Q: Can you please assist me in ascertaining who is at fault in the traffic accident I was involved in recently? Thank you
I had an automotive accident in Norwalk, CT at the intersection of Richards Ave and US-1. I approached the intersection facing south in the rightmost lane and was attempting to make a right turn on red. I came to a complete stop and was inching my vehicle forward to see around some other vehicles that were stopped in front of the stop line to my left. The other driver involved in the accident was traveling westbound on US-1 in the rightmost lane and traveled straight across the intersection in order to enter the Shell on the corner from the Richard's Ave entrance. We collided 1 to 1.5 car lengths in front of the Richards avenue stop line in front of the Richards Ave Shell entrance. According to the other driver I failed to yield right of way since he had a green light. I wish to contend that since the driver both failed to obey a traffic control device (sign and pavement markings showing the right lane MUST turn right) and failed to maintain a lane, that he is entirely at fault.
A: If he went straight in a lane that was right turn you could rely on him turning right. However, you will, chances are, get some of the fault because you were controlled by a red light and you have the duty to not proceed until and unless it is safe to do so. If other cars blocked your view you have a duty to stay where you are until it's clear.
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