U-Turn Car Accident Attorneys in Rochester, NY 

Making a U-turn seems like a quick fix when you’re heading in the wrong direction. But in a place like Rochester, NY, they can be downright dangerous. If you’ve been involved in one of these accidents, you know how overwhelming it can feel—the injuries, the insurance claims, the uncertainty. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, our Rochester car accident attorneys know that car accidents are more than just numbers for an insurance company. Our U-turn accident lawyers are here to help you. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that U-turn accidents can take on you and your family.

Top 4 Reasons for U-Turn Crashes in Rochester, NY 

Accidents don’t just happen out of nowhere. They’re often the result of specific actions or conditions. Here are some of the most common reasons U-turn accidents occur in Rochester: 

Driver Negligence. A lot of drivers don’t check their blind spots or take a good look at the road before making a U-turn. Add distractions like texting or fiddling with the radio, and it’s a recipe for disaster. An ITSMR study found driver distraction or inattention caused over 116 fatal car crashes in New York in 2023. A quick lapse in judgment can lead to collisions with oncoming cars, bicyclists, or even pedestrians. 

Poor Visibility Conditions. Snowstorms in January? Fog rolling in off Lake Ontario? These conditions can make it almost impossible to see what’s ahead, and can reduce the visibility of roadway markings for drivers. Drivers making U-turns in low-visibility weather often misjudge the distance or miss other vehicles entirely, leading to crashes. 

Reckless Driving Behaviors. Speeding. Illegal U-turns. Impatient maneuvers during rush hour. These actions are reckless, plain and simple. Roads like Jefferson Road and Interstate 490 are known for their high traffic volumes, and aggressive driving only makes things worse. 

Unique Hazards in Rochester. Some areas in Rochester, like Monroe Avenue, are notorious for traffic congestion. Construction zones and narrow roads add another layer of complexity. The City of Rochester maintains a website where you can track the latest updates on street construction going on. Trying to make a simple U-turn in one of these areas can quickly spiral into a bad accident. 

U-Turn Car Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries 

The physical and emotional toll of a negligent U-turn car accident can be immense. Here are some injuries we see time and time again: 

• Head and Neck Injuries. Whiplash might sound minor, but anyone who’s had it knows it’s no joke. Disc herniations and disc protrusions can turn into permanent injuries. Concussions, too, are common, especially when the impact involves a sudden stop. These injuries often require weeks of recovery and sometimes ongoing therapy. 
• Broken Bones and Fractures. A high-speed collision during a U-turn can easily lead to broken arms, legs, or ribs. The recovery process isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, too. A broken leg doesn’t just hurt—it sidelines you from work and family activities. 
• Spinal Cord Injuries. This is the kind of injury that changes lives. Whether it’s partial paralysis or chronic pain, spinal injuries require extensive medical care and, often, lifelong adjustments. 
• Emotional and Psychological Effects Ever feel anxious just thinking about driving after an accident? You’re not alone. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are all common among crash victims. It’s not just about the physical wounds; the emotional scars can run deep. 

It’s the Blame Game: Fault in a Rochester U-Turn Car Accident 

After a U-turn accident, figuring out who’s at fault can be tricky. In New York, the fault isn’t always black and white. Maybe both drivers share responsibility. That’s okay—you can still recover damages under New York’s pure comparative negligence laws, but the amount will be reduced based on your share of the blame. This is why gathering evidence is so important. 

U-turns are regulated for a reason. If you made an illegal turn or failed to yield to oncoming traffic, liability might fall on you. But what about the other driver? Were they speeding or distracted? These details matter. 

Lastly, think about police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, even dashcam videos. All these pieces help paint a clear picture of what happened. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case. A Rochester personal injury lawyer will be able to pour over all of this in detail with you during a consultation.  

If You Were Hurt in a U-turn Crash Take These Steps Now 

Nobody plans for an accident, but knowing what to do can make all the difference: 

1. Call 911. The first priority is safety. Call emergency services to get medical help and file a police report. Make sure to get a copy of the police report, it’ll be invaluable later when you’re dealing with insurance companies. 
2. Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions, don’t show symptoms right away. Plus, medical records are crucial if you decide to pursue a claim. 
3. Collect Evidence. Snap pictures of everything—the scene, the damage, your injuries. Read tips here on how to take the best car accident scene photos. Talk to witnesses and get their contact info. Even a quick sketch of the accident scene on a piece of paper can help later on. 
4. Report the Accident to Insurance Companies. File a claim with your insurer but be cautious as insurance companies love to play tricks on car accident victims. Avoid giving detailed statements to the other party’s insurer until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. Stick to the facts. 
5. Consult an Attorney. At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ll handle the legal side so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. From negotiating with insurers to gathering evidence, we’ve got your back. 

Horn Wright, LLP, is Here to Help After a U-Turn Accident 

At Horn Wright, LLP, our Rochester car accident attorneys understand the stress and uncertainty you’re feeling. We’re here to fight for you, handling every detail of your case so you don’t have to.  

We’ll negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and, if needed, take your case to court.  

Contact one of the best law firms in America today at (585) 245-0255.