U-Turn Car Accident Attorneys in Albany, NY

Trapped in the Chaos of a Car Crash? You’re Not Alone

U-turn accidents can turn your day upside down—literally. One moment, you’re focused on where you’re headed; the next, you’re dealing with wrecked cars, possible injuries, and a flurry of questions about what just happened. It’s overwhelming.

If you’ve been in a road collision, we get it. You’re probably feeling shaken, stressed, and unsure of what comes next. That’s where our team at Horn Wright, LLP steps in. Our personal injury attorneys in Albany will handle the legal mess so you can focus on getting your life back on track.

From navigating insurance claims to fighting for fair compensation, we’re here to take that stress off your shoulders.

Why Do Traffic Accidents Keep Happening? The Real Reasons

Misjudging oncoming traffic, rushing through a gap that’s too small, or missing a sign that says "No U-Turn" can all lead to accidents.

Here in Albany, busy roads like Central Avenue or intersections around Lark Street see their fair share of these crashes. Many happen because:

• Drivers misjudge traffic. Maybe they thought the oncoming car was farther away or moving slower. It’s a split-second mistake that can have serious consequences.
• Failure to yield the right of way. U-turns aren’t as simple as turning around. You’ve got to make sure it’s 100% clear before you go. Many drivers rush it, leading to collisions.
• Ignoring traffic signs. No one likes to admit it, but we’ve all seen drivers make turns where they shouldn’t. Those "No U-Turn" signs are there for a reason and ignoring them puts everyone at risk.
• Blind spots and visibility issues. Tight city intersections and parked cars can make it hard to see what’s coming. Add Albany’s snowy winters, and visibility can go from bad to worse.

Accidents happen, but they’re often preventable with a little more caution.

Think U-Turns Are Simple? Think Again—Here’s What the Law Says

Albany drivers have to follow New York’s traffic rules, and U-turns are no exception. If you’re making one, it has to be safe, legal, and in line with the law. Sounds simple, right? Not always.

Here’s the deal: Turning around isn’t allowed everywhere. In business districts, near hills or curves, and where visibility is less than 500 feet, U-turns are a no-go. Albany roads like sections of Madison Avenue and Washington Avenue have these restrictions for good reason—they keep people safe.

Breaking the law comes with consequences. A ticket could mean a fine of up to $200 and 2 points on your license. But the bigger issue? If you violate a traffic law and cause an accident, the blame could fall squarely on you.

Knowing where and how to make a legal turn isn’t just about avoiding a ticket—it’s about protecting yourself and others on the road.

The Pain and Cost of Car Crashes: It’s More Than Just Metal

Vehicle collisions might not sound like a big deal, but the injuries they cause can change your life. One second, you’re fine. The next, you’re dealing with a sore neck, medical bills, or something far worse.

Here’s what we see most often:

• Whiplash and neck pain. Even a low-speed crash can leave you with days—or weeks—of stiffness and discomfort.
• Broken bones. Arms, legs, and ribs take the brunt of impact in many collisions.
• Head injuries. A bump on the head can lead to a concussion or, in severe cases, long-term brain trauma.
• Spinal cord injuries. These can cause chronic pain or, in the worst cases, partial or full paralysis.
• Internal injuries. Blunt-force trauma during an accident might damage organs or cause internal bleeding, and it’s not always obvious right away.

Albany’s high-traffic areas like I-787 or near the Albany International Airport see accidents that are especially bad due to higher speeds. Whatever your injuries, you don’t have to face them alone.

Who’s to Blame for Your Road Accident? Let’s Break It Down

If you’re wondering, “Who’s at fault here?”—you’re not alone. Auto accidents often involve messy questions about liability. That’s why gathering solid evidence is so important.

Here’s what matters most:

• Eyewitness accounts. Did someone see what happened? A clear statement from a bystander can make a huge difference in proving fault.
• Dashcam footage. Video doesn’t lie. If you or another driver has dashcam footage, it can help piece together exactly what went wrong.
• Police reports. Officers often note key details about who violated traffic laws or acted recklessly. Make sure you get a copy for your case.
• Traffic violations. If the other driver ignored a "No U-Turn" sign, sped through the intersection, or failed to yield, it strengthens your argument.

New York’s comparative negligence laws mean fault can be shared. If you’re partly to blame, it could reduce your compensation—but it doesn’t eliminate it.

Stuck After a Vehicle Collision? Here’s What to Do Right Now

After an accident, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. Take a deep breath. Here’s what to do next:

• Get to safety and check for injuries. Move your car out of traffic if possible. Call 911 if anyone’s hurt—even if the injuries seem minor. Better safe than sorry.
• Document everything. Take pictures of the cars, the damage, and the scene. Snap shots of traffic signs and signals too. Write down license plate numbers, vehicle makes and models, and the other driver’s contact information.
• Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Their perspective could be key later.
• File a police report. Reporting the accident ensures there’s an official record. You’ll need it for insurance and legal claims. Don’t forget to fill out an MV-104 form. This one’s different from the police report.
• Notify your insurance company. Call them as soon as you can but stick to the facts. Avoid admitting fault until all the details are clear.

Taking these steps can help protect your claim—and your peace of mind.

What’s Your Accident Really Costing You? Let’s Talk Compensation

After a traffic accident, you deserve more than an apology. You deserve fair compensation. What can you recover?

• Medical bills. From ambulance rides to long-term physical therapy, those expenses add up fast.
• Car repairs. Whether your car needs minor fixes or a total replacement, you shouldn’t have to foot the bill alone.
• Lost income. If you’ve missed work because of an accident, you can recover wages. And if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term, that’s covered too.
• Pain and suffering. It’s not just about physical injuries. Emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment in life matter too.

Every case is different, but one thing stays the same: we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Let Horn Wright, LLP Fight for You—We’ve Got Your Back

You’ve been through enough. Let us help. At Horn Wright, LLP, we don’t just handle cases—we care about the people behind them.

Our local car accident lawyers knows Albany inside and out, from its busiest intersections to the laws that govern its roads. We’ll treat your case like it’s personal because, to us, it is. You focus on healing, and we’ll focus on getting you justice. Call us today for a consultation.