Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | April 1, 2025 | Car Accident
Navigating a four-way stop in Waldorf, MD, can confuse many drivers. Knowing who has the right of way at a four-way stop is key to preventing accidents and keeping traffic moving. Read this blog to learn more about how to approach a four way stop and how to stay safe.
The Basic Rules of a Four-Way Stop
When you reach a four-way stop, following the correct rules for everyone’s safety is vital. Maryland Driver’s Manual states the basic rule: the first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right of way. However, real-world situations aren’t always so straightforward.
Here’s how to properly navigate a four-way stop:
- Come to a complete stop at the stop line
- Look for pedestrians and yield to anyone in crosswalks
- Determine which vehicle arrived first
- Proceed when it’s your turn
If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right has the right of way. This is known as the “right of way rule” and is enforced by Maryland Transportation Code § 21-401.
What Happens When Multiple Vehicles Arrive at Once?
The four-way stop procedure becomes more complex when multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously. When two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right goes first. But what about when four vehicles arrive together?
In this case, the recommended procedure is to proceed in a counterclockwise order, starting with the vehicle farthest to the right. However, in practice, drivers often use eye contact and hand signals to establish who will go next.
Remember that turn signals are essential at a four-way stop. They inform other drivers of your intentions and help maintain order at the intersection.
Common Four-Way Stop Mistakes That Lead to Accidents
Unfortunately, many drivers don’t fully understand who goes first at a four-way stop.
Common mistakes include:
- Rolling through without completely stopping
- Assuming it’s always “first come, first served” regardless of position
- Failing to yield to the driver on the right when arriving simultaneously
- Being overly cautious and waiting too long, causing confusion
- Being too aggressive and rushing through out-of-turn
These errors often result in dangerous T-bone collisions or fender benders that can cause injuries ranging from whiplash to more serious trauma.
Four-Way vs. Two-Way Stops: Important Differences
It’s crucial to distinguish between four-way and two-way stops. Traffic on the main road doesn’t stop at a two-way stop and always has the right of way. Vehicles on the side streets with stop signs must wait until the main road is clear before proceeding.
Confusing a two-way stop for a four-way stop is a common mistake that can lead to serious accidents. Always check for additional signage indicating whether all directions are required to stop.
When Right of Way Rules Are Violated
When drivers fail to follow proper four-way stop sign rules, accidents often follow. Maryland follows a contributory negligence standard, which means if you’re even partially at fault for an accident, it may affect your ability to recover damages. This makes it especially important to follow right-of-way laws carefully and document what happened if you’re involved in a collision at a four-way stop.
Special Considerations for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks in a four-way stop intersection. Vehicles must remain stopped until pedestrians have completely crossed.
Cyclists follow the same rules as vehicles at a four-way stop. They must stop completely and follow the same right-of-way procedures as cars. However, drivers should be extra vigilant for cyclists, who may be less visible than other vehicles.
What To Do After a Four-Way Stop Accident
Documenting the scene is crucial if you’ve been injured in an accident at a four-way stop where someone failed to yield the right of way. Take photos of the intersection, gather witness information, and report the incident to the police. These steps will strengthen your case if you need to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the crash.
Get Legal Help After a Four-Way Intersection Accident
Understanding who has the right of way at a four-way stop can help prevent accidents, but not all drivers follow these crucial rules. If you’ve been injured because someone failed to yield properly at a four-way stop in Waldorf or elsewhere in Maryland, contact a Waldorf personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal options.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a car accident lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7