How Right of Way Works in Alaska Car Accidents
Regardless of how long you have had your driver’s license, there are some rules of the road that are so fundamental and ingrained into your memory that you will not overlook them. You know to make a full stop at a red light, always put on a blinker when turning, do not pass in a no-passing zone, and comply with other laws indicated in the State of Alaska Driver Manual. However, there is one traffic regulation that can be confusing to many motorists, and it is one that drivers face every time they get behind the wheel: Right of way. In a situation that requires split-second decision making, it can be confounding to know who has it, who does not, and who is responsible when right of way issues cause a collision.
If you were injured because of another driver’s failure to adhere to right of way rules, it is critical to work with an Alaska motor vehicle accident lawyer who understands the subtle legal details. Still, you might find it useful to review some information about the laws.
Definition of Right of Way
The term describes situations in which a road user must yield to another individual and allow that person to have priority in executing a traffic maneuver. Alaska traffic laws include specific situations in which the operator of a motorized vehicle must give right of way to another car, based upon the position and circumstances. Drivers must also comply with regulations that pertain to pedestrians, people on bicycles, or others sharing the road.
Keep in mind that rules of the road do apply to individuals walking, bike riders, scooter users, and others. Generally, if you are on or adjacent to the road, you are subject to traffic laws.
Right of Way Scenarios in Alaska
There are some laws requiring a road user to yield because of the presence of signs, lights, or other markings. Drivers are expected to follow the instructions, which are typically very clear. Accidents are more common when individuals fail to yield in situations that are not so obvious. Some motorists are not familiar with following right of way rules:
- At a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs, right of way belongs to motorists who are already stopped.
- When two vehicles arrive simultaneously to a four-way stop, the driver to the right has right of way.
- At T-intersections, the drivers traveling the through street have right of way over the motorist at the dead end.
Violations of these rules could lead to a ticket, but failure to yield right of way is also a top cause of traffic collisions. Evidence that the other driver did not comply with right of way rules is strong support for your claim if you were injured in such a crash.
Get More Information from an Anchorage Car Accident Attorney
You need solid representation if you were hurt in an accident caused by right of way violations or other forms of negligence, especially when you may face accusations that you were at fault. To learn more, please contact Power & Power Law in Anchorage, Alaska to set up a no-cost consultation.