In order for a driver to know who has the right of way, they must first know what is the right of way?
What Does Right of Way Mean?
The phrase “yield the right-of-way” refers to how a driver yields or “gives up” their “turn” (typically at an intersection) to another driver, pedestrian, or cyclist. As you can imagine, serious injuries can occur when drivers are unclear as to who should proceed through an intersection.
While this may sound like common sense, drivers regularly make simple errors that cause accidents that result in catastrophic injuries or even death. One of the most common errors Texas drivers make is failing to yield the proper right-of-way, especially at intersections such as four-way stops.
When Should You Yield the Right of Way
By paying attention to all traffic signals and adopting these right of way rules each time they arrive at an intersection, drivers can avoid costly collisions and serious injuries.
When do pedestrians have the right of way?
Drivers should always yield and give pedestrians the right of way, even if a crosswalk is unmarked. Pedestrians have the legal right to cross at a green light even if there is no metered walking sign.
Driving Right of Way Rules
When at an unmetered intersection, yield to traffic already in the intersection and to the driver’s right. If you arrive at an intersection at the same time as other drivers, yield to the driver to the right of you. At T-shaped intersections, the drivers who have come to the end of the road they were traveling on must yield to travelers who are driving on the road that goes in both directions.
Turning Left
When turning left, always yield to oncoming traffic, through traffic, and pedestrians.
Turning Right
When turning right, always yield to through traffic and pedestrians.
Parking Lot Right of Way onto an Intersection
If a driver approaches an intersection from a parking lot, alley, driveway, or private road, the driver should always yield to the main road’s flow of traffic.
Unpaved Road Right of Way
If a driver is traveling on an unpaved road and approaches a paved road, the driver must yield to the traffic on the paved road.
Traffic Light Right of Way
If you arrive at a controlled intersection and the traffic lights are blinking or otherwise malfunctioning, there are some practical rules you should keep in mind: Approach with care, because it is possible that others may not know that the traffic light is malfunctioning or they may not know what to do when they realize there is a problem.
If others have arrived at the traffic signal, the person on the right has the right-of-way, so yield to them. Assume that you must yield until you understand who has the right-of-way.
Once your position at the intersection has been established, treat it as you would any other intersection. Although, practicing extra caution is advisable.
Determining Who is At-Fault in a Right-of-way Collision
Liability is not always evident after a car accident, and motorists may have their own interests at heart when describing a traffic accident. When determining who is at fault in a right-of-way collision, police reports play a vital role. Police reports are considered a neutral accounting of what took place and are considered more accurate than what is reported by the passengers or drivers involved in the car accident. Insurance companies may also rely on police reports when making sense of how an auto wreck occurred.
Additionally, your attorney will rely on the police report as a key piece of evidence when investigating your case. If the police determine a client is not at fault after a right-of-way accident, it could mean that they are entitled to financial compensation from the at fault party or parties.
If you or a loved one injured in an auto accident where a driver failed to yield the right of way, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Contact the experienced Houston car accident attorneys at Dax F. Garza, P.C. today for a free, no obligation consultation.
