Who Had the Right of Way?

Posted by April Picozzi | Sep 13, 2017 | 0 Comments

When determining who is at fault in a car accident, one important factor to consider is which driver had the right-of-way. Applied at stops, turns, and merges, the right-of-way identifies which driver may proceed and which one should yield.

There are several general rules which govern who has the right-of-way while driving. These rules address various scenarios and can be implemented to guide a driver's decisions about proceeding and yielding.

The following are common right-of-way rules:

  • Controlled intersections – Drivers are required to obey the lights or traffic signs in these intersections. Failure to do so can leave you at fault for a collision.
  • Uncontrolled intersections – Drivers should yield to other motorists who are already at the intersection. If two cars arrive simultaneously, then the car to the right has the right-of-way.
  • Intersections with multiple lanes – If a street containing multiple lanes intersects with a smaller street, the drivers on the large road have the right-of-way.
  • T-intersections – If a road becomes a dead-end into another street, the driver located on the dead-end street must yield to drivers on the road.
  • Highway onramps – As you merge with the flow of traffic, the drivers already on the highway have the right-of-way.
  • Highway off-ramps – When exiting a highway, the drivers on the ramp need to yield to the drivers on the street they are exiting onto.

Remember, Rhode Island is a “pure comparative negligence” state, meaning that the driver who was not at-fault can still be held responsible for their share of fault in the crash. Each driver is responsible for their share of fault in a settlement. So always be aware of the right-of-way to avoid being partial to blame for an accident.

If you suffered an injury in a car accident in Rhode Island caused by a negligent party, contact our legal team at Inman & Tourgee today.

About the Author

April Picozzi

PUBLIC ADJUSTER / OPERATIONS & FINANCE MANAGER April M. Picozzi joined the firm in 2013 as a licensed Independent Adjuster and legal assistant to Mark D. Tourgee, Esq. She handles all aspects of personal injury claims including client intake, maintaining client files, negotiating settlements and assi...

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Sample

Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur. Donec sed odio dui. Maecenas sed diam eget risus varius blandit sit amet non magna. Nulla vitae elit libero, a pharetra augue. Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor. Morbi leo risus, porta ac consectetur ac, vestibulum at eros. Cras justo odio, dapibus ac facilisis in, egestas.

Menu