Who Has the Right of Way at Intersections in Florida?

Asking who has the right of way at intersections in Florida is somewhat of a trick question. Technically, no one has the right of way, not even pedestrians.

That is because the law is written in a way that only specifies who has to give the right of way to others, rather than who actually holds the right to move first. Florida laws explain who is required to yield to others in different circumstances. Our Fort Walton Beach accident attorneys understand that regardless of the terminology, knowing the situation regarding the right of way is often critical in car accident cases.

Fort Walton Beach Intersection Accident Lawyers Use Right of Way to Establish Liability

Overall, right of way laws describe which drivers, riders, and pedestrians are required to yield to others in various circumstances. When someone is supposed to yield the right of way and fails to do so, they can be held at fault for problems that occur afterward.

For example, if a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and the pedestrian gets hurt, Fort Walton Beach accident attorneys could use the right of way laws to help prove fault on the part of the driver. In most car accident cases, the most crucial aspect of the case is establishing liability, so knowing the right of way rules in a situation can make or break a claim for damages.

Right of Way in Different Driving Situations in Fort Walton Beach

Right of way situations can be complicated, but there are some basic rules that every driver should keep in mind.

• Stop sign intersections – Drivers must yield the right-of-way to other traffic and pedestrians. At four-way stops, the first car to stop is the first to move forward. When two vehicles stop at the same time, the one on the left is required to yield.
• Intersections with no signs – Drivers must yield to traffic already in the intersection when: turning left and another car is coming, coming onto a state highway from a smaller road, or entering a paved road from a dirt road.
• Roundabouts/traffic circles – Cars approaching should yield to vehicles already in the circle.
• Crosswalks – Drivers should yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and skaters in crosswalks.

Motorists are not the only ones who need to follow the rules, however. When pedestrians and others fail to follow safety rules, accident attorneys in Fort Walton Beach could argue that they also share responsibility for accidents that occur.

Contact Fort Walton Beach Intersection Accident Attorneys

Knowing who must yield the right of way is critical while driving. It is also vital when driving has led to an accident.

Experienced Fort Walton Beach accident attorneys could use arguments based on right of way to help demonstrate that a car accident victim is entitled to receive compensation for injuries. If you suffered injuries in an accident, you can trust the legal team at Searcy Denney to handle your case with compassion and fight to get you a fair recovery. To learn more, contact us today.