Do You Love or Hate Roundabouts?

Roundabouts are increasingly common here in Michigan, yet the polarizing design has everyone talking.  Some people love them and appreciate the smooth flow of traffic, yet other people approach a roundabout with hesitation and trepidation. What do you think about roundabouts? Have they made your commute smoother?

There is a great deal of data that supports the positive aspects of roundabouts. While roundabouts are associated with more crashes, they are also associated with fewer injuries and fatalities. The accidents that do occur in a roundabout are usually less serious because the speeds are much slower when the incident occurs, causing less serious injuries. In addition, they are linked to a decrease in traffic backups and more fuel savings.

What are the rules for roundabouts in Michigan*?

• How to Use a Roundabout
  1. Slow down as you approach the roundabout. 15-20 miles per hour is usually about the right speed for approaching and driving in a roundabout.
  
  2. Pick your lane. Look for the lane-use signs as you approach the roundabout, choose your lane before entering the roundabout, and stay in your lane until you exit the roundabout.
  
  3. Yield. When approaching the roundabout, always yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles in all lanes (the yield sign will show you where to yield).
  
  4. Look left. Vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way. If there is no traffic in the roundabout, don’t stop. If traffic is present, wait for an opening and then enter the roundabout.
  
  5. Give way to large vehicles. Allow large vehicles the extra turning radius needed to drive next to a large vehicle. Never pass or drive next to a large vehicle in the roundabout.
  
  6. Emergency vehicles. If you see an emergency vehicle coming, exit the roundabout; do not pull over in the roundabout.

*Source: Road Commission for Oakland County

Recent Roundabout Completions

• Oakland County opens it’s 40^th roundabout in White Lake Township, at the intersection of Elizabeth Lake Rd/Oxbow Lake Road. Oakland County has the highest concentration of roundabouts of any county in the state.
• City of Royal Oak: Greenfield/Normandy/Beverly Roundabout
• Ann Arbor: Mini roundabout completed where Eberwhite Boulevard, Madison Street, Mt. Vernon Avenue and Mt. Pleasant Avenue converge.

What to Do if You Suffer Injuries in a Michigan Roundabout Accident?

Roundabout accidents have the potential to cause extremely serious injuries. Some of the most common include the following:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

These and other injuries you can sustain in a roundabout accident can often result in extensive losses, like medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. If someone else caused your accident, you can likely recover compensation by seeking the advice of a Michigan car accident lawyer and filing a personal injury claim.

There are certain steps you can take to maximize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. The most important of these include the following:

Seek Medical Attention

You should always seek medical attention after an accident, even if you do not think you are injured. In addition, if you did not seek medical attention immediately after your accident, it may not be too late to do so. Seeing a doctor will ensure that your injuries are identified and documented, which is important for any claim you may file.

Do Not Accept a Settlement

You should not accept a settlement offer until you have talked to a lawyer. Insurance companies regularly make lowball initial offers, hoping that victims will simply take them on and move on – and once you accept a settlement, it is almost impossible to get more compensation for the same accident. For this reason, you should always consult with an attorney before accepting a settlement.

Retain a Lawyer as Soon as You Can

Finally, you should contact an attorney as soon as you can after an accident. When you have an attorney, your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company for you and attempt to negotiate a fair settlement. In this way, retaining a lawyer will ensure that you do not say or do anything that will hurt your claim. Additionally, insurance companies are much more likely to make a fair settlement when a lawyer is involved.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

If you have suffered injuries in a roundabout accident – or any other type of car accident – you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as you can. The lawyers of Giroux Pappas are dedicated to helping people like you obtain the compensation they deserve under Michigan law. We are skilled litigators and experienced negotiators who have what it takes to get insurance companies to pay. To schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team, call our office today or contact us online.