- August 28, 2024
- Tucker Law
- Car Accident Lawsuits
Right-of-way laws are meant to keep traffic flowing smoothly. However, these laws are not always intuitive, and many drivers are simply not familiar enough with them. Here is a review of NY right-of-way laws to help you stay safe when out and about in New York.
If you were injured in a car accident, contact the traffic accident lawyers at Tucker Lawyers. We offer free initial consultations. Call (516) 399-2364 to speak about your case with a personal injury attorney in New York.
A Review of NY Right-of-Way Laws
The right-of-way laws in New York are a group of rules that govern a variety of traffic situations. These guidelines are meant to determine which member of traffic may proceed in a given situation, even if it’s not immediately clear. Violating right-of-way laws is a common cause of costly traffic accidents; having a grasp on NY’s right-of-way laws can help keep you safe.
New York Right-of-Way Laws and Pedestrians
The party with the most to lose in many traffic situations is the pedestrian. Pedestrians cannot absorb a minor bump or hit like another vehicle can. Right-of-way rules relating to pedestrians effectively protect pedestrians — but only when these rules are obeyed.
In New York, pedestrians have the right of way when in a crosswalk, whether it is marked or unmarked. If a motorist sees a pedestrian enter a crossing, they must yield to the pedestrian. If a pedestrian walks out onto the road outside of a crosswalk, they may not have the right of way. However, vehicles are required to stop when reasonably prudent and wait for the pedestrian to pass.
New York Right-of-Way Laws and Bicyclists
New York is a fantastic state for bicycling. New York City and its various neighborhoods also provide great riding opportunities. However, a lack of knowledge of the right-of-way rules of the road is responsible for many bicycle accidents.
In New York, bicycles are considered vehicles. Hence, they must follow the same rules of the road as car and truck drivers. Bicycling does, however, come with special considerations.
Dooring
Cyclists often find themselves riding alongside parked cars. When they do, they have the right of way over drivers and passengers seeking to exit their vehicles. Under New York’s dooring law, drivers and passengers must reasonably check for cyclists before opening their doors on the street side. Failure to follow this law can lead to fines as well as significant liability for property damage and serious bodily injury or even death.
Sidewalk Riding
Sidewalk riding is formally outlawed in New York City for riders over the age of 12. However, other municipalities may not expressly prohibit it. In every case, pedestrians typically have the right of way over cyclists on the sidewalk.
Bicycle Lanes
New York has an extensive network of bicycle lanes. Motorists often drive into some of these lanes. When they do, they must yield the right of way to cyclists. However, this rule does not apply to emergency vehicles while attending to an emergency. Additionally, pedestrians have the right of way over bicyclists in bicycle lanes.
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New York Right-of-Way Laws and Intersections
Intersections are where many of the state’s right-of-way rules come into play. The type of intersection determines the rule to be used. The number of cars or other members of traffic present also determines which right-of-way rule applies.
Signs and Signals Trump All
In every case, the posted signs and/or signals at an intersection trump all other rules and regulations. If there are stop lights controlling an intersection, the party with the green light will have the right of way. If there is a stop sign, the driver who encounters it must come to a complete stop.
First to Arrive
What happens when no signs or signals are present at an intersection? In New York, countless streets are uncontrolled. The answer is that it depends on the circumstances. If two cars reach an intersection perpendicular to one another, the driver who arrives first is typically considered to have the right of way.
Vehicle to Your Right
In many cases, drivers perpendicular to one another arrive at an intersection at virtually the same time. When this event occurs, the driver farthest to the left must yield the right of way to every other driver. Put another way, the driver to the right has the right of way when two vehicles arrive at an intersection simultaneously.
Intersection Turns
Intersection turns are sometimes dangerous maneuvers requiring the full skill and knowledge of the driver. Remember that traffic signs and signals are the most important right-of-way indicators. A green arrow gives a driver the full right of way to make a left turn. However, a green light means the driver must yield to oncoming traffic, including vehicles and pedestrians.
A driver executing a left turn in an intersection with no lights or signals must also yield to oncoming traffic, including pedestrians and vehicles. However, if the driver can reasonably execute the turn before oncoming traffic reaches the intersection, the turning driver has the right of way.
For right turns, turning drivers must yield to crossing pedestrians and bicyclists at intersections. Even when one of these is violating a traffic rule by crossing, a motorist must still do what is reasonable to avoid hitting them.
Right-of-Way Laws and Safety
Violations of New York’s right-of-way laws can cause terrible accidents and pain. Knowing these laws will help keep you safe from accidents as well as insulate you from accident liability. If you are injured by someone else, an attorney can help you get justice through compensation.
Contact New York’s Premier Traffic Accident Attorneys
Were you involved in a car accident in New York? You may be entitled to valuable compensation. Insurance companies won’t tell you how much your case is truly worth, but Tucker Lawyers will.
For a free consultation about your traffic accident case, contact Tucker Lawyers today. We are ready to meet you, review your case, and discuss your options. Call (516) 399-2364 to speak with an experienced New York traffic accident lawyer today.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]