The Right-Of-Way: Driveway Vs. Road
If someone would be driving down the road, whether it be on a busy roadway or in a neighborhood, and they are hit by a car that is pulling out of a driveway, who is at fault?
Surprisingly enough, this question has been asked several times. A recent fatal accident in Fulton County that involved a truck in a driveway and a motorcycle on the roadway is the prime example of the danger that this type of accident can bring. The truck failed to yield as it pulled into the road, causing the motorcycle to collide with it, resulting in the death of the man riding the motorcycle.
Who Has the Right of Way When Pulling Out of a Driveway?
If you are pulling out from a driveway into a road, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is safe to do so. While it is wise for all drivers to remain defensive on the roadway and we imagine we have all had near-misses pulling out of a driveway, the fact remains that if you were to cause an accident by pulling into the road from the driveway, it would be considered your fault.
If you were driving in your neighborhood and another vehicle pulled out of a private driveway, striking your vehicle, the at-fault driver would be the person operating the car in the driveway. This further strengthens the need for motorists to drive with caution and take their time when pulling into roadways.
Call to Work With Our Team After Getting Hit Pulling Out of a Driveway
If your vehicle has been involved in an accident with a motorist who was pulling out of a private drive and you or a passenger has suffered injury due to the accident, we would advise you to contact an attorney. A personal injury attorney would be able to let you know whether or not you have a legitimate personal injury claim and guide you through the process of filing the claim and working toward a settlement.
There are also several other things an attorney can guide you through, as the legal process involves multiple steps that could be confusing to you. Our lawyers have outlined the steps in filing a lawsuit in our blog that you can reference throughout your case.
We give case evaluations over the phone, making the process easier to begin for injured victims. Call today to get your case started!