When it comes to safe and orderly traffic flow on Missouri’s roads, right-of-way laws play an essential role. These laws dictate who has the legal obligation to yield or give way in various traffic situations. Motorists who fail to abide by right-of-way laws risk causing a collision. If you were injured in a right-of-way accident in Missouri, consider speaking with the lawyers at Goza & Honnold for an assessment of your claim.
At intersections, if you and another motorist enter at the same time from different directions, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. At crosswalks, drivers have an obligation to keep pedestrians safe. If pedestrians are crossing on the same side of the road as your vehicle or when they cross from the opposite side of the road, you must yield. However, if pedestrians are attempting to cross on an unmarked crosswalk, pedestrians must yield to oncoming traffic. For a comprehensive outline of Missouri’s right-of-way laws, seek the legal guidance of the lawyers at Goza & Honnold.
Overview of Missouri’s Right-Of-Way Laws
To prevent accidents, you must determine who has the right of way and who must yield. The following are various scenarios where you must understand Missouri’s right-of-way laws:
Intersections
When two vehicles enter an intersection at around the same time from opposing directions, the driver on the left must legally yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right. If a vehicle is approaching an intersection to make a left turn, it must yield to vehicles within the intersection.
Pedestrians
Motorists have a responsibility to keep pedestrians safe. When using a crosswalk on the same side of the road as a vehicle or when crossing from the opposite side of the road, drivers must yield until they are out of the road. However, if pedestrians are crossing at any place besides a marked crosswalk, they must yield to approaching vehicles. Even if pedestrians are crossing unlawfully, drivers must yield to avoid striking a pedestrian. Pedestrians with visual impairments always have the right-of-way, including when they are using a guide dog or white cane with a red tip.
Emergency Vehicles
Emergency vehicles have the right-of-way when using flashing lights and sirens, regardless of traffic signals. If you see an oncoming emergency vehicle, pull over until the emergency vehicle passes.
A funeral procession has the right-of-way regardless of traffic signals in Missouri. However, these vehicles must also yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
How the Lawyers at Goza & Honnold Can Help Your Car Accident Claim
If you have suffered injuries in a right-of-way collision, the lawyers at Goza & Honnold are prepared to fight for you. We will handle the following aspects of your claim to increase your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Investigating the right-of-way accident: We will conduct a detailed investigation into the accident to gather evidence, including police reports, interview witnesses, and collect any available surveillance footage or images from the scene.
- Determining fault: Right-of-way accidents often hinge on establishing who had the legal right of way at the time of the collision. We analyze the facts and evidence to determine liability.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies are challenging to deal with, as their primary goal is to minimize payouts. We handle communications with adjusters, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your rights from any unfair tactics that could undermine your claim.
- Calculating damages: We will help you accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, pain and suffering, and any long-term costs related to the accident.
If a settlement cannot be reached outside of court, the lawyers at Goza & Honnold will make every effort to advocate on your behalf in the courtroom and help you navigate the legal process while you focus on healing. We fight to secure the best possible outcome, taking into account how your quality of life is affected following a right-of-way accident.
Speak With the Missouri Car Accident Lawyers at Goza & Honnold
Working with the right-of-way accident lawyers at Goza & Honnold can help you navigate the legal process successfully. With decades of experience and dedicated representation, we will fight to establish who is at fault and build a strong claim on your behalf.
Schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers by calling (913) 451-3433 or filling out a contact form.