Who Is At Fault If A Waived Car Gets Hit?
Who’s At Fault In A Car Accident Caused By A Wave?
Most states don’t have hard-and-fast rules about who is at fault in an accident influenced by a polite wave.
Three states — New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia — allow you to sue someone if they waved you into an intersection and it resulted in a crash. In Georgia it’s different. There the law says that, in most cases, you cannot sue someone over a wave-in.
In Ohio, we have conflicting opinions. The state Supreme Court has ruled that you “cannot rely on a signal given by a stopped vehicle.” Doing so, the court said, might be “negligent.” Since then at least one district court has ruled that the question of liability changes case-to-case and should be decided by a jury.
Some traffic experts say that the best way to be courteous on the road is to never wave or accept a wave-in. You’re better off observing standard right-of-way rules. This keeps traffic moving and reduces the risk of accidents.
Who Has The Right Of Way?
To follow the right-of-way rules, you need to know them. Here’s what “right of way” means in Ohio
- When vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
- The only time you should follow a wave-in is if it’s coming from a police officer or other recognized official conducting traffic.
- When entering onto the highway or another street you must yield to vehicles already on the roadway.
- You must yield to oncoming traffic when turning left and when turning right at a red light.
- You must always yield to emergency vehicles like police cruisers, fire trucks, and ambulances if they have their lights and/or sirens activated.
Taking Control After a Car Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident involving a waving driver can be challenging. Even if the crash seems straightforward, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely try to minimize or reject your claim. Insurance companies are financially motivated to pay as little as possible, often blaming victims to avoid responsibility.
This is why it’s essential to have an experienced car accident lawyer who knows how to fight for injury victims in Ohio. A skilled attorney can navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
That’s why you need an experienced car accident lawyer who knows how to fight for car injury victims in Ohio.
How A Columbus Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Car accidents can be traumatic and life-changing events, and seeking proper legal assistance is essential to protect your rights and interests. At Mike Christensen Law Offices, we are committed to helping accident victims navigate the complex legal landscape and obtain the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Columbus, do not delay seeking the legal help you need. Contact Mike Christensen Law Offices today to schedule a consultation with our experienced car accident attorneys in Columbus, OH. We have a proven track record of advocating for accident victims and ensuring they receive the financial recovery they are entitled to. Call us today for a free consultation, we are here to help.
