When cars traveling in different directions come to an intersection, which one gets to go first? How do the remaining cars proceed? In some cases, there are traffic lights to specify which lanes of traffic are supposed to move, including those who are allowed to drive straight through and those who are permitted to turn. Stop lights and arrows can control every type of traffic.
Unfortunately, many intersections have lights without turn arrows. Some lack signage to direct traffic, and some offer no direction for drivers at all. These situations are where right-of-way laws come into play, providing drivers with protocols to proceed safely and avoid car accidents. Here’s what you need to know about right-of-way laws in Missouri.
Always Yield To Emergency Vehicles
Police, firefighters, and ambulances on their way to an emergency — using flashing lights and/or sirens — always have the right of way. When you see such vehicles, pull as far to the right shoulder as possible. If you’re in an intersection, pass through the intersection and then pull over until the emergency vehicle has passed.
When passing a stationary emergency vehicle with lights flashing (pulled over for a traffic stop or to render aid at the scene of a car or truck accident, for example), you should slow down, proceed with caution, and, if safe to do so, move to a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle.
Right-of-Way Rules For Intersections
When approaching an intersection, especially an unmarked one, you need to know how to safely proceed. First and foremost, you must always yield to pedestrians. As for taking turns with other vehicles in intersections, you should first follow traffic lights, then traffic signs, and finally, right-of-way rules.
Right-Hand Turns
Unless prohibited by city ordinance or posted signage, Missouri drivers are permitted to make right-hand turns at red lights. However, you must first come to a full stop, yield to cross traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, and turn only when it is safe to do so. When entering a traffic circle, yield to traffic already in the circle, as well as pedestrians in the crosswalk or roadway.
Left-Hand Turns
Drivers turning left may turn freely when a green left-turn signal is illuminated or if they’re already entering the intersection when the light turns yellow. If there is no left-turn signal, drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight through the intersection. The same rules apply to U-turns in intersections unless they are prohibited by city ordinance or there is signage prohibiting U-turns.
4-Way Stops and Unmarked Intersections
When approaching a 4-way stop, you must come to a full stop before proceeding. If you’re the first driver to reach an intersection, you may proceed through the intersection first.
If you reach the intersection at the same time as another vehicle, the driver to the left must yield to the driver on the right. When drivers are facing each other, the driver turning left must yield to the driver going straight or turning right. Drivers approaching unmarked intersections are also required to yield to the driver on the right.
What To Do After an Intersection Accident in Missouri
If you’re injured in an accident where another driver failed to follow the right-of-way rules, you may be eligible for compensation. Seek medical help, and if possible, collect evidence like photos and witness contact information at the scene. Make sure to file an accident report with authorities and find a qualified Missouri personal injury lawyer to help you negotiate a fair settlement or prepare to take your case to court.
Contact a Personal Injury lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in St. Louis due to someone else’s careless or negligent actions, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in St. Louis to discuss your case. Your attorney will fight for fair compensation, and they don’t get paid unless you win.
For more information, contact the attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569