In Connecticut, right of way laws determine who con travel safely in certain situations. Anyone using the roads in Connecticut must obey these laws. When a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian has the right of way at an intersection, they have the right to proceed, while all others must yield to them.
These laws serve two basic purposes. They are designed to encourage the smooth flow of traffic, and above all, to prevent accidents. If people follow these laws, everyone should be able to cross each other’s paths safely. However, when violated, serious, life-changing injuries can result.
If you were recently injured in a right of way accident in Connecticut, we are ready to help you at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC. Our personal injury attorneys can investigate and determine whether someone’s failure to comply with right of way laws played a role in the crash. Contact us today to receive a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.
What Are Connecticut’s Right of Way Laws for Vehicles at Intersections?
When cars are approaching an intersection, who has the right of way will depend on factors such as whether there are stop lights or stop signs, whether there is oncoming traffic, who arrives first, and whether they are turning or going straight. When drivers fail to yield the right of way when required, they can be held responsible for a collision they cause.
Intersections with Stop Signs
The driver who arrives at the intersection and comes to a complete stop first has the right of way. If multiple drivers arrive at the same time, the driver on the right may go first.
Intersections with Lights
Drivers must obey all traffic signals. They typically have the right of way on a green light, should slow down for a yellow light, and must stop at red lights. When turning, drivers only have the right of way with a solid green arrow. Otherwise, they should yield to oncoming traffic. Drivers should also watch for pedestrians when turning, as they may have a “Walk” signal.
Intersections with Non-Working Lights
When there are no working lights at an intersection, drivers should act as if there were stop signs. Each driver should come to a full stop and allow the driver who arrives first to proceed. If there is a police officer directing traffic, the driver should follow their instructions.
Roundabouts
Motorists already in the roundabout have the right of way. Someone entering the roundabout should wait until there is a gap before safely entering the roundabout.
Do Drivers Always Have to Yield to Pedestrians in Connecticut?
Under Connecticut law, pedestrians have the right of way when they have a “Walk” signal, in marked and unmarked crosswalks, and on sidewalks. A driver “yields” by stopping or slowing down enough to allow the pedestrian to cross safely. When a driver yields for a pedestrian, it is illegal for any other driver to try to pass them.
Connecticut drivers should know that, under state law, they must always exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians, including honking their horns or giving some other reasonable form of warning. Contact our Hartford pedestrian accident lawyer today.
When Do Pedestrians Have to Yield to Motorists in Connecticut?
Although Connecticut has designed laws to protect pedestrians from accidents and injuries, this does not mean that pedestrians always have the right of way. In many situations, pedestrians must yield to motorists. Those situations arise when:
- A special pedestrian control traffic signal flashes “Don’t Walk,” or a traffic signal is red.
- The pedestrian tries to cross the road outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, including between two adjacent intersections with traffic or pedestrian control signals.
Under no circumstances can a pedestrian suddenly leave a curb, sidewalk, or any other safe place along the road and walk or run into the road or in front of a vehicle close enough to be an immediate hazard.
What Injuries Can Result from Failing to Yield the Right of Way?
Unfortunately, accidents can occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way. Often, this happens because the driver is speeding, impaired by alcohol or drugs, or texting while driving instead of focusing on the road and looking out for others.
Some of the most common types of injuries that victims suffer in these collisions are:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal organ injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
These injuries typically require costly medical treatment and long recovery periods.
How Do You Prove Someone Failed to Yield the Right of Way?
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we have extensive experience helping accident victims throughout Connecticut seek just compensation after they have been struck and injured by careless motorists who did not follow our state’s right of way laws. We know how to preserve, gather, and analyze evidence proving whether a driver failed to yield the right of way, including:
- Accident scene photos
- Surveillance video footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Black box data
- The driver’s cell phone records
- The driver’s blood, breath, or urine test results
We also often consult with experts in accident reconstruction, traffic safety, and engineering. These knowledgeable professionals can help us determine the cause of a right of way accident and identify who should be held responsible for the resulting losses.
Is Compensation Available for a Right of Way Accident?
If a driver fails to yield the right of way when legally required to in Connecticut and causes injuries as a result of their negligence, the victim has the right to seek full and fair compensation. The damages that may be available include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Any other related out-of-pocket costs
- Pain, suffering, anguish, and post-traumatic stress
Contact a Connecticut Right of Way Accident Lawyer
If you have been seriously hurt in a right of way accident in Connecticut, our experienced and dedicated attorneys can work closely with you to seek the compensation you deserve. We stand up to insurance companies and work tirelessly to pursue maximum compensation for our clients. To discuss your case, contact us today. Our initial consultations are always free.
