Roundabouts are a common sight in Sarasota, Florida, and for good reason. They are proven to reduce crashes resulting in serious injury or death greatly. They also improve safety by promoting lower speeds, reducing conflict points, and more. However, roundabouts can also be confusing for drivers who are not familiar with them. This can lead to accidents, especially for drivers visiting Sarasota from out of town. Many of these accidents in roundabouts affect pedestrians.
As a personal injury attorney in Sarasota, I have seen firsthand the consequences of roundabout accidents. I have represented clients injured in roundabout crashes and seen the financial and emotional toll these accidents can take.
Driver safety in roundabouts
There are a few things drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can do to help stay safe in roundabouts. First, it is important to be familiar with the rules of the road for roundabouts. These rules are different from the rules for traditional intersections with stop signs or traffic lights. Second, it is important to yield to the right of way. This means that drivers entering the roundabout must yield to drivers already in the roundabout. Third, being aware of your surroundings and proceeding slowly and cautiously is essential.
Here are some additional tips for driving safely in roundabouts:
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- Slow down and be prepared to yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
- Signal your intention to enter the roundabout.
- Stay in the right lane unless you are exiting the roundabout to the left.
- Do not pass other cars in the roundabout.
- Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists.
Here are some additional tips for cycling or crossing roundabouts on foot:
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- Stay on the walkways and only cross at designated crosswalks. If necessary, stop at the splitter island in the middle.
- Pedestrians have the right of way, but be sure to confirm the path and speed of oncoming traffic whenever possible.
- Do not enter the center island of the roundabout.
- If a cyclist chooses to ride with the vehicle traffic, they must follow the same rules as vehicles follow and signal which direction they will go, just as a vehicle would. This includes giving pedestrians the right of way.
- Cyclists should walk their bicycles at crosswalks.
What to do if you are in an accident in a roundabout
In the event of an auto or pedestrian accident in a roundabout, it is essential to stay calm and exchange information with the other driver(s) involved, and you should also report the accident to the police immediately. If you are injured, you should seek prompt medical attention. You should then seek legal help at your first opportunity. A personal injury attorney can help you to understand your legal rights and options and can help you to file a claim for compensation.
We can help
Our team at Greg Linehan Law can help you to understand your legal rights and options after a roundabout accident and help you to file a claim for compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact us today to discuss your case. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
