Determining Right of Way in a Car Accident

Intersections are one of the most common places for car accidents to occur. One of the main reasons why collisions happen so frequently is because drivers are typically unclear on who should yield right of way to whom.

However, there are specific rules about who is supposed to go first at an intersection. Knowing these rules could save your life the next time you encounter a crossroads.

When you are driving, ensure that you obey the following right-of-way rules of the road:

• Controlled intersections – At intersections marked with stop signs and traffic signals, obey them.
• Uncontrolled intersections – Yield to vehicles already at the intersection. If you and another vehicle arrive at the intersection simultaneously, then yield to the car to the right.
• Intersections with multiple-lane roads – When a one- or two-lane road intersects with a larger road, the driver on the smaller road must yield to vehicles on the multi-lane road.
• T-intersections – When a road ends at a through street, the driver on the dead-end road must yield to traffic on the other road.
• Highway exit ramps – When an access road intersects with a highway exit ramp, drivers on the ramp must yield to vehicles on the access road. On the other hand, if a vehicle is entering a controlled-access highway, the vehicle on the on-ramp needs to yield to other vehicles on the highway.

Keep in mind, Florida is considered a “no-fault” insurance state, which means that you cannot sue an at-fault driver for injuries. Every motorist in Florida is required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage which covers economic damages—such as medical expenses and lost wages—that the driver may suffer in a crash, no matter who caused the accident.

However, if the injuries you suffered resulted in medical bills (or lost wages) totaling more than the $10,000 PIP coverage, you can bring a claim against the at-fault party. Furthermore, if you suffer “permanent” injury as a result of the accident, then you are able to bring a claim against the other driver. Additionally, you will be also eligible to recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

For more information, contact our Florida personal injury attorneys at The Pittman Firm, P.A. today.