Why Illegal U-Turns by Trucks Are So Dangerous
A severely damaged car with a crushed front end sits on a roadway after colliding with a large red truck. Debris is scattered across the pavement, and the car’s hood is crumpled inward from the impact. The size difference between the commercial truck and the passenger vehicle highlights the devastating consequences that can occur when large trucks make unsafe or illegal U-turns.
In California, drivers must follow strict rules when making U-turns. Large commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, delivery trucks, and construction vehicles, often require wide turning radiuses. When a truck driver ignores posted signs or traffic laws and attempts an illegal U-turn, it can lead to:
T-bone collisions
Multi-car pileups
Severe head, neck, and spinal trauma
Illegal U-turn truck accidents are especially common on busy Los Angeles streets, near freeway exits, and in congested areas like Downtown LA, Koreatown, and West Hollywood.
Who Is Liable in an Illegal U-Turn Truck Accident?
In many cases, the truck driver is responsible for violating traffic laws. However, liability may extend beyond the driver.
Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties could include:
The trucking company
A delivery service employer
A vehicle maintenance provider
A third-party contractor
Commercial trucking companies often carry high-limit insurance policies, but they also have aggressive legal teams working to minimize payouts. That is why having an experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorney is critical.
What You Need to Prove
To recover compensation after a truck accident involving an illegal U-turn, you generally must show:
The truck driver violated traffic laws
The illegal maneuver directly caused the crash
You suffered injuries and financial losses
Evidence such as dashcam footage, surveillance video, accident reconstruction reports, and witness statements can strengthen your case.
Common Injuries in Truck U-Turn Crashes
Because trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles, injuries are often severe. These may include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Internal bleeding
Long-term disability
Even if your injuries seemed minor at first, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and document everything.
Why You Should Contact a Lawyer Quickly
Truck accident cases move fast. Evidence can disappear, and trucking companies may deploy investigators immediately after the crash.
An experienced truck accident attorney in Los Angeles can:
Preserve critical evidence
Handle communication with insurers
Identify all liable parties
Fight for full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
If your accident occurred in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, Culver City, or surrounding areas, acting quickly can protect your rights.
We Can Help You Get Compensated
At Crowley Law PC, we’ve helped drivers across Los Angeles, Culver City, West Hollywood, and beyond pursue compensation for injuries caused by truck accidents.
We’ll help you get the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve.
Here to make it right, when you've been wronged.
And Justice for All! ⚖️
Crowley Law PC
📞 (213) 325-5248
