Traffic Accidents at Roundabouts
As Sacramento and other cities across California expand, we see more roundabouts being built. Roundabouts are circular roadways where vehicles travel in one direction. Cars enter the roundabout and move in a counterclockwise direction where they exit to another street and continue on.
It is a constant flow of traffic entering and exiting without interruption. Safety experts believe roundabouts create a better traffic flow than traditional intersections, leading to fewer accidents. This is great news for California drivers as our roadways will be much safer.
Car Accidents Can Still Occur on Roundabouts
Although roundabouts can reduce the number of car accidents, it doesn’t entirely eliminate crashes from happening. Unfortunately, some motorists don’t understand how to drive correctly in a roundabout or just fail to obey the rules. When a collision occurs on a roundabout, it may be challenging to determine who is at fault.
If you have suffered serious injuries in a roundabout crash, our skilled car accident lawyers at AutoAccident.com can help you file an injury claim and fight on your behalf for the full compensation you deserve. Call our legal team today at (916) 921-6400 for a free consultation.
Safety Factors of Roundabouts
According to research, roundabout intersections showed a 37% reduction in accidents and a 75% decrease in injury crashes. Studies also provide the following safety factors associated with roundabouts:
- Eliminate drivers speeding to make a changing traffic signal
- Eliminate obstructions and blind spots
- Fewer points of conflict between vehicles
- Help ease traffic congestion
- Increased visibility
- Increased vehicle capacity by 30-50 percent
- Reduced vehicle speeds
- Lessen the risk of head-on and T-bone crashes
Common Causes of Roundabout Car Accidents
While roundabouts are designed to prevent collisions, negligent drivers can still cause crashes. Rear-end and sideswipe accidents are pretty common on roundabouts. Other top reasons include the following:
- Failing to yield
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Stopping
- Using the wrong lane
Basic Rules of Traveling on a Roundabout
While roundabouts have been around for decades in Europe, they are fairly new in the United States. That’s why many US drivers are confused about what to do in a roundabout. Below are some basic rules.
- Slow down as you approach the roundabout.
- Yield to oncoming traffic before entering the roundabout.
- Yield to any pedestrians.
- Use your signal like you would in a traditional intersection.
- In a multi-lane roundabout, get on the correct lane for the direction you are driving.
- Choose your lane before entering. Take the right lane to turn right; take the left lane to turn left, drive straight, or make a U-turn.
- Once you are in the traffic circle, do not stop.
- Stay in your lane until you exit.
- Use your turn signal before exiting.
Make sure that you always follow these rules. If you are involved in an accident, it will be easier to determine who was at fault.
Watch YouTube Video: Rules of the Roundabout. Learn more about the rules of traveling on a roundabout from the Federal Highway Administration video below.
How To Determine Fault In A Roundabout Crash
Determining fault in a roundabout accident is similar to any other traffic collision. You must prove that the accident took place, the accident caused your damages, and the driver was negligent. When it comes to roundabout accidents, you must show that the other driver was negligent and ultimately caused the accident.
Proving who is at fault in causing a roundabout accident is essential when an injured party seeks compensation. Our Sacramento personal injury lawyers are an excellent source of advice and guidance for those hurt in a roundabout accident.
Car Accident Lawyers in Sacramento, CA
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. If you were injured in a roundabout car accident, you can’t expect the at-fault driver’s insurance company to treat you fairly. Let our skilled injury attorneys fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call our experienced Sacramento car accident lawyers today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for a free and friendly consultation. We’ll be happy to use our knowledge to help you get the maximum settlement for your damages.
We are proud to be members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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Photo by GregReese on Pixabay
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