Who is at Fault in a Roundabout Accident - Iowa Law

Roundabouts are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of serious accidents. However, serious car accidents sometimes happen in roundabouts, which can affect a victim for years.

Understanding how roundabouts work, as well as the rules of driving in them, is crucial to avoiding collisions.

Drivers who are unfamiliar with roundabouts may find them quite confusing, which can lead to a car accident.

It's important to know how to navigate roundabouts safely in order to minimize the risk of accidents, or to avoid them altogether.

Unfortunately, accidents happen, and legal action might be required for the injured party. A roundabout accident attorney can be a saving grace to a person who finds themselves injured in a roundabout accident.

Tom Fowler, from Tom Fowler Law, is an attorney who can help.

Tom Fowler is an attorney who can help victims get fair compensation following an accident. This includes covering medical bills and other costs. Recovering compensation is a right, and hiring a lawyer is the best way to get the money needed to cover these costs. They can consult on who is at fault in a brake failure accident Iowa as well.

Causes of Roundabout Accidents

There are many causes of roundabout accidents.

Failure to Yield

The most common cause is when a driver fails to yield to an oncoming car. This can lead to a devastating head on collision.

Speeding

Another cause of roundabout accidents is drivers who are speeding. This can cause them to lose control of the wheel and crash into another driver.

Distracted Driving

People who are distracted by using a phone, texting, or adjusting the radio, also often lead to accidents in a roundabout.

Inclement Weather

Inclement weather is another cause of roundabout accidents. Drivers who aren't putting safety first when the roads are wet or slippery may crash into other vehicles.

Not Paying Attention

Not paying attention to road signs or traffic lights at intersections can cause these accidents, as can blind spots. This is especially the case with large vehicles or those with limited visibility.

Accidents Happen - Types of Roundabout Accidents

Head-on Collisions

The most serious type of accident in a roundabout is a head-on collision. These can be very serious or even cause death.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions can also occur in roundabouts. This is especially true, for example, when the driver is not paying attentions or following too closely.

Side-Impact Collisions

A side-impact collision is also possible, as a driver may not yield or try to merge into a lane when another car or truck is there.

Pedestrian and Bicyclist Collisions

Pedestrians or bicyclists may be using roundabouts, too, and if a driver is passing them and not paying attention, they could hit someone.

Multi-Car Collisions

Oftentimes, there is a chain reaction in a roundabout due to high traffic volume and people not understanding how they work.

Determining Fault in Roundabout Accidents

Determining fault in a roundabout is complex, and oftentimes, a detailed investigation is necessary. Different cities may have different styles of roundabouts, too, and being unaware of this can be dangerous. For more information, hire a car accident lawyer in Des Moines.

Drivers Aren't Always at Fault

A full investigation will examine the actions of all parties involved, and any actions that may be considered negligent, such as failing to yield, reckless driving, or speeding, might lead to liability.

The driver who is to blame for the accident is the one who took actions that are considered negligent. However, what is considered negligence for a driver might not be the same for a pedestrian or bicyclist.

The vehicle driver isn't always at fault. The fault could lie on the bicyclist or pedestrian if they were involved in the accident. Other drivers may also be held liable, even if they weren't physically involved.

Common Injuries in a Car Accident at a Roundabout

Many people don't think that injuries at a roundabout are severe, like those that might happen on a highway. However, injuries can be substantial. Some of the common injuries that occur at a roundabout include:

• Whiplash, broken bones, and head injuries - these often happen in higher speed accidents. Failure to yield may also cause these accidents.

• Minor injuries like bruises and sprains may also occur. Even if the injuries aren't severe, they could cause issues in the future.

• More severe injuries are also possible. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries may happen at the moment of impact.

• Pedestrian and bicyclist injuries can be quite severe, as they have very little protection against a vehicle. Severe accidents often come with high medical bills.

Avoiding Accidents at Roundabouts

Avoiding accidents at roundabouts is possible. Here are some of the ways drivers can use caution and avoid sudden collisions:

• Slow down, follow speed limits, and yield to oncoming traffic

• Be aware of blind spots and check for pedestrians and bicyclists

• Follow traffic rules, look for signs, and obey traffic lights

• Avoid distractions when driving, including using a phone, changing the radio, or eating

• Stay alert and focused when on the road, and operate the vehicle safely

What to Do After a Roundabout Accident

Following a roundabout accident, it's imperative to investigate. As soon as possible, it's best to take photos and videos of the scene and get witness statements.

Anyone involved should seek medical attention. The force of an accident can cause hidden injuries, too, which may not appear until days later. All injuries, or potential injuries, should be documented.

Report the accident to the local police department and notify insurance companies of everyone involved.

Once everything else is taken care of, reach out to a personal injury attorney. They can help investigate the incident, gather evidence, examine possible factors that caused the accident, and contact insurance companies on behalf of their clients. They can also explain who is at fault in an underride accident Iowa.

Recoverable Damages in Roundabout Accident Claims

Anyone involved in a roundabout accident has the right to seek compensation. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, rental car fees, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages.

A lawyer can help victims determine the full extent of the damages they might be owed and will help them seek fair compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation Tom Fowler Law

 A free consultation with a car accident lawyers can help a victim understand their options and determine the best course of action in regard to getting fair compensation.

The team at Tom Fowler Law can provide guidance to victims and help them navigate the very complex legal system. Seeking legal advice as soon as possible following a roundabout accident can help victims protect their rights. Call Tom Fowler Law today.