Ignoring the right of way can lead to serious accidents, but sometimes you don`t know who`s next. For example, four-lane intersections have certain right-of-way rules that can be difficult to remember. In addition to statewide laws, each city or local government can make its own laws regarding U-turns. Some further restrict them with ordinances or individually mark dangerous intersections without U-turn signs. Since this is civil and not criminal liability, it is important to note that drivers can be held liable in the event of a pedestrian accident, even if it is only 1% liability. There is still a standard of due diligence that motorists owe to pedestrians, even if they cross illegally. Most intersections are simple as to who has the right of way. A large portion of intersections in the metropolitan area are traffic lights, and unusual situations that would occur at a traffic light should have been taught to drivers during driver training before obtaining their driver`s license. But over time, unusual situations can be forgotten. Examples of these situations include: If you or a loved one was injured in an illegal U-turn accident in Seattle, you may be eligible for compensation from the guilty driver. Car accident attorney Max Meyers can help. At Max Meyers Law, we help our clients obtain compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact us today at 425-399-7000 to learn more. (2) The use of automated traffic surveillance cameras is limited to two-traffic intersections and school speed zones. In Seattle, the ordinances outlining U-turn laws are very similar to those in the state. Seattle Order 11.55.120 states that drivers may not turn around: (5) For the purposes of this section, “automated traffic camera” means a device that uses a vehicle sensor installed in conjunction with an intersection traffic guidance system or a speedometer and a synchronized camera to automatically record one or more sequenced photographs; microphotographs or electronic images of the rear of a motor vehicle at the time when the vehicle does not stop when it is in front of a continuous red traffic control signal or exceeds a speed limit detected by a speedometer in a school zone. In Seattle, we have a few unique intersections, with several five-, six-, and even seven-lane intersections. As with most intersections, the right-of-way is determined by the person who came to the stop first. With more roads intersecting, the chances of you arriving at the intersection at the same time as someone else are increased. While it may seem more confusing, despite the increased number of roads at the intersection, the rules of the road are the same. If you and another car arrive at a stop sign at the same time, you must yield to the car on the right.
If you face each other, you don`t have to give in unless someone turns around, in which case the right of way belongs to the person walking straight. In practice, however, it would be desirable to always assume very carefully that the other driver knows the traffic rules. If you`re the driver on the right side of another vehicle, you probably shouldn`t assume that the other driver knows you have the right of way. Avoiding a collision is more important than keeping your right of way legal. In addition to the penal penalties provided for herein, any person who has committed an act that has been classified as a criminal offence under the provisions of this Title is liable to a civil fine of $20.00 in addition to the penalty required in RCW 46.64.055 and at no additional cost. Fees or penalties set by the State of Washington. For the purposes of this section, “criminal traffic offences under the provisions of this Title” are defined as any violation of this Code or Title 46 of the RCW that constitutes a misdemeanor or misdemeanor. The court may reduce, revoke or suspend the additional penalty only if it determines that the offender is indigent. It is also important to note that the same laws apply to cyclists. That`s not to say cyclists always follow the law, especially in Seattle, where it`s not uncommon for someone to cycle across an intersection without stopping.
“school bus” means a school bus, as defined by the Superintendent of Public Instruction by rule, owned and operated by a school district, and all school buses that are privately owned and operated under contract or otherwise with a school district of the State for the transportation of students. The term does not include buses operated by ordinary transport companies and student urban transport, such as the transport of students through an urban transport system. Washington State RCW 46.61.295 describes the situations in which U-turns are acceptable and under what circumstances they are illegal. It states that `[t]he driver of a vehicle shall not turn the vehicle so that it is moving in the opposite direction, unless such movement can be made safely and without affecting other vehicles`. These laws are in place because accidents can be very dangerous. If two cars cross an intersection at the same time, they can easily collide. Extreme force can result in significant vehicle damage, emotional trauma, and serious injury, which may include. Car accidents are common on Washington`s roads.
According to the Washington Department of Transportation, more than 81,000 accidents occurred in the state in 2020. Of these accidents, more than 2,000 resulted in suspected serious injuries and 529 were fatal. In the same year, 806 accidents occurred at intersections. 122 of these accidents were fatal and 684 resulted in suspected serious injuries. Many drivers in Seattle have already learned that U-turns are illegal except at specially marked intersections. This was the case when many people had to train as drivers in high school, but the laws have since changed. Washington state changed its U-turn orders in 1997, and the city of Seattle followed suit the following year. Today, you can legally turn around at almost any intersection, unless there is a “No U-turn” sign. Many drivers do not know how to approach and drive through uncontrolled intersections.
The rule is actually quite simple, but it can be difficult to enforce. One of the most common situations where you have to yield the right of way is when driving at an intersection. Whether you`re at a four-lane stop sign or driving at a roundabout, keep the following right-of-way rules in mind when driving on Washington roads. These intersections, which have more roads than expected, can confuse some drivers and disobey the right of way. It can also lead to confusion about directions, which can lead to accidents. At intersections of more than four roads, it is always best to take the time to assess who has the right of way and proceed with caution when it is your turn. The following state laws are enacted by reference: (8) Offenses detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera shall be punishable by a fine equal to the same total penalty imposed for such violations if discovered by an officer without the use of an automated traffic safety camera, including the basic penalty plus any legal assessment authorized by state law. as determined by the Supreme Court, the law or any other state court order.
However, under no circumstances may these penalties be imposed in excess of the amount of a fine that may be imposed for a parking area violation and must be treated in the same manner as a parking violation. Such violations may be punishable by a penalty of up to the maximum fines allowed for parking violations, which are up to the amounts authorized under sections 8.05.040 and 8.05.100 of the WFRC. (1) It is unlawful for a person who operates a motor vehicle on the highways of the city to turn right or left when approaching or exiting intersections and to drive on private property in order to avoid the intersection or a traffic control device that controls the intersection. unless ordered by a legitimate authority. If there is an emergency vehicle with the lights and siren on, drivers must yield in accordance with the law. As a general rule, motorists must stop on the right to make room for the vehicle to pass. If you can`t stop, it`s best to stop and stay where you are to keep a clear path for the emergency vehicle. This also includes at an intersection. Never stop in the middle of an intersection if there is an emergency vehicle nearby. When you enter an intersection that has no signs (no stop or right-of-way signs) or traffic lights, the right of way goes to the vehicle on the driver`s right side. Therefore, if you are approaching such an intersection as a driver, you should be aware that any other vehicle to your right has the right of way, and you must yield so that this vehicle can make its way through the intersection.
The Washington Accident Books™ are a collection of books, reports, and other materials designed to educate the public about the nature of accidents and the legal rights of injury victims.