New York City Illegal Turn Lawyer
We have all seen drivers in New York City make–or at least attempt to make–an illegal turn. Such maneuvers can lead to a traffic ticket if an NYPD officer happens to be watching. But an illegal turn can also cause a serious car accident. After all, there is a reason such turns are prohibited in the first place.
Drivers who attempt illegal turns are often in a rush to get to their destination. Such thinking can never justify placing the lives of other people at risk. If you have been injured by such reckless and illegal behavior, our New York City illegal turn lawyer can represent you in seeking compensation for your accident-related injuries and other losses. Michael Gunzburg, P.C., is a New York City-based personal injury law firm with 37 years experience helping accident victims fight for what they deserve under the law.
Knowing New York City’s Rules of the Road When It Comes to Turning
New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law spell out the rules for when a driver may–and may not–make a turn while operating on public streets. Some of the more critical rules include:
- A driver must always signal a turn or lane change with either their lights or hand signals.
- A driver making a right-hand turn must get as far to the right as possible and not attempt a “wide” or “sweeping” turn.
- A driver should never attempt a U-turn on a public highway unless it is absolutely necessary. Where possible, a driver must instead use a parking lot, driveway, or similar area other than the road itself in order to change their direction of travel.
- When a U-turn is necessary–and there is no signage prohibiting it–a driver must make their turn from the left portion of the lane nearest the centerline of the roadway. A right lane may never be used to make a U-turn.
- U-turns are never allowed in certain areas of New York City, such as business districts or near the top of a hill.
- The rules governing a left-hand turn depend on a number of factors, but in general, a driver must stay as far to the left as possible before making a turn into a left lane.
In many illegal turn accidents, there are often other factors at play. For instance, a driver is more likely to make or attempt an illegal turn if they are distracted, speeding, or under the influence of alcohol. This is why it is critical to work with an experienced New York City illegal turn lawyer who can fully investigate your accident and determine all of the underlying causes of what happened.
Our New York City Illegal Turn Lawyers Can Help You
New York’s no-fault insurance rules provide limited compensation for most car accident victims. But there are many cases where a victim sustains serious injuries that exceed the no-fault threshold. In those situations you can sue the driver and demand full compensation for your injuries. Our New York City illegal turn lawyer will be happy to explain the law to you in this area. Call Michael Gunzburg, P.C., at 212-725-8500 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
