After being in a right-of-way accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Right-of-way accidents can be complicated, and insurance companies are not always fair. One of your first steps should be to contact a qualified personal injury accident lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a right-of-way accident, act now to protect your rights. The Norris Injury Lawyers team serving Birmingham, Alabama, is experienced in dealing with insurance companies and can help you get the compensation you deserve. We will also work to make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement.
Call us at 24/7 at (800) 477-7510 to schedule a free consultation with Norris Injury Lawyers. When you work with us, you are assured of our No Fee Guarantee®.
What are Alabama’s Right-of-Way Laws?
In Alabama, the right-of-way laws are designed to protect drivers, keep pedestrians safe and ensure traffic continues flowing smoothly. These dictate who has the right-of-way in a variety of different situations and who is responsible for yielding. Understanding them is essential for anyone who plans on driving in Alabama.
Alabama’s right-of-way laws are meant to both protect your life and your rights. Below are some examples of these laws:
- The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection must yield the right-of-way to any other vehicles that have already entered the intersection, but there are some exceptions to this rule
- If two vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right
- Drivers must yield the right-of-way when making a left turn at an intersection unless they have a green arrow indicating that they can proceed without yielding
- Drivers who are entering an intersection from a side street or driveway must also yield to any oncoming traffic
The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Norris Injury Lawyers can help you learn more about the laws that apply to your situation and what your legal options are.
Right-of-Way Laws for Pedestrians in Alabama
In Alabama, pedestrians always have the right-of-way when crossing a street or roadway. This means that drivers must always yield to pedestrians and should never try to speed up or pass them while they are in the crosswalk.
Pedestrians also have the right-of-way at intersections without crosswalks as long as they are crossing from one side of the street to the other.
Some drivers might not be aware of these laws, so it is important for pedestrians to learn their rights and be cautious when crossing the street. If you are ever in doubt, it is always best to wait for traffic to clear before crossing.
Right-of-Way Laws in Alabama for Motor Vehicles
In Alabama, vehicles may have the right-of-way in the following situations:
- If two vehicles come to an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way
- If a driver is about to turn to the left in an intersection or onto a private road, he or she must yield to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction in the intersection
Since drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street, every intersection should be approached with care and caution, as near-accidents are very common in blind areas. There are a variety of factors such as weather conditions that affect how clearly you can see the road ahead.
Understanding which laws apply in your unique situation can be difficult. Our team at Norris Injury Lawyers will patiently help you understand your legal options and rights.
Why Do Alabama Right-of-Way Accidents Happen?
The following are some examples of different types of crashes where right-of-way may be an issue:
- Failure-to-yield crashes: These crashes often occur when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic when making a turn or merging onto a highway
- Red light running crashes: These crashes occur when a driver runs a red light or stop sign and collides with either another car or pedestrian who has the right-of-way
- Right-of-way violation crashes: These crashes can occur when one driver violates the right-of-way of another driver, such as by cutting them off in traffic, or passing on the shoulder of the road
- Pedestrian right-of-way crashes: These crashes often occur at crosswalks
Often, these accidents are caused by drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles or pedestrians. In other cases, right-of-way accidents may be caused by drivers who are distracted or impaired.
Whatever the cause, accidents can often be avoided if drivers use caution and follow the rules of the road.
Tips for Intersection Safety in Alabama
Intersection safety is important for all drivers but may be especially crucial in Alabama. With so many large roads and highways crisscrossing the state, there are plenty of opportunities for accidents to occur.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe when driving through intersections in Alabama:
- Pay attention to the traffic signals and yield signs. These are there for a reason and ignoring them can lead to serious accidents
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means keeping an eye out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and any potential hazards that might be in the road
- Don’t try to beat the light. Speeding up to make it through an intersection just before the light changes is not worth the risk. It is better to be safe and wait a few extra seconds than to cause an accident
- Use caution when making left turns. This is often where accidents happen, so it’s important to take your time and make sure there is no oncoming traffic before proceeding.
Following these tips will help you stay safe when driving through intersections in Alabama. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry at the wheel!
What Should You Do After a Right-of-Way Accident?
Unfortunately, even if you have done all you can to promote road safety, accidents can still occur at any time. If you have been in a right-of-way collision in Alabama, you may be wondering how to determine who was at fault. You should act quickly to protect your rights.
To do so, you will first need to gather evidence from the scene of the accident:
- Do not leave the scene of the incident; call the police immediately and file a report
- Get the other driver’s insurance information
- Take pictures and videos of the accident scene
- Get detailed statements and the contact information of any witnesses at the scene; when it is possible, get security camera footage from nearby homes or businesses
- Take note of the damage and document all injuries
- Document any circumstances that may have contributed to the accident, such as intoxication or weather conditions
- Record your own recollection of what happened
- Seek medical attention, even if you do not think you are injured
- Do not mistakenly admit fault or claim responsibility for the accident
- Contact an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve
- Do not talk to the insurance company until you have talked with a lawyer
After your accident, call the lawyers at Norris Injury Lawyers to find out what your legal options are. We can defend your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation.
Let an Experienced Birmingham, Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer Fight for You
After your right-of-way accident, seek legal assistance from an Alabama personal injury lawyer. The State of Alabama has its own set of right-of-way laws that may be different from other states. A qualified personal injury lawyer, though, will be able to help you navigate the confusing legal system and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
If you have been involved in a right-of-way accident involving pedestrians or vehicles, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered. Do not try to deal with the insurance companies on your own.
Do not delay. Time is limited to file a claim, but if you file without delay you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, damages, lost wages, and more. Don’t go it alone – get the help you need to get back on your feet.
Norris Injury Lawyers has fought for over four decades on behalf of our clients. Our team located in Birmingham, AL, understands the various laws that may affect your case.
Contact one of our representatives for a free case evaluation by calling 800-477-7510 or here on our website. Don’t wonder about your rights – let us guide you every step of the way!
