According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts reduce fatal car accidents by approximately 90 percent compared to traditional intersections. As a result, they are becoming more common throughout Virginia. However, while roundabouts minimize delays and keep traffic moving, some motorists find them confusing.
One of the most common questions that arise has to do with who has the right-of-way when entering a roundabout, and who is at fault if a roundabout car accident does occur. All licensed drivers in Virginia have a responsibility to understand how to safely navigate a roundabout, including who has the right-of-way, when to enter the roundabout, and how to change lanes.
If you are involved in a roundabout car accident, an experienced car accident lawyer will determine who is at fault, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
How Are Roundabouts Different From Traditional Intersections?
“Traditional intersections” rely on traffic lights or stop signs to manage the flow of traffic, which means that motorists stop at a red light or a stop sign, and proceed when the lights change, or they have the legal right of way. Traffic generally moves in straight lines, or motorists make left or right turns across opposing traffic. Vehicles also tend to be traveling at higher speeds, particularly when they have a green light. However, in a “roundabout,” all vehicles travel in a counterclockwise direction around a central island. The traffic moves continuously, and drivers entering must yield to the vehicles already in the roundabout.
One of the main differences between a roundabout and a traditional intersection is how right-of-way is determined.
In a traditional intersection:
- Traffic lights direct motorists when to stop or go
- Stop signs require motorists to stop before proceeding
- If there are no traffic controls, motorists must follow right-of-way rules to determine which driver proceeds first
In a roundabout:
- Motorists already inside the roundabout have the right-of-way
- When entering the roundabout, motorists must wait until there is a safe gap in the flow of traffic
- Motorists must signal before exiting a roundabout to alert other drivers about their movements.
What Are the Right-of-Way Laws in Virginia?
When navigating a roundabout, Virginia drivers are legally required to keep the following right-of-way laws in mind:
- When approaching a roundabout, reduce your speed to the posted advisory speed, which is usually 15 to 25 miles per hour
- Look left for oncoming traffic already in the circle
- Yield to all vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians in the crosswalk
- Enter the roundabout only when there is a safe gap in the flow of traffic, and continue moving steadily, unless traffic requires you to stop
- Virginia Code § 46.2-848 requires all drivers to use their turn signal when inside the roundabout, including before turning, when changing lanes, or exiting the roundabout
What Are the Most Common Types of Roundabout Accidents?
Several different types of car accidents are more likely to occur in a roundabout, including the following:
- Entering vehicle collisions: These occur when a motorist enters the roundabout without yielding to traffic that is already circulating. Oftentimes, they involve the front of one vehicle striking the side of another.
- Side-impact accidents: Also known as “T-bone” collisions, these occur when a driver changes lanes improperly inside a multi-lane roundabout, or enters the roundabout without enough space.
- Rear-end accidents: These occur when traffic backs up near the entrance, or a vehicle stops unexpectedly inside the roundabout. These generally occur at low speeds.
- Sideswipe collisions: When two vehicles are traveling next to each other in a roundabout, an accident can occur if one motorist drifts into another lane while preparing to exit the roundabout. These are more common in larger, multi-lane roundabouts.
What Are the Common Causes of Roundabout Car Accidents?
All motorists in Virginia are required to obey the rules of the road at all times and avoid unsafe driving behaviors that can increase the risk of a car accident, including roundabout car accidents. The following are examples of the most common causes of roundabout car accidents in Virginia:
- Failure to yield: If a motorist enters the roundabout without yielding to the right-of-way, they will likely be found at fault since they are expected to understand and follow the rules about how to navigate a roundabout.
- Improper lane change: If another driver suddenly or improperly changes lanes without making sure there are no vehicles in the vicinity, they will likely be held liable for a resulting accident.
- Failure to signal: Drivers are required to signal when changing lanes and leaving the roundabout. When a motorist suddenly exits the roundabout without signaling, this can create confusion and increase the risk of a collision.
- Speeding: Roundabouts are designed for relatively low speeds. When motorists are driving too fast, they are more likely to lose control, fail to yield, or be unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid causing an accident.
- Distracted driving: Whether entering or navigating a roundabout, motorists must pay attention to their surroundings, use their signals, and yield to the right-of-way, all of which require drivers to avoid distractions like talking or texting, checking social media, or checking the GPS.
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Roundabout Accident?
If you are involved in a roundabout car accident in Virginia, and you intend to file a personal injury claim, you must be able to prove exactly how the accident happened and who was at fault.
Virginia is one of the few states that follows the “contributory negligence” rule, which states that an injured driver can be prohibited from recovering any compensation if they are found to be even 1% at fault. Insurance companies will resort to a range of tactics to try to demonstrate that you bear some of the responsibility in an effort to avoid paying you the financial compensation you deserve.
The following are examples of evidence that can prove your claim that the other driver was at fault:
- Police accident reports
- Photographs of the damage to your vehicle
- Pictures of skid marks or debris on the road
- Traffic camera footage
- Dash camera recordings
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage patterns
- Medical records showing injuries
What Should I Do After a Roundabout Car Accident?
Roundabout car accidents generally occur at low speeds, which means that they do not often cause serious injuries. However, even a relatively minor accident can cause injuries and property damage that warrant taking the following steps in the moments following the accident:
- Call 911 and report the accident. If there are injuries, notify dispatch so they can send an ambulance to the scene.
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injury seems minor, make sure that you are examined by a medical professional. Certain injuries, like concussions, may not have obvious symptoms right away, but can become more serious if they are not treated. In addition, if you do not seek medical attention, the insurance company may deny your claim, arguing that your injury must not be serious if you did not find it necessary to seek medical attention.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
- Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, traffic signs, and other evidence that can help prove your claim.
- If there were witnesses that saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident.
- Contact a car accident lawyer who will assist you with the claims process and negotiate a fair settlement.
How Can I Avoid a Roundabout Car Accident?
When navigating a busy roundabout, you cannot control other motorists’ actions when approaching or navigating a roundabout. However, you can take the following proactive steps to make safety a priority and prevent a roundabout car accident:
- Slow down when approaching a roundabout
- Always yield to vehicles already in the roundabout
- Pay attention to pedestrians and bicyclists
- Choose the correct lane before entering a roundabout
- Avoid changing lanes inside a roundabout if possible
- Use turn signals when exiting a roundabout
- Leave enough following distance
- Avoid distractions like phone calls, text messages, or checking the navigation system
An Experienced Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer at Anchor Legal® Represents Victims of Roundabout Car Accidents
If you or someone you know was injured in a roundabout car accident after failing to yield to the right-of-way, do not hesitate to contact a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer at Anchor Legal ®. We will determine who is responsible for causing the accident, secure the evidence necessary to prove that the other driver was negligent, and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome. Our dedicated legal team will continue to fight for you until you are completely satisfied. To schedule a free consultation, call today at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Located in Virginia Beach, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.