Georgia’s right of way laws specify when a road user has the right to enter an intersection, make a turn, change lanes, or otherwise move through traffic. A driver who violates these laws and causes a collision can be held liable for the consequences. If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s failure to follow Georgia’s right of way laws, a lawyer can help you demand fair compensation from them.
What Are Georgia’s Right of Way Laws?
Georgia’s right of way laws govern how motorists and pedestrians navigate roadways safely, prioritize vehicle movement, and prevent accidents. Everyone using Georgia roads must understand right of way rules to recognize situations when they or another motorist must yield. Here are some essential rules for various traffic situations:
- Standard intersections – At intersections with traffic lights, drivers must follow the signals unless otherwise directed by law enforcement. Look for pedestrians and cyclists before going, even with a green light. If traffic lights malfunction, drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
- Turning left – Drivers turning left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway must yield to oncoming vehicles that pose an immediate risk to avoid a potential accident.
- Stop signs – At stop signs, the first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right to go after stopping at the designated line or just before a crosswalk. If two cars arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right gets to go first. Before passing through, it’s essential to come to a complete stop and check for other traffic, bicyclists, or pedestrians.
- Yield signs – Drivers approaching a yield sign must slow down and stop if necessary to yield to any vehicles or hazards in the intersection. Failure to yield and look for oncoming cars, cyclists, or pedestrians at a yield sign could cause a severe accident.
- Entering roads – Drivers entering roadways from driveways, parking lots, or minor roads must yield to vehicles already on the main road. This rule ensures that cars entering the road do not unexpectedly interrupt existing traffic.
- Pedestrians – Georgia drivers typically must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, and four-way stops. After ensuring pedestrians cross safely, vehicles can proceed through a four-way stop in the order of their arrival.
- Emergency vehicles – Drivers must yield the right of way to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, or law enforcement, when their sirens or lights are on. You must pull over to the right side of the roadway and stop until the emergency vehicle passes.
- Funerals – Funeral processions have the right of way in Georgia unless signaled to yield by law enforcement. Other vehicles must yield and not interfere with or join the procession as it moves along its route.
What Are Some Common Right of Way Scenarios?
Here are some additional right of way scenarios that drivers should know how to respond to:
- Merging onto highways – When entering a highway, drivers in the merging lane must yield to vehicles already traveling on the road. It’s essential to adjust vehicle speed to find a safe gap in the existing traffic pattern and use turn signals well in advance to alert other drivers to your lane change.
- Entering roundabouts – Entering a roundabout can be confusing. It’s critical to remember to follow the existing right of way rule: vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. Those entering must yield and pay attention to circulating cars and pedestrians, only going once oncoming vehicles have safely passed.
- Navigating construction zones – Drivers must yield to construction and road maintenance workers and vehicles in work zones. They must also follow posted signs, slow down, and pay close attention to the road to look out for workers, objects, or other hazards.
Are There Penalties for Failing to Yield the Right of Way?
The consequences for failing to yield the right of way depend on the driver’s behavior and how their actions impact the outcome. There are various penalties for failing to yield the right of way, including:
- Driver’s license points – According to Georgia’s Department of Driver Services, failing to follow traffic signals or yield to oncoming traffic adds three points to a motorist’s license. Accumulating too many points can result in the suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
- Fines – In addition to points, municipalities and other jurisdictions set ticket fees for violation of right of way laws. These fines vary from place to place but can cost hundreds of dollars. Causing serious injuries in a right of way accident could result in a $250 fine, along with other criminal penalties.
- Civil liability – Drivers whose failure to yield results in an accident, causing the other driver’s injuries, can face personal liability. They will likely be responsible for the injured driver’s losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Who Can Be Held At Fault in a Right of Way Accident?
Anyone to blame for causing a right of way accident could be responsible for its outcome. Depending on the circumstances, this might include any of the following:
- Another driver – The most common scenario involves another driver who fails to yield the right of way at an intersection, merges improperly, or makes unsafe turns.
- Pedestrians – Although pedestrians often have the right of way, there are situations where their actions could contribute to an accident, such as walking into traffic or crossing against a traffic signal.
- Cyclists – Cyclists must follow many of the same rules as motor vehicles, though not everyone does. A bicyclist could be to blame if they enter an intersection without stopping, merge from a cycling lane into a traffic lane, or otherwise violate right of way rules.
- Government entities – Improperly designed or poorly maintained roads, unclear signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals can lead to accidents where a municipality or government entity could be held responsible.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Were you hurt in an accident caused by another road user’s failure to yield you the right of way? A Georgia car accident lawyer with Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. can help you demand maximum compensation so you can recover from your injuries and move on with your life. Contact us today for your free consultation.
