Intersections are some of the most dangerous locations on South Carolina roadways. Whether at a rural four-way stop, a busy urban traffic light, or a confusing yield lane, drivers must rely on right-of-way rules to determine who can proceed safely. When those rules are misunderstood or ignored, car accidents occur. Intersection and right-of-way disputes often lead to serious personal injury, property damage, and difficult legal questions about fault.

Understanding how South Carolina applies its right-of-way laws is essential for determining liability after a crash and for preventing future accidents.

What Are Common Causes of Intersection Disputes?

Intersections require coordination, attention, and patience. Crashes frequently occur when drivers: 

• Fail to stop completely at a stop sign.
• Misjudge another vehicle’s speed or intentions.
• Turn left without yielding to oncoming traffic.
• Run red lights or speed through yellow lights.
• Ignore flashing signals or yield signs.
• Enter from private drives or parking lots without checking for cross traffic.
• Rely on incorrect assumptions about who has priority.

What Are the Right-of-Way Laws in South Carolina?

South Carolina traffic laws clearly outline when a driver must yield. Key rules include the following:

• Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic proceeding straight or turning right.
• Drivers must yield to traffic already in the intersection.
• Drivers entering from private roads, driveways, or alleys must yield to vehicles on public roadways.
• At controlled intersections, traffic signals dictate who may proceed.
• When signals malfunction, intersections generally operate as four-way stops.

Pedestrians and bicyclists also play a major role in right-of-way disputes. South Carolina law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and to exercise caution when turning. Failing to see or properly yield to a pedestrian can result in devastating injuries.

Common Types of Crashes at Intersections

One of the most common accidents at an intersection happens when a driver attempts to turn left in front of another oncoming car, resulting in a T-bone collision. The turning driver hits the oncoming car on its side, often with severe impact, as the vehicle’s side offers less protection. Passengers in the car can suffer serious injuries such as head trauma, spinal damage, and broken bones.

Rear-end collisions also happen frequently at intersections when drivers do not allow sufficient following distance, when a driver has to stop suddenly, or when drivers are distracted. Vehicle damage and severity of injuries in a rear-end collision vary with the speed of impact; however, seemingly minor soft tissue injuries such as whiplash can develop into major medical issues over time.

When commercial vehicles or motorcycles are involved, the consequences of intersection accidents are often more severe. Serious injury claims increase the stakes of right-of-way disputes because medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care costs can be substantial.

Proving Liability After an Intersection Accident

Liability in intersection accidents and right-of-way disputes is crucial because fault directly affects compensation. 

In cases where fault is contested, an experienced car accident lawyer will use evidence such as dashcam videos, footage from traffic surveillance cameras, witness statements, police reports, and vehicle damage to prove liability. Testimony from accident reconstruction experts may be required to analyze angles of impact, traffic patterns, and roadway design to determine what actually occurred.

Understanding South Carolina’s right-of-way rules is essential to both roadway safety and legal recovery after a crash. When a driver’s failure to yield causes an accident, the victim should not be left to carry the financial burden alone. 

Mt. Pleasant Car Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Provide Experienced Legal Representation After an Accident

If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, the Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC will investigate your case and fight to hold the negligent parties accountable. Call us at 843-727-6500 or complete the online form to schedule a free case evaluation. We have offices in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, and we serve clients throughout the state.