Determining liability at a four-way intersection can be difficult, especially when the accident is caused by poorly designed roads and more than two vehicles are involved. If you or someone you know was involved in a four-way intersection accident, you may have questions about liability.
Four-way intersection accidents are common because many drivers do not know or have forgotten how they work. It can also be confusing when there are multiple vehicles driving in different directions. Essentially, the driver who arrives at the four-way intersection first has the right of way. However, when two or more cars arrive at the same time, it can be complicated to tell who has the right of way. In most cases, it is the driver to the right of your vehicle.
Proving Liability
While operating a vehicle, all drivers owe a duty of care to other drivers, as well as pedestrians, but sometimes that duty of care is violated by a reckless driver. The most important thing that insurance companies need to figure out when dealing with four-way intersections is which driver had the right of way when the accident occurred. Figuring out who had the right of way and who was the careless driver helps to determine who is responsible for damages. Careless driving includes running red lights, driving while intoxicated, and speeding through intersections.
Pennsylvania’s Insurance Selection
In Pennsylvania, an insured can either opt for full tort insurance or limited tort insurance. Full tort insurance means you can make claims for all of your damages including pain and suffering. Limited tort limits your recovery to your medical bills and any lost wages, with exceptions for only serious impairment of bodily function. For a few extra dollars Full tort is the better choice.
How Would I Know If I Had the Right of Way?
A few ways to know if you have the right of way include:
- If you came up to an uncontrolled intersection and yielded to drivers who were already there. If there was a driver to the right of you who was at the intersection before you, you also yielded to them.
- You followed all traffic lights and stop signs at controlled intersections.
- If driving onto a highway, you yielded to vehicles already driving on the highway.
When You Should Yield
There are many instances when you should yield. These include, but are not limited to:
- If an emergency vehicle enters the intersection
- If a pedestrian uses a crosswalk
- If backed up traffic is already in the intersection
Allegheny County Car Accident Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Help Victims Injured in Car Accidents
If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident, you need a lawyer who can obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact an Allegheny County car accident lawyer at AlpernSchubert P.C. today. Our experienced lawyers will fight tirelessly for your rights. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 412-765-1888. Located in Pittsburgh, we represent clients across Allegheny County, Lawrence County, Washington County, and western Pennsylvania.