In South Carolina, the right-of-way at a four-way stop goes to the driver who arrives and stops first. If two vehicles stop simultaneously, the one on the right has the right-of-way. If multiple vehicles arrive at the same time, the right-of-way goes to the first vehicle to arrive and come to a complete stop. Then, it would go, in order, to any car on the right, any vehicle driving straight, and, lastly, any turning vehicle.
A driver’s failure to understand who has the right-of-way and other traffic laws at a four-way stop and follow basic rules, especially when two or more vehicles are involved, can result in severe accidents and legal action. To protect yourself and your rights, look at this quick guide from the experienced car accident lawyers at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC.
Who Has the Right of Way If Two Cars Arrive at the 4-Way Stop Simultaneously?
If two cars reach a four-way stop at the same time, South Carolina law gives right of way to the car on the right. Although this rule may seem straightforward, it can become complicated in practice.
If you’re unsure whether you or the other car arrived first, your safest option is to yield right of way to any vehicle on your right. Failure to yield in this scenario can not only cause a collision, but it may also constitute negligence in an intersection accident claim.
Who Has the Right of Way If Three Cars Arrive at the Four-Way Stop at the Same Time?
Situations involving three vehicles arriving simultaneously can be even more confusing. So, who goes first? As in the two-car scenario, South Carolina drivers must yield to the car on their right. However, you may also want to communicate with other drivers using hand signals or eye contact to determine who goes first.
When Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way at a 4-Way Stop in South Carolina?
Pedestrians, whether in marked or unmarked crosswalks, generally have the right of way. That means drivers must yield even if they have technically arrived at the intersection first. If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian and causes them harm, they may be liable in a lawsuit or claim arising from an intersection accident.
However, sometimes, a pedestrian may be considered the negligent party in a car accident claim. Situations in which a pedestrian’s negligence can lead to injuries include the following:
- Crossing outside of a crosswalk
- Crossing against a traffic signal
- Entering traffic suddenly
- Walking while intoxicated or impaired
- Disobeying a law or local ordinance.
What Happens If More than One Party Shares Fault for the Four-Way Stop Accident?
Multi-vehicle accidents can become complicated when determining liability. Imagine one car failing to yield while another was speeding, and a third car that wasn’t paying attention to the road ahead. These drivers all potentially contributed to the accident. So, how could that affect liability and compensation?
If multiple parties contributed to the accident, they may all bear partial responsibility for the crash. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under the rule, any party that’s less than 51 percent responsible for an accident can recover compensation. However, their recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them.
What Do You Do If an Emergency Vehicle is Approaching the Four-Way Stop?
When an emergency motor vehicle with lights or sirens on approaches a four-way stop, all standard right-of-way rules go out the window. You should stop immediately, regardless of your position in the right-of-way hierarchy, and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass safely.
Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle can prevent emergency workers from providing critical services. It can also result in traffic citations, fines, and increased liability if any accident occurs.
What Should You Do After an Accident at a Four-Way Stop?
If you’re involved in an accident at a four-way stop, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. However, acting swiftly is essential for protecting your safety and rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek prompt medical attention – Adrenaline can mask pain. Specific injuries like whiplash, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or internal damage don’t necessarily show symptoms until hours or even days after an accident. Seeing a doctor right away, regardless of how you feel, can help protect your safety and create crucial documentation for pursuing an intersection accident claim.
- Report the accident to the police – Call the police and report the accident so they can send an officer to create an accident report. This document contains key details about the collision, including the date, time, location, statements from the involved parties, witness information, and an initial assessment of fault. Obtain a copy of the police report for your files.
- Collect contact information – Gather the names, contact information, license and plate numbers, and auto insurance details of all involved parties. If anyone witnessed the accident, please get their names and contact information as well. Witness testimony can lend credibility to your claim.
- Maintain organized records – To recover maximum compensation, you’ll need proof of the harm the accident caused you. Keep a careful record of all medical bills, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and out-of-pocket expenses. Maintain a journal in which you record all the ways your injuries affect your daily life.
- Be careful when talking to insurers – Insurance companies often attempt to weaken or outright deny car accident claims. They may call and ask leading questions to get information they can use against you later. Your safest option is to refer the insurance company to your attorney. If you speak with them, never admit fault, accept a settlement, or offer a recorded statement until you speak with a lawyer first.
- Contact an attorney at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC – An experienced intersection accident lawyer at our law firm can explain your legal rights and options after a collision at a four-way stop. We’ll guide you through the legal process and help you avoid critical errors along the way.
Get Help from an Experienced South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
The experienced personal injury attorneys at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC have maintained a tradition of protecting the rights of people in York & Lancaster since 1977. Our reputation for open communication, compassion, and attention to detail is backed by the kind words of our former clients.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident caused by someone else, our team can help. We offer critical support and tenacious representation as you seek the accountability you deserve. Contact us today for your consultation.
