Wisconsin, like every other state, has right-of-way laws that govern how motor vehicles move through intersections. These laws, also called the “rules of the road,” help traffic move safely and prevent accidents.
Right-of-way laws in Wisconsin outline how to approach intersections, turns, stops, pedestrians, and other proper highway etiquette. If you fail to properly yield right-of-way to others, you’re driving aggressively and breaking the law. Failure to abide by right-of-way laws can result in major accidents involving both property damage and bodily injury.
If you are involved in a traffic accident caused by failure to yield right-of-way, Boller & Vaughan can help. Our team of Madison personal injury lawyers know Wisconsin law and know how to effectively represent your interests in any personal injury claim.
Call 608-268-0268 or contact the Boller & Vaughan office online and learn how our attorneys can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
The following right-of-way laws help illustrate common situations that drivers may find themselves in when there are no traffic signs or lights to control the flow of traffic. They also explain who must yield the right-of-way and to whom. It’s important to note that the laws state who must yield the right-of-way. It does not give anyone the right-of-way.
These laws can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website, Wisconsin state law, and in the most recent edition of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Motorists’ Handbook.
If a driver operates a vehicle at an unlawful speed, that driver forfeits their right-of-way. In other words, even if another driver fails to yield right-of-way, it is the speeding driver who is responsible for the accident. Wisconsin law states that a motorist “driving at an unlawful speed forfeits any right-of-way which he or she would otherwise have under this subsection.”
The penalties for violating right-of-way laws in Wisconsin vary. Depending on the nature of the incident, punishment may include a fine of $20 to $1,000 as well as points on your license, or even suspension of driving privileges. You may also have to complete a right-of-way course at a training school or by an approved safety organization.
However, if the right-of-way violation results in serious injuries or death, there can be criminal penalties and/or civil liability for the driver who caused the accident. This means that the injured person or persons, or their surviving family members in the case of a fatal accident, can file a lawsuit against the driver who is responsible for causing the accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident stemming from failure to yield right-of-way, you may be able to file a claim for damages, or financial compensation. The Boller & Vaughan team are experienced and well-versed in Wisconsin’s right-of-way laws. Our personal injury attorneys can determine if another driver is responsible and whether you should pursue your case.
Call our Madison office at 608-268-0268 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys today. You can also follow the Boller & Vaughan Facebook page, or fill out an online contact form to get started.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.