Uncontrolled Intersections in Florida: The Right-of-Way

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Some drivers are unclear about Florida traffic laws regarding uncontrolled intersections. Without a stop light or a stop sign, deciding which way a vehicle is going to turn and go at what time can be unnecessarily confusing. Misunderstanding these laws can be very dangerous, and lead to serious accidents

While the right-of-way is something that all drivers learn, it is also easy to violate or forget this basic rule, especially when drivers are distracted or impatient.

Right-of-Way Laws in Florida

In Florida, a driver must yield to another vehicle that has already entered an intersection. If you and another vehicle come to the intersection at the same time, then the car on the left should yield to the car on the right. Basically, if you have someone on your right at the intersection, then you must stop and allow them to pass through the intersection first.

If you are entering a state- or city-maintained road or highway from an unpaved or paved road that does not have traffic signals or signs, you must yield to the vehicles approaching in all directions on the state- or city-maintained highway or road.

Generally, vehicles traveling on this type of road are traveling much too fast to stop and allow someone to pass through an intersection from an uncontrolled road. This rule is in place as a safety precaution for all of the drivers in that type of intersection.

Violating Florida's Right-of-Way Laws

A violation of Florida's right-of-way law is not only very careless and dangerous, it is also a traffic offense that is subject to a moving violation. If one motorist has a citation for this type of moving violation, and caused an accident, then it is more likely that you will be able to recover damages after you have expended the limits of your no-fault insurance.

Extenuating Circumstances...

There are some circumstances where you may need to violate the right-of-way laws, and, as a rule, the law understands this. For example, if you need to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle, then violating the right-of-way law may be necessary. You may also need to violate this type of law to avoid an accident, such as if you notice a vehicle coming up behind you very quickly and you want to avoid a rear-end collision.

Taking Control in an "Uncontrolled" Situation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an uncontrolled intersection, you may have a viable legal action against the other driver or vehicle owner. Find out more by contacting an experienced Florida car accident attorney today.

Also Read :

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• How a Personal Injury Claim Can Change Your Life