You have a license and know how to drive, so you were certainly tested on the rules of the road, but a surprising amount of individuals are still unclear about the law, whether because they forgot over time, or never quite committed it to memory. However, failing to yield the right of way can cause some serious accidents, so it is crucial to understand these rules to reduce the risk of being in an accident.
Here are some of the circumstances under which the right of way must be yielded to another driver:
- To pedestrians entering or at a crosswalk
- To a yield sign
- To individuals using a seeing eye guide dog
- To individuals using a white cane
- At an uncontrolled intersection where vehicles are already in the intersection
- To vehicles on a through road at a “T” intersection
- When turning left
- When driving on an unpaved road that intersects with a paved road
- When backing out of or otherwise exiting a parking space and entering through traffic
While the law states who must yield or give up the right of way, it technically does not give the right of way to anyone. This means every driver, bicyclist, motorcyclist, and pedestrian must do everything possible to prevent an accident from occurring. We are all responsible for being safe and responsible any time we are on the roadways, even as pedestrians.
The fact that the law does not specifically give anyone the right of way also means no one should ever insist on the right of way. For example, if a driver is supposed to yield to you, but does not do so, you should not proceed and insist on the right of way at the risk of having an accident. Doing so might even render you partially liable for the accident if it is determined that you contributed to the accident. You might be in a hurry or impatient, but driving defensively and anticipating the actions of other drivers can help avoid crashes, which is ultimately beneficial for everyone involved. Before you get on the road, always remember to be courteous and kind, no matter what kind of day you are having.
Car Accident Attorneys in Phoenix
Car accidents often leave survivors facing painful injuries, costly medical expenses, and even lost wages, or the inability to return to work. This can be an expensive burden to bear, but you should not have to pay for it. At Rafi Law Group, we fight on behalf of injured victims to help them secure the financial compensation they deserve. Our experienced staff is dedicated to helping victims of personal injuries and accidents, providing dedicated legal representation that is based on their unique circumstances and needs.
Contact our office today at (623) 300-1151 to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.