Who Is at Fault in a Roundabout Accident in South Carolina?

For much of the 20^th century, the four-way intersection was the norm on American roads. However, things have started changing. Roundabouts, long popular in the UK and Europe, are now appearing across the country. A lack of familiarity with roundabouts can lead to confusion about how to use them, and that can mean an increase in accidents.

When were roundabouts first introduced in the US?

While chances are good that you’re most familiar with traditional intersections, roundabouts have been used in the US for a long time. The first one was designed and installed in New York City in 1905. They were also used in many other areas in the 1930s, but poor planning meant they were dangerous and caused more problems than they fixed.

The first modern roundabout was built in the 1990s (Nevada), followed by the first freeway roundabout in 1995 (Colorado). They’re now considered safer than four-way intersections and are being built in cities, suburban areas, and even in rural areas of South Carolina.

Understanding roundabouts and how they work

Roundabouts are designed to make intersections safer and traffic flow more smoothly. But if you’ve ever navigated one, you know they can feel like a free-for-all, especially when drivers don’t follow the rules. Determining fault isn’t always straightforward when an accident happens in a roundabout. So, how do you figure out who’s responsible?

Let’s break it down so you know what to expect and what your rights are if you’re involved in a roundabout accident in South Carolina.

The basics of roundabout right-of-way

In a roundabout, the rules of the road are simple, although you might not think so to watch some drivers try to navigate them:

• Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Cars inside the roundabout have the right-of-way. That means drivers trying to enter the roundabout need to slow down, watch traffic in the roundabout, and then enter when there’s an opening.

• Yield to pedestrians and cyclists. They have priority at crosswalks around the circle. Not all roundabouts have accommodations for foot and bike traffic, but many do, particularly in urban and suburban areas. 
• Don’t change lanes mid-roundabout. Stay in your lane until you exit. This requires you to know which direction you need to go to get into the correct lane when you enter the roundabout. Signage leading up to the roundabout should explain the lane layout so you can merge easily.
• Signal before exiting. This helps other drivers anticipate your movements. Even if you’re in a lane that turns or has the option to turn or continue around the roundabout, signaling is an important consideration.

If everyone follows these rules, roundabouts work like clockwork. But when drivers speed, fail to yield, or make erratic lane changes, accidents can happen.

Who is at fault in a roundabout accident?

In a roundabout accident, who is at fault depends on the circumstances, but here are some common scenarios that you might face.

If someone cuts across you in a roundabout, whose fault is it?

This is one of the most common types of accidents. If another driver crosses into your lane while navigating the circle, they’re likely at fault. South Carolina law requires drivers to stay in their lane until exiting, and cutting across clearly violates that requirement.

Rear-end collisions

You’re generally at fault if you rear-end another car in a roundabout. It’s the same for most roadway accidents, although there are mitigating circumstances. The law assumes you weren’t maintaining a safe following distance. That said, if the driver in front of you stops abruptly without cause, they might share some responsibility.

Failure to yield

Entering the roundabout without yielding to traffic already inside is a leading cause of crashes. In this case, the entering driver is almost always at fault. Always slow down, watch traffic, and then enter when there’s a clear opening. Yield to traffic (vehicle, foot, and bike) already in the circle.

Lane change collisions

Changing lanes inside a roundabout is risky and often leads to side-swipe accidents, which is why you need to stay in your lane and not change while in the roundabout. If a driver merges into your lane and causes a crash, they’re likely at fault.

How to prove fault in a roundabout accident

Proving fault in a roundabout accident usually involves reviewing the available evidence. Here’s what can help:

• Dashcam footage: A video of the incident can clearly show who violated the rules. Of course, most drivers don’t have a dash cam.
• Witness statements: Nearby drivers or pedestrians might have seen what happened and can corroborate your statements.
• Traffic cameras: More and more roundabouts have cameras that can provide visual evidence of exactly what happened.
• Police reports: An officer’s analysis of the scene can help document what happened and who was involved.

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

How to avoid roundabout accidents

Roundabouts can be confusing, but following these tips will keep you and others safe:

• Slow down: Enter the roundabout at a safe speed.
• Yield properly: Always give way to traffic in the circle.
• Watch for lane markings: Pay attention to signs and road markings to avoid lane confusion.
• Use your signal: Let others know when you’re exiting.
• Stay focused: Avoid distractions like your phone, even for a moment.

What to do after a roundabout accident

If you’re involved in a roundabout accident, here’s what you need to do:

• Stay calm and check for injuries: Safety is the priority. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
• Exchange information: Get contact and insurance details from the other driver.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the damage, the roundabout layout, and any relevant road signs.
• Report the accident: Notify law enforcement and your insurance company.
• Call a lawyer: A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights.

We’re here to help

Roundabouts may be designed for safety, but accidents can still happen, often leaving you injured, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. At McGowan, Hood & Felder, LLC, we know how to handle the complexities of roundabout accident cases. From gathering evidence to proving fault, we’re prepared to fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been in a roundabout accident, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation.