Failing to yield the right of way is a common cause of car accidents in Salt Lake City, UT. Drivers who cause right-of-way accidents can be held liable for damages in some situations. People can suffer severe personal injuries in these accidents. Therefore, drivers must understand right-of-way laws in Utah to avoid accidents and personal liability for damages.
Utah Traffic Laws Designate Who Has the Right of Way
Right-of-way laws in Utah include, but are not limited to:
Yielding to Pedestrians
Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks if they are on the same side of the road as the vehicle or close enough to the vehicle to create danger. Motorists must stop if anyone is in a school crosswalk, regardless of their position in the crosswalk.
Pedestrians do not have the right of way if there is no crosswalk. They must yield to traffic in either direction.
Yielding at an Intersection
The driver who is expected to yield the right of way at a four-way stop can be confusing. Utah laws state:
- The first automobile to reach the intersection has the right of way.
- When they reach the intersection together, the driver to the left must yield the right of way to the driver on the right.
- If the vehicles arrive simultaneously on opposite sides and are going straight, they can proceed through the intersection together.
- Vehicles opposite each other arriving simultaneously must yield to the vehicle that is going straight. The driver turning left always must yield the right of way.
At intersections that only have two-way stop signs, the drivers at the stop signs must yield to traffic traveling in the opposite direction. These rules are in place unless a police officer is directing traffic. You must always follow traffic instructions from a police officer.
Turning Right on Red
You can legally turn right on red in Utah if no sign prohibits you from doing so. However, you must come to a complete stop and yield to all other traffic and pedestrians before turning.
Yield Signs
When drivers approach a yield sign, they must slow to a reasonable speed for the existing conditions. They must stop if it is unsafe to proceed. After stopping or slowing, the driver must yield the right of way to traffic approaching the other roadway so close that it would be dangerous to pull out in front of them.
Right of Way at Zipper Merge Points
A merge point is when two traffic lanes become one traffic lane. The zipper merge is a method of merging at these points. Drivers use both lanes of traffic until they reach the designed merge point. Then, they alternate, yielding the right of way to enter one traffic lane.
When Can I Sue a Driver for a Right of Way Accident in Salt Lake City, UT?
Utah is a no-fault insurance state. Drivers are required to have a minimum of $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. If you are involved in a car accident, you file a claim against your PIP insurance coverage. PIP pays for your medical bills and other financial losses based on the policy limits. PIP pays benefits no matter who is at fault for causing the accident.
In addition to no-fault insurance coverage, Utah requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage. Liability car insurance compensates accident victims when a driver causes an accident. However, you cannot file a claim against the other driver unless you meet specific requirements.
To sue the at-fault driver for damages, you must have over $3,000 in medical expenses or meet the serious injury threshold. Serious injuries include bodily dismemberment and permanent impairment, disability, or disfigurement.
If you meet the requirements, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for economic and non-economic damages. These damages include:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Impairments and disabilities
- Medical bills and expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitative care and treatment
- Diminished quality of life
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Decrease in future earning capacity
- Disfigurement and scarring
You must prove the other driver caused the accident before receiving compensation for damages. The insurance company may dispute liability for the crash.If you were injured in a right-of-way accident, a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can help. Call to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer.
Contact our Car Accident Lawyers at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help With Your Case
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact your nearest McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers location to schedule a free consultation today:
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500, Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(512) 474-0222
