Who has the right of way at a four way stop is determined by a clear order of operations: the first vehicle to arrive proceeds first, followed by the next in line. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right of way.
These rules exist to keep intersections safe and prevent confusion, but not every driver follows them correctly. Failing to yield can result in collisions, especially when drivers assume they know the rules but react too quickly.
While traffic signs are designed to create order, misunderstanding who has the legal right to go can lead to serious accidents. When that happens, a New York City car accident lawyer can help establish fault and determine what happens next, especially if someone is injured.
What We’ve Seen at Four Way Stops
At Levine And Wiss, we’ve handled many cases where right-of-way confusion at a four way stop led to significant damage or injury. We’ve worked with drivers who were hit after correctly yielding, as well as passengers who were injured because another driver rushed through without stopping.
With over 100 years of combined experience and hundreds of millions recovered for injured clients, our New York City personal injury lawyers understand how critical it is to get the right information into the hands of those who need it, especially after a crash at a stop sign.
The Basic Rules at a Four Way Stop
According to New York City traffic control laws, every stop sign intersection requires drivers to come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. From there, the right-of-way rules apply in this order:
- First come, first served: The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right to go first.
- Yield to the right: If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the one on the right.
- Straight over turning: A vehicle going straight generally has the right of way over a vehicle making a turn.
- Right turns before left: When two vehicles face each other and arrive simultaneously, the one turning right goes before the one turning left.
These rules apply regardless of road size, direction, or speed. Even if you’re on what feels like a “main” street, the four way stop creates an equal playing field in all directions.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make
While the rules are simple on paper, real-life intersections create confusion. We’ve seen several patterns that often lead to accidents or near misses, including:
- Rolling stops: Drivers who slow down but don’t fully stop may misjudge timing and pull out too early.
- Hesitation: Some drivers yield even when it’s their turn, which disrupts the flow and confuses others.
- Aggressive moves: Others assume they should go first, ignoring arrival order or turn direction.
- Misreading cues: Flashing headlights or hand waves are not legally binding signals and often cause problems.
In our experience, even responsible drivers can get caught off guard when others ignore these basics.
Determining Fault After an Intersection Accident
After a collision at a four way stop, determining fault depends on who had the right of way and whether that driver followed the rules. Insurance companies look at several factors, including:
- Statements from both drivers
- Eyewitness accounts
- Surveillance or dash cam footage
- Vehicle damage and impact location
- Police reports and citations
As a personal injury law firm, we know how to analyze these details and build a strong case on behalf of injured drivers or passengers. Even in cases where fault seems unclear, we help gather the evidence needed to clarify what happened.
What to Do After a Four Way Stop Crash
If you’re involved in a crash at a four way stop, your safety comes first. But if you’re able to do so, taking the right steps at the scene can help support any future legal or insurance claims. Here’s a breakdown of what you should do:
- Call 911: Report the accident and request emergency assistance if needed.
- Exchange information: Share contact and insurance details with the other driver.
- Take photos: Capture the damage, intersection layout, stop signs, and weather conditions.
- Look for cameras or witnesses: Ask nearby businesses or bystanders if they saw what happened.
- Avoid admitting fault: Let the investigation determine liability.
Even if you believe the other driver was clearly at fault, it’s best to keep communication factual and minimal.
Why Right of Way Matters in Personal Injury Claims
Right-of-way violations often form the foundation of fault in personal injury claims. If another driver ignored stop sign rules and caused a crash that left you injured, proving that they failed to yield can strengthen your case significantly.
We help clients document the details that matter, including:
- When each vehicle arrived at the intersection
- What movements each driver made
- Whether either driver failed to stop completely or signaled improperly
- Who had legal priority to proceed
By combining witness statements, traffic law knowledge, and expert review, we work to recover full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain caused by these preventable incidents.
Our Team Can Help After a Stop Sign Accident
If you were injured in an accident at a four way stop, the details matter. At Levine And Wiss, we’ve helped thousands of clients recover from intersection collisions caused by drivers who failed to follow the law.
We are available 24/7 and employ a full staff of investigators and paralegals. We also have multiple office locations and offer virtual and hospital appointments for maximum convenience. Our team is fully prepared and equipped to meet you where you are and handle every aspect of your case.
From reviewing stop sign footage to negotiating with insurers, we take on the legal process while you focus on healing. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay unless we win your case. Reach out to our team today to find out how we can help you move forward.