Who’s at Fault in Roundabout Car Crashes? A Car Crash Attorney’s Guide

Navigating roundabouts, otherwise known as traffic circles, can be confusing for many drivers. While roundabouts are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents, they’re not foolproof. Crashes still happen—and when they do, the question of who is at fault can be complex. As experienced car crash attorneys at Ray Padilla Law, APC, we’re here to break down the main factors that determine fault in roundabout accidents.

Common Types of Roundabout Crashes

Roundabout accidents often occur due to misunderstandings of who has the right of way or from misjudgments in maneuvering. In San Diego neighborhoods where roundabouts are few and far between, many drivers do not know how to approach a roundabout properly. Many San Diegans even feeling as though the addition of new traffic circles are creating more dangerous roads. Here are some of the most common types of crashes we see:

1. Failure to Yield – Drivers entering a roundabout must yield to traffic already inside. If they don’t, they can cause a side-impact or rear-end collision.
2. Lane Changes – In larger roundabouts with multiple lanes, some drivers fail to stay in their designated lane, leading to side-swiping or rear-ending another vehicle.
3. Sudden Stops – Roundabouts are supposed to keep traffic moving. When a driver stops suddenly, either out of confusion or hesitancy, the result can be a rear-end collision.
4. Speeding – Entering or exiting a roundabout at excessive speed increases the risk of losing control and colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians.

Determining Fault in Roundabout Accidents

In roundabouts, the concept of “right of way” is crucial in determining fault. Here’s a breakdown of the main factors that help establish who is at fault in these incidents:

1. Right of Way – Typically, drivers already inside the roundabout have the right of way. A driver entering the roundabout is usually at fault if they fail to yield to vehicles already in the circle.
2. Lane Discipline – Drivers must stay within their designated lane within a multi-lane roundabout. Changing lanes or cutting across the roundabout without signaling can make the lane-switching driver liable.
3. Traffic Signs and Signals – Some roundabouts include signs, lights, or road markings to guide traffic. Ignoring these can lead to driver liability, as they’re intended to prevent accidents by clarifying the right of way.
4. Police Reports and Witness Statements – Law enforcement reports and witness accounts are often essential in verifying details.

Proving Fault in a Roundabout Accident

When you’ve been injured in a roundabout accident, working with a knowledgeable car crash attorney can be critical. An attorney will gather all the evidence—surveillance footage, police reports, witness statements, and expert analysis—to support your claim.

What To Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Roundabout Accident

If you’re involved in a crash at a roundabout, here are steps to protect yourself and your case:

• Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicle positions, damage, road signs, and other relevant details.
• Seek Medical Attention – Always get checked for injuries, even if you feel fine immediately after the accident. Adrenaline can mask injury symptoms.
• Contact an Experienced Car Crash Attorney – A seasoned attorney will navigate the legal process on your behalf, increasing your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Roundabouts are meant to streamline traffic, but when a crash occurs, determining fault can be more complicated than in other intersections. If you’ve been injured in a roundabout crash, we’re here to help you understand your rights. Our local attorneys at Ray Padilla Law, APC are ready to help. Contact our office today at (619) 431-1187 to speak with Attorney Ray Padilla directly.