For Florida motorists, right-of-way rules are important for staying in compliance with traffic laws as well as keeping yourself and vehicle occupants safe. The Florida Driver License Handbook includes numerous provisions on which driver must yield and who is allowed to proceed in many different traffic-related scenarios. However, intersections tend to create the most confusion. When motorists are not well-versed in how the right of way works when approaching a junction, the potential for accidents increases.
The risks of crashes resulting from a failure to yield are especially prevalent in Miami, where heavy congestion and tight city streets are also factors. A refresher course on right-of-way rules will help you avoid collisions, though you cannot prevent negligence from other motorists. Fortunately, these laws guide your Miami car accident attorney in determining who to pursue.
Right-of-Way Rules at Florida Intersections
There are two basic sources of information about yielding at intersections, and they are the traffic controls and default traffic rules. When there are signs, lane markings, or lights, you should comply with the relevant directions. In other situations, you might rely on the Florida right-of-way rules:
- When at a four-way stop, the first to arrive and stop will go first. If two cars arrive, the motorist to the right has the right of way. The driver to the left must yield.
- At a two-way intersection, any motorist must yield to those who do not have a stop, if any. When they both have to stop, the rules for a 4-way stop apply.
- With a three-way intersection, motorists on the through street have the right of way. Those on other connecting roads must yield.
- If a driver is merging, they must give the right of way to motorists in oncoming traffic.
Failure to Yield and Car Accident Claims
These laws about the right of way could lead to a traffic violation and fine, but not following the rules also increases accidents. If you were hurt by a driver who did not properly yield, this misconduct could indicate negligence. To recover compensation, you would have to prove that the motorist did not drive safely, namely by disobeying right-of-way laws. You may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical costs;
- Lost wages;
- Emotional distress; and,
- Pain and suffering.
Note that you might also need to defend any claims that you were also negligent. Florida’s comparative fault law could result in a reduction of compensation if you failed to drive safely.
Our Miami Car Accidents Lawyers Will Assist With Your Claim
Knowing right-of-way rules is useful for avoiding crashes, but not all motorists are diligent about following them. If you were injured or lost a loved one, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA, to schedule a free consultation. You can call (305) 371-6000 or go online to set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL. After learning more about your situation, a Florida car accident attorney can explain your rights.