Are U-Turns Illegal in Illinois?

 Posted on April 04, 2025 in Car Accidents

On March 27th, 2025, a crash near Midway Airport claimed two lives. An eastbound Ford Fusion made a U-turn on West 55th Street and hit a westbound Hyundai Palisade. The Fusion’s driver and passenger died from their injuries. The Palisade’s driver and three passengers were all injured and taken to area hospitals. Although U-turns are not strictly illegal in Illinois, drivers should only make them in permitted areas when it is safe to do so. Illegal U-turns and other illegal maneuvers are dangerous and preventable.

If a negligent driver caused an accident that harmed you, the error does not have to be illegal for you to pursue compensation. Our knowledgeable South Side of Chicago personal injury lawyer can fight to see you collect as much as you deserve.

When Are U-Turns Illegal?

There are several restrictions placed on Illinois drivers about when and where U-turns can be made. You cannot do so if your maneuver would interfere with other traffic. Illinois law also restricts drivers from making a U-turn on curves and hills with limited visibility, in most business districts, in front of fire stations, on one-way streets, and on divided roads and highways.

When children are present, U-turns are usually prohibited in school zones. Some intersections and other clearly marked areas permit U-turns, but drivers should ensure that no pedestrians are in the immediate area.

If in doubt, do not make a U-turn. It is better to take a little extra time to turn around than to cause an accident that hurts someone.

What Other Illegal Maneuvers Are Dangerous?

Drivers have a legal obligation to avoid causing accidents by driving responsibly. Many collisions are avoidable because they are caused by negligent driver errors, such as following too closely, improper passing, speeding, and weaving through traffic.

If these or other forms of careless driving caused your accident, you may be able to seek compensation even if the at-fault driver did not receive a traffic ticket. Your settlement could include money to cover your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other financial losses. You may also receive compensation for the ways your accident and injuries impacted your quality of life. However, you probably will not collect the highest available amount without the assistance of a skilled attorney.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer For My Car Accident Claim?

You need several kinds of evidence to support your Illinois claim, including proof that:

• Another party’s negligence caused your collision
• Your contribution to causing your crash was not more than 50 percent
• Your injuries were the result of the accident
• You suffered losses because of your collision

Your lawyer will investigate your accident to gather evidence. We will calculate how much compensation you are entitled to receive and fight the liable insurance company on your behalf so that they pay your claim fairly.

Contact Our Dedicated Hyde Park, IL Car Accident Lawyer

Whether an illegal U-turn or another negligent driving mistake caused your crash, our experienced Chicago, IL personal injury attorney is ready to help you get maximum compensation. Contact Kadzai Law Group, LLC online or call 312-229-0050 today to schedule your free consultation.