The Federal Highway Administration’s 2024 Roundabout Week Report showed the benefits these unique intersections can provide. They reduce traffic injuries by up to 82%. They even improve traffic flow and reduce fuel consumption.
Unfortunately, they aren’t a perfect system. Roundabot crashes remain a problem.
In a recent YouGov poll, 47% of drivers rated themselves as excellent, with only 2% rating themselves as poor or terrible. That kind of overconfidence can be a potentially deadly mistake in a confusing area, such as a roundabout.
Drivers often struggle to navigate them. There are so many cars moving at once. When a crash does occur, it can be difficult to determine what caused it.
Read on to learn more about these accidents, including how fault is determined and how to get the compensation you deserve.
Types of Roundabout Crashes
Failure to yield the right of way is a factor in approximately 33% of roundabout crashes. A failure-to-yield collision occurs when a driver doesn’t obey a yield sign or notice a driver already in the roundabout. They can also crash into a driver who has the right of way when they were supposed to be yielding.
A side-swipe or T-bone accident occurs when a driver crashes into the side of another vehicle. They happen when a driver doesn’t change lanes properly and cuts off another vehicle.
Rear-end collisions occur when vehicles follow each other too closely. One is forced to slow down or stop abruptly.
What to Do After Roundabout Crashes
If you are involved in an accident at a roundabout, move to a safe location immediately. Check for injuries and call emergency services.
Exchange insurance and contact information. File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible to avoid going past the statute of limitations. Let them know what happened, but avoid discussing fault at this early stage in the process.
Document the scene of the crash. Take pictures of any injuries and damage to vehicles or property. Get statements from anyone involved. It’ll provide valuable evidence later when you submit a claim.
Legal Principles to Follow
The primary reason behind roundabout crashes is a lack of understanding. They’re not as ubiquitous as traditional intersections with their traffic signals and other indicators of where to go and how to proceed.
Knowing how to navigate a roundabout helps you avoid incidents. It also helps you determine who is at fault in a crash. If you followed all the rules, the blame must lie with another party.
Entering the Roundabout
Stay to the right and slow down to 10-15 miles per hour.
Check for any vehicles entering the roundabout. Don’t stop unless it’s to avoid a crash.
Right-of-Way
Drivers that are already in the roundabout almost always have the right of way. Any driver that comes in has to yield to them before merging.
Pedestrians also have the right of way.
Turning and Proper Lane Usage
Never turn left at the splitter island.
If the roundabout has multiple lanes, drivers have to stay in their designated lane.
If you want to go straight through the roundabout, you can enter from either lane. Enter the right lane for a right turn and the left lane for a left turn.
Don’t change lanes when you’re in the roundabout. If you want to make a right turn in the roundabout, stay in the right lane. If you want to make a left turn, stay on the left. You can go through the roundabout in either lane.
Exiting the Roundabout
Use your right turn signal when exiting the roundabout. Check for and yield to any pedestrians.
If you miss your street, go around the roundabout again and exit at the street you need to get to.
Types of Fault
Determining fault in a roundabout accident is like solving a mystery. The driver entering the roundabout is typically the prime suspect.
In general, any driver who violates local traffic laws or rear-ends another vehicle will be considered at fault. Like any mystery worth its salt, there could be other explanations.
There are cases where drivers may share roundabout accident liability. Perhaps they were both engaging in unsafe driving practices.
Municipal liability is when the local municipality responsible for road maintenance is considered at fault for the accident. This could be due to:
- Poor signage
- Inadequate lighting
- Road defects
There are even times when the vehicle manufacturer is at fault. This occurs when issues such as a faulty tire or defective brakes cause an accident.
Determining Accident Fault
The way to prove fault in roundabout crashes is to gather evidence. Gathering as much information as possible after the crash, such as photos or statements, gives you a head start.
Other types of evidence that your lawyer may get to bolster your case include:
- Traffic cam or dashcam footage
- Witness or expert testimonies
- Police reports
Getting Traffic Accident Compensation
One of the most fundamental legal rights in accidents is the right to seek damages. It applies to roundabout accidents, but the process can be difficult without the right help.
Florida is a comparative negligence state. That means everyone involved in the accident can claim damages. The amount they’ll get is reduced based on how at fault they’re determined to be.
This is why determining accident fault is so important. If you want the full damages you deserve, you’ll have to prove that another party was responsible (or at least more responsible) for the crash. An experienced lawyer can do this through evidence and tireless effort.
There’s also a ticking clock. You have to seek traffic accident compensation within 14 days of the crash, so don’t wait.
Where to Get Legal Representation
Roundabout crashes occur when drivers misuse a generally safe system. Obtaining proper representation can help determine who or what is responsible for the incident. It ensures you receive the damages you deserve.
RHINO Lawyers is passionate about revitalizing the law industry. We’re a forward-thinking firm that utilizes the latest technology. It helps us investigate your case and communicate with you on your terms.
Our team of injury claims advisors has a long track record of satisfied clients. Contact us for your free case review today.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
