When operating a vehicle, it is crucial to obey road regulations and remain vigilant. Regrettably, not all drivers maintain this standard of awareness and compliance. This leads to many of the accidents that we hear about in our office, especially those involving drivers who fail to yield.
At Schechter, Shaffer, and Harris, we know the confusion that may come after a vehicle accident. Therefore, if you or a loved one was injured in one of the all too common failure to yield car accidents in Baytown, we want you to know that we are here. Our car accident attorneys will do our part to help you understand your right to compensation and guide you on seeking payment for your injuries or loss.
Understanding Failure to Yield Car Accidents
Some basic rules regarding yielding the road to someone else involve:
- Yielding when other vehicles are in an intersection
- Yielding to the vehicle on the right at an intersection
- Yielding to pedestrians
- Yield when merging onto a freeway
- Yield when turning left in front of oncoming traffic
For many, it seems simple enough. Yet, accidents happen frequently because people fail to yield. In these situations, the accident is typically caused by the driver of a vehicle being:
- Distracted
- Impaired
- Tired
- Driving aggressively
- Driving too fast
Other common causes involve poor driving conditions, driver inexperience, or simply misunderstanding the rules of the road. Regardless of the situation, if the driver of the at-fault vehicle was negligent in any way, they may face liability claims and other penalties for their actions.
In Texas, there are specific laws regarding yielding to pedestrians, as shown in Chapter 552. If the affected individual was another motorist, for instance, oncoming traffic obstructed by a driver’s negligence, additional legal provisions may apply.
What To Do After a Failure to Yield Car Accident
Failure to yield in vehicle accidents causes injuries, vehicle damage, and legal repercussions for the at-fault driver. Therefore, victims must know what to do after an accident to ensure their legal right to compensation.
The top priority for all accident victims is to get to safety and seek necessary medical attention. While on the stage, it is crucial to avoid making any statements that may indicate guilt, including apologizing for the accident. It is also important to avoid admitting guilt to the medical team, both on the accident scene and in the hospital.
After this is handled, and if able, victims should gather information. Some things to gather include:
- Other driver information
- Photographs and video of the scene
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements and information
Those involved will also need to speak with their insurance provider and follow all doctors’ orders regarding care and recovery.
Accident victims also need to remember that these types of accidents may be eligible for personal injury claims. In Texas, claimants are required to file claims within two years of the incident to be eligible for compensation. Initiating the process as early as possible is advisable, as legal representatives will require sufficient time to prepare and substantiate the claim.
Our Legal Team Can Help You After Failure to Yield Car Accidents in Baytown
Being involved in an accident where one person fails to yield is unfortunate and should not happen. We all know the rules of the road and should stay alert to what is happening around us. We feel that victims of these accidents should not bear the financial and emotional costs caused by the at-fault driver.
At SS&H, our personal injury attorneys want you to know that we are always here to help. Contact Schechter, Shaffer, and Harris if you need to find out more information about failure to yield car accidents in Baytown or the process of seeking compensation in your case.
