Who May Be Liable for a U-Turn Car Accident in Charleston?

U-turn accidents often occur when a driver fails to notice oncoming traffic at an intersection. The aftermath of a U-turn crash can result in severe damage and injuries.

At Roden Law, our Charleston-based car accident lawyers are here to learn more about your incident and guide you with the next legal steps. After a crash, seek immediate medical attention and call our trusted law firm to get answers to your questions and explore your legal options.

Call Roden Law for your free case review today: 1-844-RESULTS

Is It Legal To Make a U-Turn in Charleston?

Inside Charleston city limits, City of Charleston Code § 19-216 bars a U-turn on any street except where an official sign authorizes it, and only when it can be made safely without interfering with other traffic. Outside the city, S.C. Code § 56-5-2140 allows a U-turn only where it can be made safely without interfering with other traffic, and never on a curve or near the crest of a hill where approaching drivers cannot see your vehicle within 500 feet.

Drivers need to know where they cannot do a U-turn to avoid dangerous car accidents wherever a “No U-Turn” sign is posted (S.C. Code § 56-5-950) — and, on City of Charleston streets, anywhere a sign does not expressly allow it.

Who Has the Right of Way During a U-Turn in South Carolina?

Drivers have a legal duty to learn what the right-of-way rules are when making U-turns in South Carolina. The state’s traffic laws establish clear guidelines about who has priority during these maneuvers.

The Basic Right-of-Way Rule for U-Turns

The U-turning driver must wait until the road is clear before executing the maneuver and ensure they can complete the turn without impeding other traffic (S.C. Code § 56-5-2140(a)).

In South Carolina, a driver making a U-turn must yield to all other traffic, including:

• Oncoming vehicles
• Pedestrians in crosswalks
• Vehicles approaching from either direction
• Vehicles making right or left turns at the intersection

Intersection-Specific Scenarios

At controlled intersections with traffic signals, additional rules apply:

• Making a U-turn on a Green Light: The U-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic, including vehicles turning right on green
• Making a U-turn on a Green Arrow: The U-turning driver generally has the right of way over traffic facing a red light, but must still yield to any pedestrians in crosswalks and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection (S.C. Code § 56-5-970(A)(2)).

Common Right-of-Way Disputes

Right-of-way conflicts often arise between:

• U-Turns and Right Turns on Red: A driver turning right on red must stop, then yield to pedestrians and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection (S.C. Code § 56-5-970(C)(3)), including a U-turning driver on a green arrow. The U-turning driver still may not interfere with other traffic (§ 56-5-2140(a)), so fault depends on the facts.
• U-Turning and Oncoming Left-turning Vehicles: Both vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic. Because a U-turn may be made only without interfering with other traffic (§ 56-5-2140(a)), the U-turning driver usually bears the burden when the two conflict.

What Are the Most Common Causes of U-Turn Crashes?

U-turn crashes can cause serious injuries and substantial vehicle damage. It is a good idea to get to know the primary causes of these crashes so you can take measures to avoid them.

Some of the most common causes of U-turn crashes are:

Poor Visibility and Misjudgment

When drivers attempt U-turns with obstructed sightlines due to parked vehicles, buildings, trees, or hills, they cannot accurately gauge approaching traffic speed or distance. Many U-turn accidents happen because drivers misjudge the time needed to complete the maneuver safely or underestimate the speed of oncoming vehicles.

Illegal U-Turns in Prohibited Areas

Many crashes occur when drivers make U-turns in locations where it is illegal. This includes attempting U-turns:

• At intersections with posted “No U-Turn” signs
• On City of Charleston streets where no sign authorizes the U-turn (City Code § 19-216)
• Near curves or hills where visibility is limited
• Across a raised or landscaped median, except at a marked opening or crossover (S.C. Code § 56-5-1920)

Distracted Driving

Distraction plays a significant role in U-turn accidents. Drivers focused on smartphone navigation apps, texting, or other distractions may make impulsive U-turns without properly checking for oncoming traffic. Similarly, distracted drivers may fail to notice another vehicle executing a U-turn ahead, leading to rear-end collisions.

Failure to Signal Properly

Many U-turn crashes occur because drivers fail to signal their intentions. South Carolina requires a turn signal given continuously for at least the last 100 feet before turning (S.C. Code § 56-5-2150). Improper signaling leads to other motorists not being warned of the upcoming maneuver, increasing the risk of a collision. Even when drivers do signal, using the wrong one, such as a right-turn signal for a U-turn, can confuse other drivers.

Unfamiliarity with Local Roads

Tourists and visitors who are unfamiliar with local road layouts can cause U-turn accidents. When drivers miss turns or exits in unfamiliar areas, they may make sudden, unsafe U-turns to correct their route.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drug impairment significantly increase the likelihood of U-turn crashes. Impaired drivers may react slowly, make poor decisions, and miss seeing other vehicles, making risky U-turns more likely.

Excessive Speed

Speed is a contributing factor in many U-turn collisions. Drivers traveling too fast may make hasty decisions to execute U-turns without adequate assessment. Additionally, when other vehicles are speeding, U-turning drivers may misjudge the time to complete their maneuver safely.

Poor Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, snow, or ice create hazardous circumstances for U-turns. Reduced visibility and slippery roads increase stopping distances and make executing U-turns more dangerous.

Vehicle Blind Spots

Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans have significant blind spots that can block oncoming traffic when attempting U-turns. Drivers who fail to check for these blind spots adequately significantly increase their accident risk.

Where Are U-Turn Crashes More Likely To Happen in Charleston?

Certain locations in Charleston, South Carolina, are common places for risky U-turns. Drivers should be cautious when navigating the city’s diverse roadways through these high-risk areas.

Major Thoroughfares and Tourist Areas

Downtown Charleston combines heavy traffic, numerous attractions, and out-of-town visitors unfamiliar with local traffic patterns. Tourists attempting to reach popular destinations often make impromptu U-turns when they miss their intended turns. On downtown city streets a U-turn is unlawful unless a sign authorizes it (City Code § 19-216), and many peninsula streets are one-way, so circle the block instead.

Business Districts

Charleston’s commercial areas, including shopping centers, may experience U-turn collisions. Drivers attempting to access businesses often make hasty U-turns rather than proceeding to the next intersection for a safer turn.

Residential Areas Near One-Way Streets

U-turn crashes in residential areas near one-way streets often happen due to driver error, poor visibility, and road layout. Visitors and residents unfamiliar with these traffic patterns may attempt U-turns when heading the wrong way, leading to collisions in these residential areas.

Areas Near Bridge Access Points

Another key area where U-turn crashes may occur is at or near the access points of Charleston’s bridges, including the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and the bridges connecting to James Island and Johns Island. Drivers who miss bridge entrances or exits sometimes attempt dangerous U-turns rather than following designated routes to correct their course.

Construction Areas

Temporary road closures and detours caused by Charleston’s ongoing construction projects often confuse drivers, leading to impromptu U-turns when navigating unfamiliar routes. Areas with active construction should be approached with additional caution.

Can Both Drivers Share Fault for a U-Turn Crash?

Yes, under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence laws, both drivers can share fault for a U-turn crash (Nelson v. Concrete Supply Co., 1991). This means that even if you believe you were partially to blame for a U-turn accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. However, if you are deemed more than 50 percent at fault for a crash, you will be barred from recovering any compensation.

These accidents rarely have clear-cut liability, and multiple factors often contribute to the collision.

• Multiple parties can be assigned different percentages of fault
• You can recover damages if you are 50 percent or less at fault
• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are found 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover damages

These types of scenarios could lead to both parties sharing liability:

• When the U-turning driver fails to yield, but the oncoming driver was speeding or distracted, both may share responsibility.
• When an oncoming driver had the right of way but could have reasonably avoided the collision had they been paying proper attention.
• When the U-turning driver signals but turns when it is unsafe, and the other driver fails to react reasonably.
• When both drivers violate traffic laws simultaneously, such as when a U-turning driver turns illegally, and the other driver runs a red light.

What Evidence Proves Liability in U-Turn Collisions?

You and your attorney will need to establish liability in a U-turn collision. Specific evidence demonstrates who violated traffic laws or failed to exercise reasonable care.

Below are some types of evidence that can prove fault in these accidents:

• Traffic Camera and Surveillance Footage: Video evidence provides the most objective record of a U-turn accident unfolding and can show if turn signals were used or both vehicles were speeding.
• Police Reports: The responding officer’s accident report contains vital information such as statements from both drivers. A traffic ticket or conviction is not admissible to prove fault in a South Carolina civil case (S.C. Code § 56-5-6160), but if the other driver pleaded guilty, that plea can be used as an admission (Samuel v. Mouzon, 1984).
• Witness Statements: Independent witnesses provide unbiased accounts of the accident, including who had the right of way, observations about driver behavior before impact, weather, and visibility conditions.
• Physical Evidence: Physical evidence at the crash site tells a story about how the collision occurred. For example, skid mark patterns indicate braking distance and reaction time.
• Vehicle Damage Assessment: The location and extent of damage to both vehicles help establish the angle of impact and consistency with reported versions of events.
• Electronic Vehicle Data: Modern vehicles record valuable crash data, such as brake application timing and steering inputs, that can be retrieved.
• Cell Phone Records: If distracted driving is suspected, cell phone records can reveal whether the driver was texting and if a call was in progress during the accident.
• Road Signage and Traffic Control Documentation: Evidence related to the road includes documentation of “No U-Turn” signs in the area and traffic signal timing records. On City of Charleston streets, the key question is whether a sign authorized the U-turn at all (City Code § 19-216).
• Expert Testimony: Expert witnesses provide professional analysis in complex cases. Accident reconstruction specialists and traffic engineers can investigate how the accident happened.

How To Avoid Being in a U-Turn Crash

U-turn crashes can be dangerous but are largely preventable with proper caution and technique. Here are effective strategies to help you avoid being involved in a U-turn crash:

• Know When and Where U-Turns Are Legal: Look for “No U-Turn” signs and, inside Charleston city limits, turn around only where a sign permits it.
• Choose Safe Locations for U-Turns: Use designated U-turn lanes with proper signage and areas with clear visibility in both directions.
• Use Proper U-Turn Technique: When executing a U-turn, signal your intention for at least the last 100 feet (S.C. Code § 56-5-2150(B)) and move to the far left or center turn lane when available (§ 56-5-2120(b), (d)).
• Defensive Driving Practices: To further reduce your risk, always check your blind spots and be particularly vigilant towards motorcycles, which can be harder to see.

Call Roden Law for Legal Help After a U-Turn Car Accident

Were you injured in a U-turn crash? If so, our trusted Charleston law firm is here to help. We can answer your questions, learn more about your situation, and explain your legal options. There is no cost for your initial consultation, so it is risk free.

At Roden Law, our legal team is dedicated to building a compelling case on your behalf.  If we represent you, we will work diligently to recover fair compensation for your medical costs, property damage and other losses. You do not have to navigate the legal process on your own. Call our firm for a free consultation. We accept injury cases on contingency, so there are no upfront costs to engage our services.

South Carolina gives you three years from the crash to file a personal-injury lawsuit (S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5)), but only two years if the other vehicle belonged to a city, county or state agency (S.C. Code § 15-78-110). For an injured child, the deadline is tolled until age 18 but runs out no later than the child’s 19th birthday, or three years from the crash if later (§ 15-3-40).

Speak to one of our Charleston injury attorneys today: 1-844-RESULTS or (843) 790-8999

About the Author

Graeham C. Gillin

Partner, COO