Typically, driving around California is a wonderful experience with its excellent weather, sprawling highways, and bustling city streets. However, California is not particularly renowned for roundabouts.
In recent years, though, the state has embraced the concept of roundabouts as an effective traffic management solution, aiming to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce congestion.
With that said, some drivers in California may not understand how these areas work. Worse yet, some drivers may approach these areas with confusion, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
Experienced California Car Accident Lawyers
When you or a loved one are injured at a roundabout in California, it’s really important that you do something to protect your rights under the law. These kinds of accidents can be very serious and lead to injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other problems that can affect your life for a long time.
At Maison Law, we are here to help victims who have been hurt in accidents at roundabouts caused by someone else’s carelessness. Our team of experienced California car accident lawyers understands the importance of the state’s safety laws and has the experience to help you get the support you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
What is a Roundabout?
Unlike certain areas in the United States where roundabouts are a common sight, California has traditionally favored traffic signals and stop signs as its primary means of controlling intersections. Generally speaking, a roundabout is a type of:
- Intersection or junction where traffic moves in a circular pattern around a central island.
It is designed to replace traditional intersections with traffic signals or stop signs. Instead of vehicles stopping, they yield to traffic already in the roundabout and enter when it is safe to do so.
Roundabouts typically include markers to guide drivers and ensure smooth traffic flow, like:
- Signs
- Road markings
- Traffic “calming features”
While not common in California, many of these junctions have been implemented throughout the state in recent years. Overall, they’re designed to improve safety and reduce congestion. However, because they are relatively new in California, many drivers may not know how to navigate them which may cause accidents.
Types of Accidents at Roundabouts in California
Again, because roundabouts are not as common on most California streets and roads, some drivers may not be aware of how to use them. Generally, while most drivers would approach these areas with caution, there are still numerous types of accidents that can occur at roundabouts in California, such as:
- Rear-end accidents – These happen when a driver doesn’t leave enough space between their car and the one in front. They end up crashing into the car ahead, especially if there are sudden stops or changes in traffic flow at a roundabout.
- Side-swipe accidents – This occurs when two vehicles going in the same direction touch each other. It can happen if drivers try to change lanes at the same time or misjudge the space available within the roundabout.
- Failure to yield accidents – Roundabouts work by giving the right-of-way to vehicles already inside. If a driver enters the roundabout without letting the other vehicles go first, it can cause accidents.
- Pedestrian or cyclist accidents – Since roundabouts involve cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, accidents can happen if drivers don’t yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or don’t give enough space to cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists should also be careful and follow designated paths to stay safe.
- Improper lane use – In roundabouts with multiple lanes, if drivers don’t choose the correct lane for their exit, they might suddenly change lanes or confuse others, leading to accidents.
- Speed-related accidents – Driving too fast in a roundabout can make it hard to control the car and react to other vehicles. Speeding increases the chance of losing control and crashing into other cars or objects in the roundabout.
To prevent these accidents, it’s important for drivers to be careful, follow traffic rules, yield when needed, and pay attention to their surroundings when driving through roundabouts. Defensive driving and staying at a safe speed can help avoid accidents in California roundabouts.
How Should California Drivers Approach Roundabouts?
Despite the fact that roundabouts aren’t common in California, you still may encounter them while you’re out on the road. When you do, it’s important to understand how they work and what you should do to make sure you–and other drivers–are safe. Most of the time, it involves approaching them in the following ways:
- Slow down – When you see a roundabout, reduce your speed. Look for signs that show the speed limit for the roundabout and adjust your speed accordingly.
- Let others go first – Cars already in the roundabout have the right-of-way. Wait for an opening in traffic before entering the roundabout. Also, be careful of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road.
- Use the right lane – If the roundabout has multiple lanes, pick the lane that matches your intended exit. Stay in that lane as you go through the roundabout.
- Signal your turns – Use your car’s turn signals to show which way you want to go. Signal right before entering the roundabout if you plan to take the first exit. Signal left before your exit if you’re going around the roundabout to continue in the same direction.
- Keep a steady speed – Maintain a consistent speed as you drive through the roundabout. Try not to stop or change lanes unless it’s necessary.
- Watch out for pedestrians– Pay attention to pedestrians using crosswalks or paths near the roundabout. Yield to them and make sure they can cross safely.
- Be patient – Stay calm and give way to other drivers when needed. Roundabouts are meant to make traffic flow better and be safer, so it’s important to be cooperative and polite.
By following these instructions, drivers in California can navigate roundabouts safely and help traffic move smoothly, reducing the chances of accidents.
Liability and Damages in California Roundabout Accidents
Effectively, a roundabout serves as a way to control the flow of traffic in much the same way that a yield or stop sign does. Thus, in a roundabout accident, the driver who is considered to have acted negligently will be liable for damages and injuries. To review, negligence means:
- The driver has a duty to operate their vehicle in a way that is safe and by the law. When they cause an accident at a roundabout that injures you or a loved one, they will breach that duty.
With negligence established, you can then proceed with filing a claim for damages. In a California car accident, there are two types of damages you can claim: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are the actual financial losses you had because of the accident, including things like:
- Medical expenses
- Fixing your car
- Wages you lost from missing work
Non-economic damages are the things that are harder to measure, like:
- The pain you felt because of the accident
- The emotional stress the accident caused
- How the accident has affected–and will continue to affect–your life and relationships
Remember, in California, there’s a time limit for filing a personal injury claim. Under California’s statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. It’s important to contact us as soon as possible after the accident so we can protect your rights and work towards getting you the benefits and support you deserve.
Free Consultations For California Car Accident Victims
If you get hurt in a car accident in California, it’s important to have the right legal help. At Maison Law, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers knows how to handle these situations and protect your rights. We understand that it’s crucial to act quickly to take care of your health and legal matters.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation where we can discuss your case and provide you with guidance you can trust.
