Who has the Right of Way at Stop Signs in Burbank, Including a 4-way Stop?
The right of way is defined as the legal right to go first across a road ahead of others. It can be in relation to other cars or pedestrians.
When you reach a four-way stop sign, who has the right of way?
From Walmart and Target to Olive Garden and Outback Steakhouse, the Burbank Empire Center is home to a plethora of shops and restaurants. It’s also a high-volume area for car traffic.
There are many four-way stops, usually backed up with multiple cars at each stop sign. Oftentimes, it feels like a free for all, with cars seemingly going whenever they choose.
The general rule of thumb is to follow a “first come, first serve” basis. Thus, the vehicle that gets to the intersection first has the right-of-way, whoever is second would be next, and so forth.
When more than one vehicle reaches a four-way stop at the same time, the vehicle to the right is the one that has the right of way.
Two-way stops are also common. In the event that two cars reach stop signs on opposite sides of the road and want to turn, the car turning right has the right of way to go first.
These areas can be highly dangerous when it comes to car accidents. It’s estimated that about 40 percent of car crashes in the U.S. are at an intersection.
Even though you may be familiar with the rules surrounding four-way stop signs, other drivers may not be as certain.
If you were involved in an accident, our Burbank car accident attorneys at C&B Law Group can help.
Common types of car accidents that may be caused by lack of right of way knowledge include:
Head-on Collision – two cars colliding at the front end of each vehicle.
T-bone – being hit on the side by another car.
Rear-End Collision – when one car smashes into the rear end of another car. These are very common at intersections.
Sideswipe accident – a collision between two cars moving in the same direction that results in one vehicle scraping another.
Rollovers – when a car is flipped to its side or roof.
Generally, with each car comes more pedestrians. This is especially true in the Burbank Empire Center. It’s not uncommon to see pedestrians at crosswalks or in the parking lot trying to get to their cars.
If you are operating a vehicle, the pedestrian always has the right of way. Drivers must stop for all pedestrians who are in or entering a crosswalk. You must yield the right of way even if pedestrians are jaywalking.
For example, if you arrive at a four-way stop sign first with multiple cars and see a pedestrian trying to cross the street, you must yield to the pedestrian, even though you arrived at the section first.
California’s pedestrian accident rate is almost 25 percent higher than other states. It’s important to always put pedestrians first. Many vehicles weigh in excess of 4,000 pounds. Hitting another human can no doubt result in injuries of catastrophic proportions.
Injuries one can suffer from after a pedestrian accident include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Sprains and strains
- Traumatic Brain Injury, such as a concussion or brain hemorrhaging
- Bruises, cuts, and lacerations
- Permanent scarring as a result from severe cuts and lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Torn muscles or other internal injuries
- Back injuries, ranging from a pinched nerve to broken back
- Neck injuries, like a fractured vertebrae.
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident in Burbank, call the pedestrian accident attorneys at C&B Law Group today. Our attorneys know that pedestrian accidents can be exhausting, physically and mentally.
We will do whatever it takes within our legal power to hold the responsible party accountable and recover the proper compensation for your case after an accident involving right of way issues.
With an office in Burbank, our team is available for any questions you have regarding a pedestrian accident injury. Contact us now about your free consultation.
