Failing to Yield Causing a Crash

car-accident

Failing to yield the right of way significantly contributes to many car accidents. A driver who fails to yield can cause a collision, resulting in property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. When a driver fails to yield, they can be held responsible for any damages that result from the crash.

When Failing to Yield Can Cause a Crash

There are many situations in which failure to yield resulting in an accident can occur, including:

  • At Intersections: Drivers must yield to vehicles or pedestrians already in or approaching the intersection from the right. This includes yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and to other drivers who have a green light or who are making a left turn.
  • Merging onto a Highway or Other Roadway: Drivers must yield to traffic already on the roadway when merging onto a highway or other roadway.
  • Turning: Drivers who are turning left or right must yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians who are crossing the street.

Consequences of Failing to Yield

A failure-to-yield accident can have serious consequences for everyone involved. When a driver fails to yield to the individual with the right of way, they can cause a collision, resulting in property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, failure to yield to the vehicle with the right of way is a factor in approximately 7% of all deadly motor vehicle crashes in the United States.

In addition to the physical harm caused by an accident, failing to yield can also result in legal consequences. In most cases, the driver who fails to yield will be considered at fault for the accident and may be held liable for any damages that result from the crash. This can include property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What to Do if You’ve Been Involved in a Crash Caused by Failing to Yield

For those involved in a vehicle crash caused by a driver who failed to yield, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and seek compensation for any damages suffered.

  • Seek Medical Attention: Have a medical professional examine you to rule out hidden injuries. Some injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not be obvious immediately but can have severe long-term consequences. Seeking medical attention immediately after an accident can ensure you receive the necessary treatment and avoid complications.
  • Contact the Police: It’s essential to report the accident to the police, as they can document the scene, take statements from witnesses, and create an accident report. The accident report can be an important piece of evidence in your claim for compensation.
  • Document the Accident: One of the most important steps is to take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved and injuries sustained by you or the others involved. Additionally, you should gather contact information from witnesses and the other driver involved in the accident.
  • Contact an Attorney: Failing to yield can be a complex legal issue, and it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side to help you understand the pitfalls of the legal process, negotiate with insurance carriers, and pursue compensation for your damages. An attorney can investigate the accident, determine who is at fault, and help you build a strong compensation case.

Liability in Failing to Yield Accidents

Liability for a failure-to-yield car accident can be a complicated issue. In many cases, the driver who fails to yield the right of way will be considered at fault for the accident. However, in some situations, the fault may be shared between multiple parties, or a third party may be partially responsible for the accident.

In most cases, the driver who fails to yield the right of way will be considered at fault for the accident. This is because drivers are legally obligated to yield to other drivers, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles with the right of way. When drivers fail to yield, they breach this obligation and put others at risk.

However, there are some situations where multiple parties may share the fault. For example, if two drivers fail to yield, both may be considered at fault for the accident. In this case, liability may be divided according to the degree of fault of each driver.

Compensation for Failing to Yield Accidents

If you have been involved in a failing to yield accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any damages that resulted from the accident. This may include:

  • Property damage: If your property, including your vehicle, is damaged in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement. Keep records and document the damage to support your claim.
  • Medical expenses: If you were injured in the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor’s fees, and physical therapy.
  • Lost wages: If you cannot work due to the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for lost wages and income.
  • Pain and suffering: If you experienced physical or emotional pain and suffering due to the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for these damages.

An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for any damages that resulted from the accident.

Failing-to-Yield Accident Prevention 

Preventing failing to yield accidents requires all drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to follow traffic rules and regulations. Drivers must always yield to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and other drivers with the right of way. They should also know the traffic signals and road signs and adjust their driving accordingly.

Failing to yield accidents can have serious consequences for everyone involved. Drivers who fail to yield may be held liable for any damages that result from the accident, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Berman & Simmons offers free consultations. For more than 100 years, we have been the trusted Maine law firm for people who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others, and we are passionate about protecting victims’ rights.