Who’s At Fault In A U-Turn Accident in Illinois?

Making a U-turn might seem like a quick and harmless maneuver, but it’s one of the more dangerous driving actions when not executed carefully. In Illinois, U-turn accidents can raise complex legal questions, particularly around who’s at fault. At John J. Malm & Associates, our top-rated Illinois car accident attorneys regularly help clients navigate the confusion that follows a U-turn crash—whether they were the driver making the turn or the other party involved.

In this blog, we’ll break down what Illinois law says about U-turns, explore who may be held liable after a U-turn car accident, and discuss how fault is determined, using real-world examples and statistics.

What Illinois Law Says About U-Turns

Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11‑802), U-turns are only legal when they can be completed safely and where they are not explicitly prohibited by signs. Drivers are not permitted to make a U-turn when approaching a curve or hill where they cannot be seen by other vehicles within 500 feet. In addition, the maneuver must not interfere with other traffic or create a hazard.

That means if you’re making a U-turn on a busy road, near an intersection, or over a double yellow line, you may be violating Illinois traffic law—especially if there are “No U-Turn” signs posted or visibility is limited. Even if the U-turn is legal, the driver making the turn has a legal duty to yield to oncoming traffic and ensure the maneuver is safe.

Who’s Usually at Fault in a U-Turn Crash?

In many U-turn crashes, the driver making the U-turn is presumed to be at fault—particularly if they failed to yield, made the turn from the wrong lane, or violated traffic signage. Insurance companies and courts will usually look to see whether the driver making the turn followed the rules of the road and took reasonable precautions.

However, fault isn’t always so clear-cut. Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), more than one party can share fault in a collision. As long as you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages—though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

When the U-Turning Driver Is at Fault

In most cases, the driver making the U-turn will be primarily or wholly at fault for the accident. This can happen when the driver:

Makes a U-turn in a prohibited area (such as near a curve, hill, or intersection).
Fails to yield to oncoming traffic.
Makes the turn from an improper lane or without signaling.
Misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles.
Executes a U-turn where visibility is obstructed.

Illinois courts may consider a U-turn in a prohibited area to be negligence per se—meaning the violation of a law intended to prevent exactly this kind of harm is enough to establish fault. If the U-turn was clearly illegal, the driver may be found fully liable.

When the Other Driver May Be at Fault

Sometimes, the driver who was not making the U-turn can also share liability for the crash. For instance, the other driver might be at fault or partially responsible if they:

Were speeding at the time of the crash.
Were distracted by a phone, food, or another activity.
Ran a red light or ignored a traffic sign.
Were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Had the last clear chance to avoid the crash but failed to do so.

In such cases, fault may be apportioned between the two drivers. If you were 30% responsible and the U-turning driver was 70% at fault, you could still recover compensation—so long as you are under the 50% threshold for recovery.

How Common Are U-Turn Accidents?

Exact numbers for U-turn accidents in Illinois are difficult to pin down, but broader traffic safety data helps provide perspective.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), improper turning maneuvers (which include U-turns) are a leading contributor to intersection crashes, making up approximately 22% of intersection-related accidents in the state. Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that turning errors contributed to over 185 fatalities and approximately 18,000 injuries in 2019.

Additionally, U-turn crashes are more likely to result in T-bone or head-on collisions, which tend to be more severe. When a driver misjudges oncoming traffic and initiates a U-turn at the wrong time, the result can be devastating for both vehicles and passengers.

How Is Fault Determined in Illinois Car Accidents?

Fault in a U-turn accident is determined based on evidence, eyewitness accounts, and sometimes expert testimony. Important factors include:

Traffic camera or dash cam footage showing the maneuver.
Witness statements regarding speed, signals, and road conditions.
Police reports outlining citations or violations.
Skid marks and vehicle damage patterns.
Traffic signage and visibility at the scene.

Illinois’ comparative fault system allows courts and insurance companies to assign percentages of blame to each party. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would be eligible to recover $80,000.

What to Do After a U-Turn Crash in Illinois

If you are involved in a U-turn crash, taking the right steps early can protect your health and legal rights:

Call the police and make sure a report is filed.
Take photos of the scene, including road signs, vehicle damage, and any skid marks.
Get witness contact information, if available.
Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay—some injuries may not appear right away.
Do not admit fault or make assumptions.
Contact a Naperville car accident lawyer who can protect your rights and begin an investigation.

An experienced attorney can help gather evidence, work with accident reconstructionists, and communicate with the insurance company to maximize your recovery.

Preventing U-Turn Accidents

Avoiding U-turn crashes often comes down to good judgment and defensive driving. Here are a few tips:

Only make a U-turn where it’s clearly legal and safe.
Check your mirrors and blind spots, and always use your turn signal.
Avoid making U-turns near hills, curves, or heavy traffic.
Wait until all lanes are clear before starting your turn.
If in doubt, don’t turn—find a safer location to turn around, like a parking lot.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

U-turn accidents can lead to serious injuries, disputed liability, and complex insurance claims. Whether you were the one making the U-turn or the other driver, understanding Illinois fault laws can help you protect your rights and recover damages.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have successfully represented clients in complex car accident cases across Illinois, including U-turn collisions. Our team has the knowledge, resources, and experience to investigate your case, determine liability, and help you pursue full compensation.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a U-turn crash, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation.