February 12th, 2025 (Las Vegas, NV) – Residents living off of Blue Diamond Road near the Red Rock area are raising concerns about drivers ignoring traffic laws and making illegal left turns and U-turns on the busy highway. This seemingly innocent action is dangerous, as making a left turn when you aren’t supposed to can lead to a car accident if other unassuming drivers proceed as intended and collide with the person turning illegally.
The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) recently installed several signs informing motorists that turning left or making a U-turn here is illegal in the hopes of curbing this behavior. However, many drivers disregard these traffic signs and the safety of motorists. They continue to make illegal left turns onto Avery Street from Blue Diamond Road, putting themselves and others in danger.
What’s the Big Deal About Illegal Left Turns?
Traffic signs and regulations exist for a reason – to keep motorists and pedestrians safe. When people ignore these regulations, they increase the risk of causing a traffic accident, even when other drivers are adhering to the laws and driving safely.
Illegal left turns and U-turns are especially dangerous on busy highways like Blue Diamond Road. Drivers making these maneuvers suddenly brake in front of unsuspecting motorists, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. As they cross into oncoming traffic, they also create a high risk of T-bone accidents with vehicles traveling at around 70 mph. At these speeds, crashes like these are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries or even be deadly.
What Are the Consequences of an Illegal Turn in Nevada?
There are many consequences relating to illegal turns in Nevada. From injuries to fines, a few consequences of illegal turns include:
- Collisions With Oncoming Traffic or Pedestrians: Making a turn where doing so is illegal may cause you to collide with another vehicle or a pedestrian, leading to severe injury or wrongful death.
- Tickets and Fines: Making an improper turn is considered a civil infraction, and may result in fines around $395.
- Driver’s License Demerit Points: an improper turn can result in four demerit points on your driver’s license.
- Increased Insurance Premiums: reckless driving, such as making illegal turns and U-turns, can lead to increased insurance premiums.
- Property Damage: An illegal left turn can lead to an accident, which could cause damage to your vehicle and the vehicle of the person you collided with.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Left-Turn Accident Case?
In a left-turn accident case, you may be entitled to damages if you were injured by another person’s negligence. Damages you can recover include:
Economic Damages: Also known as special damages, economic damages are tangible losses incurred due to an accident. These can include past and future medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and lost earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages: Often referred to as general damages, non-economic damages are intangible damages resulting from your accident. This can include PTSD, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
Punitive Damages: these damages are often awarded by the court when the at-fault party is determined to have been grossly negligent in their actions. Punitive damages aren’t often awarded, but when they are, they serve to not only compensate the victim, but to punish the at-fault party for their actions.
When Is a Left Turn Considered Illegal in Nevada?
A left turn is considered illegal in many situations, including:
- Making a left turn at a “no left turn” sign
- Making a left turn at a red light
- Turning left across a solid double yellow line
- Making a left turn from the wrong lane
- Turning left at an intersection marked “right turn only”
- Turning left without yielding to oncoming traffic
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for an Injury Accident on Blue Diamond Road?
Nevada’s car accident statute of limitations states that victims generally have up to two years to file a claim for bodily injuries. However, there are some factors that may affect this deadline. Not filing within the period allowed could bar you from recovering compensation. As such, it’s important to consult with an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible for help understanding your rights and filing a claim. Your attorney will evaluate your situation to determine how the statute of limitations affects your case.
Traffic laws exist to mitigate the risk of an accident and protect motorists and pedestrians alike. It is our responsibility to follow these laws. A car accident involving an illegal turn or U-turn on the highway can result in injuries that require ongoing medical treatment. These types of collisions frequently result in disabling injuries, and sometimes they’re even deadly. If you were injured in an illegal turn accident due to the irresponsible actions of another, you have options. Contact the attorneys at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices for a free consultation and help with your case. You are not alone.
