Most people took driver’s ed once in high school and never again. While you might be used to driving every day of the year, do you know the facts about when you do and do not have the right of way? Keep reading to get the facts and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you are injured in a car accident in which you had the right of way.
Basic Rules to Be Aware Of
First, let us cover the most common situations you will come across in intersections. Some of the basic rules you should be aware of include:
- It matters who stopped first. If you come on an intersection with several vehicle entries, the driver who got to the intersection first has the right of way.
- Knowing who is to your right. In the event that you and another vehicle got to an intersection at the same time, the driver on the right has the right of way.
- What to do when turning. If you are turning left or right, then you are required to yield to traffic that is going straight, and you are required to yield to pedestrians.
Knowing these three basic facts can help you in the vast majority of situations involving the right of way.
What to Do When an Emergency Vehicle is Present
There are unique steps to follow in the event that an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance, fire truck, or police car approaches. In short, they always have the right of way. You should pull over completely if possible. If it is not possible to do so, then move out of the line of traffic.
What to Do When You Are Entering a Paved Road
If you are traveling on an unpaved road, including an alley, and you enter a paved road, then you are required to yield the right of way to the driver that is on the paved roadway. This is true even if you would otherwise have the right of way.
What to Do at Railway Crossings
Trains always have the right of way. You are required to stop if signals indicate that there is a train approaching an intersection. Bus drivers are required to stop fully at every train crossing. It might be wise for all motorists to do so, considering how deadly a train accident can be.
Were You Injured in an Accident in Which You Had the Right of Way?
If you were injured in a car accident in which you had the legal right of way and a vehicle that did not have the right of way struck you, then you might have grounds for a personal injury claim. To find out what your options are, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707.
