Who is at fault for a roundabout accident?

Who is at fault for a roundabout accident?

To be honest, it really does depend on the nature of the accident. Road accidents are common on roundabouts because they are crash hot spots. With so many vehicles approaching from so many directions, crossing lanes, and stopping and starting, it’s no surprise they are a common cause of accidents.

So who is at fault for a roundabout accident claim?

Rear end collisions

Generally speaking, the driver that hits the back of another driver is at fault. Being hit in the rear normally means the other driver has failed to keep to a safe enough speed and maintain a safe enough distance. They have failed to stop in time – they are at fault.

They are common at the entrance of roundabouts where traffic is often slowing down or in a stop/start state of affairs.

Equally though, vehicles are prone to stops when coming off of a roundabout in to a new road because pedestrian crossings are commonly situated in such places.

Changing lanes

If a driver suddenly realises they are in the wrong lane for their intended route, changing lanes can be a real danger. A driver should only do so where it is absolutely safe to do. The alternative is either cause an accident or bite the bullet and come off at the wrong exit. In reality the option should always be the latter.

So if someone cuts you up and causes a crash, or changes lanes in to your vehicle, you have the right to claim for compensation from them. If you are correctly proceeding in your lane, you ought to have nothing to worry about.

Drivers pulling out on to roundabouts

Drivers give way to their right and allow precedence to vehicles already on the roundabout – they’re the rules. If someone pulls out on you and causes a crash, they are at fault and you are fully entitled to claim for damages from them.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Take care when instructing a lawyer to deal with the claim. Many will take deductions of up to 40% because of new rules, and many have upfront charges and fees for all sorts of things.

Speak to us for a better deal – in most cases we can save you potentially thousands of pounds.