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When vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists meet on the road, who has the right to proceed first? This is determined by the right-of-way laws.
In Missouri, right-of-way laws help people driving across the state's roads identify when they're required to slow down or stop to let others pass.
Although they aren't always obvious, drivers should always act according to what's actually written in these laws. Otherwise, they can face severe legal consequences . Powell Law Firm is also able to advise on how to avoid insurance increase after accident.
Right-of-Way Laws in Missouri
Busy roundabouts may seem chaotic, but the truth is that drivers always act in a similar way and know when it's time to yield. This is mainly reflected in right-of-way laws.
Failure to yield the right of way often results in crashes and other accidents. Right-of-way laws have been designed to help traffic flow smoothly and avoid unfortunate incidents.
This is a summary of Missouri's right-of-way laws:
Intersections
Unfortunately, many car accidents are caused at intersections. Many of them are caused by drivers who fail to yield the right of way. Therefore, Missouri's motor vehicle operators are required to comply with the following laws:
The first driver to reach the intersection has the right of way if it's a sign-controlled intersection.
If the drivers coming from opposite directions arrive at the same time at such intersection, the driver to the right has the right of way
If there's no traffic control signal or stop sign at the specific intersection, drivers are required to give the right of way to vehicles approaching from their right side.
Drivers entering an intersection intending to make a left turn should always yield the right of way to vehicles traveling straight.
Drivers are required to yield the right of way to vehicles in all traffic lanes and pedestrians at roundabouts. However, they can enter without yielding if there's no traffic.
Pedestrians crossing the street at crosswalks or other areas designated by law always have the right of way.
If pedestrians are entering or exiting a driveway, parking lot, or alley, drivers must always yield the right of way to them.
When making a right turn at a red light, drivers must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.
Drivers should always slow down to a reasonable speed when approaching yield signs and stop at a clearly marked stop line if required for safety. After slowing or stopping, they must yield the right of way to vehicles at the intersection or approaching from another highway if they are so close that pose an immediate hazard while such vehicles are moving across or within the intersection.
Pedestrians
Sometimes, car accidents don't involve other drivers but pedestrians. However, right-of-way laws explain what both parties must do to avoid actions that may pose risks.
Although pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles that have a green light at an intersection, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians on the road, regardless of whether they are crossing illegally.
If pedestrians are crossing through a designated area on the same side of the road as the vehicle, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians The same is true if they're crossing so closely from the opposite direction that they're at risk.
Other drivers cannot pass vehicles that have stopped for pedestrians.
Highways
Some laws apply only if people are driving on highways.
The driver of a vehicle that is entering from an entrance ramp always has to yield the right of way to vehicles that are on the highway.
Drivers always have to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic if they're making a left turn across a highway.
Other Scenarios
In Missouri, drivers are required to yield the right of way in special scenarios, including the following:
Drivers should always yield the right of way to emergency vehicles with sirens or flashing lights on.
Motor vehicle operators must also yield the right of way to funeral processions, even if there's a conflicting traffic signal.
Funeral processions must always yield the right of way to any emergency vehicle approaching.
Drivers should always yield the right of way at train crossings when lights are flashing, guardrails are down, or a train is approaching.
Possible Penalties for Failing to Yield the Right of Way in Missouri
Missouri has set penalties for people who fail to yield the right of way according to the state's traffic laws. Those who comment on this violation may face fines and demerit points on their driver's licenses.
In addition, if a person fails to yield the right of way and causes an accident, they can be sued by victims and required to pay compensation for their damages. Under state laws, injured people can take legal action against negligent drivers and hold them accountable for their behavior. Powell Law Firm can also help answer questions like Are airbags more dangerous than good?
What People Involved in a Crash with a Negligent Driver Should Do
If involved in an accident caused by someone who failed to yield the right of way, victims must take certain steps to protect themselves. Below are some tips:
Never admit fault or apologize to the other driver even if they believe they were partially at fault
Don't forget to request a police report and make sure it includes details about the accident site and the vehicles involved
Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos and videos of the vehicles involved and the surrounding area.
Don't consent to recorded statements if you have not spoken with an experienced attorney
Contact a car accident attorney and get their cases evaluated as soon as possible
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today
Drivers are legally required to respect the right of way laws. If they aren't sure whether they should yield or not, motor vehicle operators should exercise caution to avoid causing accidents and injuring others. Good auto accident lawyers in St Louis MO can provide more insight to this.
If they fail to do this and hurt other people, victims can take legal action against them to hold them accountable for their actions and pursue compensation. Those injured in such accidents have the legal right to speak with an attorney.
Anyone who has been injured in an accident caused by a driver who failed to yield the right of way can contact Powell Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation.