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All licensed drivers in Georgia are responsible for understanding and following the rules of the road at all times. In addition to following the speed limit, maintaining a safe following distance, and keeping your attention focused on the road, you are expected to understand the right-of-way laws.
There are a number of circumstances where the right-of-way laws must be followed, and some of them can be confusing. The following are examples of Georgia’s right-of-way laws that all motorists must follow.
You must come to a complete stop if there is a traffic light or stop sign. Vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection have the right-of-way.
If no stop sign or traffic light exists, you must yield to the motorist who reached the intersection first. If you arrive at the intersection simultaneously with another vehicle, whoever is on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver in the right vehicle.
Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at four-way stops. Once the pedestrian has crossed the intersection, the vehicles can move through the four-way stop in the order in which they arrived at the intersection.
When approaching a yield sign, slow down and prepare to stop for traffic or pedestrians.
Always yield to oncoming traffic before making a turn.
Motorists must yield to oncoming vehicles when merging into traffic.
When entering a private roadway or not part of a highway system, motorists must yield to the vehicles or pedestrians already in the primary roadway.
When entering a traffic circle or roundabout, motorists must yield to the vehicles that are already in the circle.
Motorists must always yield to police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances when their sirens are turned on.
Drivers must also yield to maintenance vehicles in a construction zone.
Motorists must not pass a school bus when its lights are flashing and the stop sign is displayed.
If you were injured in a failure-to-yield car accident, you must prove that the other driver was negligent and did not follow the right-of-way rules. That means gathering as much evidence from the accident scene as possible, including photos of the damage to your vehicle, injuries, and any skid marks on the road. In addition, if there were witnesses who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and their contact information.
The situation can become complicated if you are partially at fault for causing the accident. Since Georgia is a comparative negligence state, you may recover damages from the driver who was more at fault than you. However, your financial recovery will be reduced by the percentage of your share of liability. Your car accident lawyer can work to negotiate the best possible outcome.
If you or someone you love was injured in a right-of-way car accident, contact our Macon car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC at your earliest convenience. Call us today at 478-254-2007 or contact us online. We offer free consultations. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, and Atlanta.
Facing the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Before you speak with the insurance companies, make sure you schedule a free consultation with the Macon personal injury lawyers at Childers & McCain. We can protect your rights while anticipating the insurance company’s tactics to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this tough road alone – let our team of professionals help you move forward.
