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What Are the Rules for Right of Way on Wisconsin Roadways?

The state of Wisconsin, like all states nationwide, has rules and laws that govern how motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists properly and legally travel on the roadways. Among these rules are those that govern the right of way, or which driver should yield to the other when stopped at an intersection. Violations of these rules and laws can result in traffic tickets for minor infractions and criminal charges for egregious violations of these laws, or cases which usually involve serious harm or even death to another person. However, traffic violations that lead to accidents causing injuries or death also can result in civil liability for that driver through a personal injury lawsuit.

Wisconsin law requires that when two drivers arrive at a four-way stop at roughly the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left should yield to the driver of the vehicle on the right. Keep in mind, however, that if a driver approaches the intersection at a high rate of speed, then he or she is not entitled to the right of way. Even if another car pulls out in front of the speeding driver, he or she is at fault under the right of way rules.

Violation of the right of way rules under Wisconsin law is a relatively minor infraction; drivers who violate these rules can receive a citation with a penalty of $20 to $1,000, depending on the nature of the situation. The consequences of a traffic infraction, though, become far more severe when the driver causes an accident that injures or kills another driver, passenger, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Even if the driver is not criminally charged, a traffic infraction can lead to an accident that makes that driver civilly liable for any damages that the accident caused to another.

When any type of vehicle accident occurs as a result of a driver’s negligence, and causes injury to you or your loved one, you may have a claim for damages under Wisconsin law. Wisconsin’s right of way rules can be important in determining whether a driver is negligent. Don’t delay in contacting the Madison personal injury attorneys of Boller & Vaughan, and set up your free consultation today.