Who Goes First at a 4-Way Stop?

The first vehicle that arrives and comes to a complete stop is who should go first at a 4-way stop. While this is the general rule, there are times when who has the right-of-way is unclear. When this happens, drivers should use their turn signals to communicate with other motorists or road users before proceeding. 

If you or a loved one has been in an accident at a 4-way stop, you might be able to recover damages, such as your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our car accident lawyer in Phoenix can determine who is responsible for the accident and fight for your compensation.

What Is a 4-Way Stop, and Why Does Right-of-Way Matter?

A four-way stop is an intersection where stop signs control traffic in all four directions. As vehicles approach a stop sign, they must come to a complete stop before proceeding. Drivers taking turns based on right-of-way rules allow traffic to move in an orderly and safe manner.

For right-of-way to work, all drivers must observe the rules and use their turn signals. By following them, they can navigate an intersection safely. According to one study, not using your signals is worse than distracted driving.

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Common Driver Errors Can Cause Confusion Over 4-Way Stops

One reason accidents occur at 4-way stops is that many drivers are unsure about who goes first. Unfortunately, this uncertainty can lead to accidents. Drivers frequently assume the vehicle on the left always has the right-of-way, regardless of when it approaches the intersection. 

It is important to remember that the first vehicle to stop has the right of way. This rule applies unless two vehicles arrive at a stop sign at the same time.

What Happens if Two Vehicles Approach a 4-Way Stop at the Same Time?

If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way and should proceed first. If two vehicles are directly across from each other at a 4-way stop, the one going straight should go straight, while the one turning left should wait.

Are There Exceptions for Right-of-Way Rules at a 4-Way Stop?

While the general rules for who goes first at a four-way stop are straightforward, some exceptions and special situations can apply, such as the following:

• Emergency vehicles: An emergency vehicle with flashing lights and sirens always has the right-of-way at a four-way stop. All vehicles must yield and allow emergency vehicles to pass through the intersection first.
• Pedestrians: Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way over vehicles. Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the intersection.
• Traffic officer directions: If a traffic officer is directing traffic, their instructions override the standard right-of-way rules. Drivers should follow the officer’s signals and directions.
• Malfunctioning traffic signals: If traffic lights are flashing or not working at an intersection, drivers must treat it as a 4-way stop and follow the standard rules.
• School buses: When a stopped school bus extends its stop sign and has its flashing lights on, all vehicles must stop and yield, regardless of their direction of travel.

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Consequences of Not Honoring the Right-of-Way at a 4-Way Stop

Standard rules determine who has the right-of-way at a 4-way stop. Failing to honor them can adversely affect drivers, pedestrians, and overall traffic flow. Here are some scenarios that can occur when drivers do not follow these important rules:

• Minor collisions: Vehicles can collide at low speeds, causing minor damage and potential injuries.
• Pedestrian dangers: Uncertainty at a 4-way intersection can make it unsafe for pedestrians to cross, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Traffic jams: Confusion and hesitation can lead to traffic backups as drivers wait to see who will go first. If someone isn’t paying attention to the road, such as a distracted driver, they can cause an accident.
• Insurance claims: Accidents resulting from right-of-way violations can lead to increased insurance claims and higher premiums.

If you have been in a 4-way-stop crash, you might be able to hold the liable driver or road user accountable. You can work with our Phoenix personal injury lawyer, who can lead your case. 

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A Lawyer Can Determine Liability in a 4-Way Stop Accident

Before you seek damages for a 4-way stop accident, you must first determine who’s responsible. Various factors must be considered, including the accident’s circumstances and the actions of the drivers involved.

When an auto accident attorney from our law firm reviews these cases, we can consider the following when working to identify who to hold accountable:

• Evidence of right-of-way violations: As noted, at a four-way stop, who has the right-of-way depends on who approached the intersection first. We can examine whether any driver failed to yield as required by traffic laws.
• Witness statements: Testimonies from those who saw the accident can provide insights into the actions and behavior of the parties involved.
• Traffic camera footage: Video evidence from traffic cameras can help establish the sequence of events leading up to the accident.
• Police reports: Official police reports often include important details and observations that can aid in determining fault.
• Vehicle damage analysis: The location and extent of damage on the vehicles can indicate the points of impact and the direction of travel.
• Driver behavior: Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving are considered when assessing liability.
• Traffic signage and signals: Lawyers can review the accident scene for stop signs and other traffic signals to ensure compliance with traffic control devices.
• Environmental conditions: Weather, lighting, and road conditions at the time of the accident can affect liability determinations.

Who Can You Sue for an Accident at a 4-Way Stop?

When an accident occurs at a 4-way stop, determining who can be held liable is critical to recovering financial compensation. Potential parties you could sue are:

• Other driver(s): You can sue the other driver if they violated traffic laws, failed to yield, or drove negligently. If a pedestrian, motorcycle rider, or another road user caused it, you can hold them accountable as well.
• Vehicle owner: If the driver was using someone else’s vehicle, the owner may be liable.
• Employer: A company can be held responsible if the driver was on the job during the accident.
• Government entities: You can sue the local government for poor road conditions, unclear or missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals.
• Vehicle manufacturer: If a vehicle defect, such as brake failure, contributed to the accident, you could sue the company that made the vehicle or the defective part.
• Road designer: The party that designed the four-way intersection can be held liable if the street’s design contributed to the accident.

Other Ways a Lawyer Can Help a Car Accident Case

Once we determine who is responsible for the accident and how we will:

• Assess your damages (e.g., medical bills, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage).
• Determine how much compensation to demand on your behalf.
• Negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement that meets your needs.
• Sue for damages if your case cannot be settled outside of court.

If the opposing party challenges your liability claim or if damages from the collision are significant, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. In such cases, legal representation can help you prove fault and seek the appropriate financial award.

What Happens if I Am Partially At Fault for the Accident?

Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule. This means if one or both parties are partially at fault in a car accident, they can be assigned a percentage of fault. While they could recover damages, compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.  

This is one reason your evidence must prove your case against the opposing party. It also helps to have a lawyer who can represent your interests during talks with an insurance company, which could minimize or reject your claim.

The insurance companies of the involved parties will conduct investigations to determine liability. They will review the evidence and may assign an adjuster to evaluate the accident. You can prepare for this process by hiring a lawyer who can protect your claim or lawsuit.

Call for Legal Help With a 4-Way Stop Accident – We Can Help 

At a 4-way stop, who goes first depends on who got to the intersection first. If you’ve been involved in a right-of-way accident and are unsure about who was at fault, the personal injury lawyers at Zanes Law can lead your case.

We handle complex traffic cases and will work diligently to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are ready to help you.

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