Right-of-way laws in Massachusetts dictate who must yield in various traffic situations, including intersections, crosswalks, and highway onramps. Drivers are legally required to watch for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, follow traffic signals, and yield in roundabouts and when merging. Violating these laws can result in fines, increased insurance rates, and liability in the event of an accident.
Understanding these laws is crucial to securing compensation if you’ve been injured due to another driver’s failure to yield. In this article, we’ll explain right-of-way laws and how they may impact your case. If you’re pursuing a car accident claim, a Massachusetts car accident lawyer can help you navigate liability disputes, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Massachusetts Right-of-Way laws
Massachusetts’ right-of-way laws are designed to regulate traffic flow and ensure safety on the roads. Key provisions include:
Intersections and Traffic Control Signals
At intersections, drivers must yield to vehicles already in the intersection. When turning left, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic. Additionally, turning right on red signals is permitted only after a complete stop and when the way is clear, unless otherwise posted.
Pedestrians
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Failure to do so can result in fines, penalties, and serious injuries.
To ensure their safety, pedestrians should be careful to use crosswalks and follow any traffic lights when walking.
Roundabouts
In roundabouts, vehicles already circulating have the right of way. Entering drivers must yield until it is safe to merge.
Merging and Highways
When merging onto highways, drivers must yield to existing traffic and ensure a safe gap before entering.
Emergency Vehicles and School Buses
Motorists must yield to emergency vehicles with flashing lights (ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, etc.) by pulling over to the right and stopping. Additionally, drivers must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights, regardless of the direction of approach.
Adhering to these laws is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring road safety for everyone.
How Right-of-Way Laws Affect Liability in Massachusetts Car Accident Cases
Common right-of-way law violations in Massachusetts can lead to serious accidents and legal consequences. These include:
- Failure to yield at intersections: Ignoring stop signs or traffic signals can lead to T-bone collisions or other accidents.
- Not stopping for pedestrians: When drivers fail to yield, it can result in serious or fatal pedestrian accidents.
- Ignoring roundabout rules: Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. Trying to enter a roundabout when it is not your turn can lead to front-end, rear-end, and side collisions.
- Unsafe merging: Drivers entering highways must wait to merge until there is a safe distance between their car and existing traffic. Failure to do so can result in accidents that impact multiple vehicles.
- Disobeying emergency vehicle laws: Drivers who fail to pull over for emergency vehicles are risking accidents and impeding emergency responders.
When drivers fail to follow right-of-way laws, they breach the duty of care they owe others. Doing so makes them negligent when an accident occurs.
Comparative Negligence and Right-of-Way Laws in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, a comparative negligence system determines liability in car accidents. Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 231 § 85, if you’re less than 51% at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages. However, your available damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
Right-of-way law violations can significantly impact these determinations. Failing to yield appropriately may increase your assigned fault percentage, reducing or eliminating your potential compensation.
A Massachusetts personal injury lawyer can help by investigating your accident and gathering evidence to prove another party’s negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Right-of-Way Laws in Massachusetts
Below are some answers to additional questions you may have about right-of-way laws and how they affect your case.
What Happens if Both Drivers Believe They Have the Right of Way?
If two or more drivers think they have the right of way and an accident results, it’s crucial to refer to Massachusetts traffic laws to determine fault. For example, at intersections without signals, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. Understanding these rules can help clarify liability.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Failed to Yield but Was Injured in the Accident?
Due to Massachusetts’ comparative negligence laws, your ability to recover compensation will depend on how much your failure to yield contributed to the accident. If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Are Bicyclists Subject to the Same Right-of-Way Laws as Cars?
Yes, bicyclists in Massachusetts are generally subject to the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, including right-of-way rules. They must obey traffic signals, yield when required, and ride in the same direction as traffic. If you were involved in an accident involving a bicycle, a Massachusetts bicycle accident lawyer can explain your legal rights.
What if a Pedestrian Suddenly Enters the Road Outside of a Crosswalk?
Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even if they are walking outside of a designated pedestrian crossing area. However, pedestrians also have a duty to avoid entering the path of a vehicle when it’s unsafe to do so.
How Will My Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Prove the Other Driver Failed to Yield?
Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports can help establish the other driver failed to yield. Your personal injury attorney can assist in gathering and presenting this evidence effectively.
How a Massachusetts Car Accident Attorney Can Help in Cases Involving Right of Way Violations
A car accident lawyer can help you handle liability disputes, gather evidence, and help you seek fair compensation. They can also handle negotiations to ensure the liable party’s insurance company doesn’t unfairly blame or undercompensate you.
Understanding right-of-way laws in Massachusetts is crucial for determining fault and protecting your rights after an accident. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s failure to yield, legal guidance can make a significant difference in your case.
Contact GED Lawyers Today for a Free Initial Consultation
A Massachusetts car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact GED Lawyers today for a free review of your case.
