The General Insurance Association of Korea announced on the 25th the establishment of a non-standard criterion for the proportion of fault by accident type at roundabouts, in line with the expansion of two-lane roundabouts with improved road markings.
The Association operates the Automobile Accident Fault Ratio Dispute Review Committee, which mediates disputes over fault ratios when car accidents occur, along with the Automobile Accident Fault Ratio Recognition Standards that serve as guidelines for assessing fault ratios.
The non-standard criteria are not currently included in the fault ratio recognition standards; however, they refer to criteria established to assist consumers and insurance companies based on research and expert consultations regarding the fault ratios for specific accident types.
When an accident occurs between entering vehicles at the entry point of a roundabout, it is determined that the fault of the vehicle entering from the first lane is 20, while the fault of the vehicle that entered from the second lane and changed to the first lane while rotating is 80. The Association noted, "The entry of a vehicle that entered from the second lane into the first lane constitutes a violation of roundabout traffic rules due to road markings and road structure," adding, "It was also considered that the vehicle entering from the first lane has a duty of care."
Even if an accident occurs between vehicles entering the roundabout, if the accident occurs at the 12 o'clock exit, the fault of the vehicle entering from the existing first lane that was attempting to continue and exit at the 12 o'clock exit is assessed at 30. Although the vehicle entering from the second lane made an improper turn by turning left at the 9 o'clock direction instead of exiting at the 12 o'clock direction, a vehicle entering from the 3 o'clock direction may proceed through this route.
In cases where an accident occurs between a vehicle making a turn and a vehicle entering straight, the turning vehicle has the right of way, so the fault ratio for the turning vehicle is assessed at 20, while the fault for the entering vehicle is 80. The same criteria apply when an accident occurs between a vehicle exiting after turning and a vehicle entering from the rear.
The Association plans to post these non-standard criteria on the fault ratio information portal and, after verifying consistency through accident cases and precedent, will incorporate them into the fault ratio recognition standards.