One of the most misunderstood and confusing spots on a given road in California is the roundabout. If you or someone you know gets injured in a roundabout accident in California, it’s really important to protect your rights. These accidents can be serious and cause injuries and other problems that can have far-reaching implications for you and your family.

Maison Law is here to assist individuals who have been injured in accidents at roundabouts due to someone else’s negligence. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers in California recognizes the significance of the state’s safety laws and has the expertise to help you get back on the road to recovery.

Roundabout Laws in California

Although they’re not as common in California, roundabouts are mentioned in the California Streets and Highways Code (SHC). Specifically, Section 101.15 says that:

Roundabouts are included on the list of highway solutions, according to the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. This manual follows the rules set out in Section 21400 of the Vehicle Code.

In terms of this section of the law, roundabouts serve as a different way to control traffic at an intersection. Generally, they do this without the need for traditional stop signs or traffic lights, instead using:

Signs, markings on the road, and other features to help drivers know what to do and keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Again, even though they’re relatively new and spread out through California, they’re ultimately designed to rely on the judgment of you and other drivers to maintain safety.

Right of Way Laws

As a result of legislation regarding roundabouts and how they work, it’s important to understand how the right of way works in California and what can happen when these laws aren’t followed.

Housed in Sections 21800-21809 of the California Vehicle Code (VHC), California’s right-of-way laws include the following provisions:

Intersection right-of-way – At an intersection without traffic signals or signs, the vehicle that arrives first has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
Yield sign right-of-way – When you encounter a yield sign, you must slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. You must yield the right of way to any vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians in the intersecting roadway.
Pedestrian right-of-way – Pedestrians generally have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are lawfully crossing the road.
Emergency vehicle right-of-way – When an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens on is approaching, you must yield the right of way by pulling over to the right side of the road and stopping until the emergency vehicle passes.

Right-of-way laws can change based on the situation and traffic conditions but usually are in place for a reason. To stay safe on the road, it’s important to be careful, pay attention to your surroundings, and follow traffic laws. When that doesn’t happen, it can lead to injuries.

Accidents and Injuries at California Roundabouts

Because they’re not commonly seen in California, roundabouts can cause confusion for some drivers. This uneasiness can lead to accidents, and as we all know, a car accident frequently leads to injuries for you and others in your car. Still, there are certain types of accidents that occur at roundabouts in California, like:

Rear-end accidents
Side-swipe accidents
Failure to yield accidents
Pedestrian or cyclist accidents
Improper lane use or speeding accidents

While virtually every type of car accident can result in some type of injury, these accidents commonly lead to injuries such as:

Whiplash – A sudden impact or collision at a roundabout can cause the head to jerk forward and backward rapidly, resulting in whiplash. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and other related symptoms.
Soft tissue injuries – Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be strained or sprained during a roundabout accident. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected areas.
Broken bones – The force of a collision at a roundabout can cause fractures in the bones, such as broken arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones. These injuries often require medical intervention and may result in long recovery periods.
Head and brain injuries – Severe accidents can lead to head trauma, concussions, or even traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have long-term effects on cognitive function, memory, and overall quality of life.
Spinal injuries – The impact from a roundabout accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other significant impairments.
Internal injuries -The force of a collision can cause internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries usually require immediate medical attention to stave off further damage.

After a roundabout accident, it’s important to go to the doctor even if you don’t feel hurt right away. Some injuries might not show symptoms immediately, and it’s better to catch them early for proper treatment. If you were injured in a roundabout accident because of someone else’s fault, it’s a good idea to talk to a personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and try to get you compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Who is Responsible For a Roundabout Accident in California?

When you’re in an accident at a roundabout, there’s usually a way to determine who is at fault. Most of the time, it’s the other driver’s fault because they have to yield the right-of-way if you were there first. Still, there are a variety of different scenarios that can lead to a roundabout accident. That’s why the law maintains that whoever acted “negligently” and caused the accident is at fault.

Negligence simply means that the other driver didn’t take proper care while driving. To prove this, you have to show four things:

The driver had a responsibility to avoid causing an injury.
The driver didn’t meet that responsibility because they caused the accident.
The accident happened because the driver didn’t meet their responsibility.
The injuries and losses you have are a direct result of the driver’s actions.

Every driver has a legal duty to drive in a way that doesn’t cause accidents. This means driving like a “reasonable” person would in the same situation. That’s the standard the law uses to judge their behavior.

Damages in California Roundabout Accidents

Roundabout accidents affect not only drivers and their passengers but also motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. These vulnerable road users are at a higher risk of severe injuries due to their lack of protection.

If you’re injured in a roundabout accident because of someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. California law allows victims of roundabout accidents to claim compensation for various types of damages, including:

Medical bills – Both the current and future reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injuries.
Lost earnings – Compensation for the wages you lost due to the accident and any future income you may miss out on.
Permanent disfigurement or disability – If the accident caused lasting physical changes or disabilities, you can seek compensation for these effects.
Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical and emotional pain you experience as a result of the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life – If the accident has limited your ability to engage in activities you used to enjoy, you can seek compensation for this loss.

It’s important to note that even if the at-fault driver tries to change their story, you still have a right to seek damages. To protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving fair benefits and support, it’s crucial to consult with our team of experienced California car accident lawyers so we can investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim.

Contact Maison Law Today

At Maison Law, our team of experienced California car accident lawyers understands how difficult it can be when you or a loved one are injured in a roundabout accident. Contact us for a free consultation and case evaluation today. We will start building your case while you focus on your recovery. Our aim is to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

California Roundabout Laws