensation Available to Victims
Victims of unsafe or illegal U-turns may recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation)
- Future medical and therapy costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
If the at-fault driver’s conduct was egregious, punitive damages may also be awarded.
New York’s no-fault insurance covers up to $50,000 in basic benefits, but serious-injury cases frequently exceed this limit. Our attorneys pursue personal-injury lawsuits when necessary to secure full compensation.
Steps to Take After a U-Turn Accident
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
- Document the scene – take photos of vehicles, damage, signs, and skid marks.
- Exchange information with all drivers and witnesses.
- Request the police report (MV-104 form).
- Do not admit fault or discuss details with insurance adjusters.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP before speaking to insurers or signing anything.
We handle every aspect of the claims process, ensuring that evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Statute of Limitations & Notice Requirements
- Three years from the accident date to file most personal-injury lawsuits
- Government or municipal vehicles: file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and commence suit within one year and 90 days
Failure to meet these deadlines may permanently bar your recovery. Early legal representation protects your right to compensation.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Decades of combined trial experience in NYC personal-injury litigation
- Proven track record of substantial verdicts and settlements
- No fees unless we win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Personalized attention from seasoned attorneys
- Bilingual services available
- Local offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County for convenience
- Hundreds of positive client reviews
- We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our motto is simple: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”
We specialize exclusively in personal-injury law and fight relentlessly for accident victims throughout New York.
Contact a New York City U-Turn Accident Lawyer Today
If another driver’s unsafe or illegal U-turn caused your injuries, you deserve justice.
The skilled attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP will investigate your case, handle all legal communications, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Call 1-800-VICTIM-2 (1-800-842-8462)
Or complete our online consultation form for a free, confidential case review.
We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you reclaim your health, your finances, and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About U-Turn Accidents in NYC
Are U-turns legal in New York City?
Only in limited circumstances. They’re prohibited in business districts, school zones, on expressways, and wherever posted signs forbid them. Even when legal, U-turns must be performed safely from the leftmost lane after yielding to all traffic and pedestrians.
Who is typically at fault?
Usually, the driver makes the U-turn. Fault may be shared if another driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence rule, your recovery is reduced only by your percentage of fault.
What damages can I recover?
Medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, emotional distress, and – when applicable – punitive damages.
How long do I have to file my claim?
Most cases must be filed within three years, or within 90 days for claims involving government vehicles. Please contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence.