The eternal conflict of traffic accidents at roundabouts

Roundabouts have become a practical road tool for regulating urban traffic. However, alongside their obvious advantages, they are also a source of recurring conflicts when it comes to determining liability in the event of a traffic accident at a roundabout .

Next, we will provide the reader with the interpretation that should be made in these cases in light of current regulations, paying separate attention to the different scenarios that may occur.

Traffic accident at roundabout occurring at the entrance

If failing to yield the right-of-way is the cause of the accident , we must adhere to a principle valid for any collision: a collision between the front and rear of another vehicle places the responsibility on the driver who caused the impact, regardless of whether the struck vehicle caused the accident by braking suddenly. This argument is based on the obligation of every driver to maintain a safe following distance .

Regarding maneuvers to enter roundabouts , those already circulating in them always have priority, which automatically assigns blame for the accident to the person who was about to enter.

Already inside the roundabout

Without a doubt, this assumption is more controversial, since ignorance of the hierarchy that prevails in traffic around roundabouts is quite widespread .

To begin with, given that most traffic accidents in roundabouts occur when, traveling side-by-side, the vehicle on the left decides to cut across to the right (usually to exit the roundabout), it's important to understand the obligation to drive in the right lane . Therefore, the left lane is reserved for maneuvers always performed with prior signaling. Consequently, the vehicle traveling in the right lane always has the right of way.

However, it is advisable to seek the assistance of law enforcement officers in the event of any disagreement between those involved. The officers will determine responsibility for the accident in their report.

If you have been involved in a traffic accident at a roundabout and do not know how to resolve the issue, do not hesitate to contact us without obligation.