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Summary
The driver entering the roundabout is usually at fault in a roundabout accident.
Table of Contents
Who Is at Fault in a Roundabout Accident
In a roundabout car accident, the driver entering the roundabout is typically considered to be at fault.
However, while the entering driver is generally the negligent driver, there could be situations where other drivers involved in the accident can be considered at fault or share fault in the accident.
To correctly determine fault and avoid any liability falling on you, it's recommended that you contact Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Rodney Okano for a free consultation at (702) 566-3600.
What Are the Roundabout Right-of-Way Laws
Knowing roundabout right-of-way laws is crucial in determining fault in your roundabout crash.
Below, we cover the laws clarifying which vehicles have the right-of-way and which must yield when entering a roundabout.
Who Has the Right-of-Way in a Roundabout?
According to Nevada law NRS 484B.260, cars inside the traffic circle have the right-of-way over vehicles outside or entering the roundabout.
In addition, key roundabout laws that may apply to your case include:
- Drivers must stay in their line in multi-lane roundabouts
- Pedestrians and cyclists have the right-of-way when crossing at marked crosswalks
Who Must Yield at Roundabouts?
In roundabouts, those who must yield to oncoming traffic include:
- Entering Drivers: Any driver entering the traffic circle must yield to traffic already inside before merging in.
- Exiting Vehicles: In roundabouts with multiple lanes, drivers must avoid cutting off other vehicles, as this could result in a t-bone accident.
Failure to yield in these situations outlined above could result in you being held liable for the injuries or damages a roundabout accident may cause.
How to Determine Fault in a Roundabout Accident
Determining liability in a roundabout accident is required when you pursue compensation for any damages or injuries sustained.
However, fault determination can be a complex and time-consuming legal process that typically requires help from an experienced lawyer, but if you wish to determine liability on your own, it will, at a minimum, require:
- Traffic Camera or Dashcam Footage: Video evidence of the roundabout car crash can be used to show which driver violated right-of-way or other traffic laws.
- Witness Testimony: Witness statements from pedestrians or other drivers can provide insights into how the roundabout accident occurred.
- Police Report: Police reports or citations filed by the responding officer can be used to support your claims.
- Expert Testimony: Testimony from experts such as accident reconstruction specialists can be used in complex roundabout accidents.
Roundabout vehicle accidents can be complex cases to determine liability, which is why it's recommended to contact Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Rodney Okano, as with over 20 years of experience, you can be ensured the at-fault driver will be brought to justice.
Comparative Negligence in Nevada Roundabout Accidents
Under NRS 41.141, multiple drivers involved in a roundabout accident can be held liable for the accident and have their compensation reduced based on the percentage of fault they are found to be at.
In addition, if a driver is found to be 50% or more at fault for the roundabout accident, they can be barred from recovering compensation from the other driver's insurance companies.
What Are the Types of Roundabout Collisions
There are many types of roundabout car crashes, each having its own severity and complexity.
Understanding the common types of roundabout car accidents and the one that applies to you is a key starting point to winning and claiming compensation in your roundabout accident case.
Failure to Yield Collisions
When a driver fails to follow the yield sign or fails to notice a driver already in the roundabout, a failure-to-yield accident may occur where the supposed-to-be yielding driver crashes into the right-of-way driver.
Side-Swipe Accidents (Failure to Maintain Lane)
Side-swipe accidents occur in roundabouts when a driver is switching lanes in a roundabout and cuts off another vehicle, resulting in them crashing into the side of the other vehicle.
While changing lanes in a roundabout is not illegal, it is highly discouraged due to the potential risk of a side-swipe car accident.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents can occur in roundabouts when a vehicle is following too closely and the lead car stops or slows abruptly.
In Nevada, under NRS 484B.127, it's required that all drivers maintain a safe following distance, meaning that the rear vehicle will typically be held at fault for the accident.
What to Do After a Roundabout Crash
Accidents in traffic circles can be stressful experiences that can worsen if you do not know what to do next.
When a roundabout car crash occurs, you should:
- Check for Injuries: Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries sustained in the car accident.
- Move to a Safe Location: If your vehicle is still operable, move it out of traffic; if not, move yourself and others out of harm's way.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Under NRS 484E.070, if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $750, you must call the police.
- Exchange Information: Approach other drivers and exchange names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, insurance company information, and vehicle information.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel like you sustained no injuries, receiving a medical checkup is crucial to your health and claim following a motor vehicle crash.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident. Prioritize key elements such as vehicle damage, road signs, skid marks, and the surrounding environment.
- Notify Your Insurance: Inform your insurance of the accident and provide them with any information they may require; however, avoid speaking about fault.
- Seek Help from a Personal Injury Attorney: If, after the accident, liability is disputed or you have medical bills, it's recommended that you schedule a free legal consultation with a law firm to see what legal options may be available to you.
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Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
