Following the rules of the road is critical to safe driving, and yielding the right-of-way is a significant traffic law. Failure to yield car accidents in Midland are most common in intersections and when entering and exiting traffic. If a failure-to-yield accident has injured you, obtaining your entitled compensation is paramount. An experienced car accident attorney at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris is here to help.
Failure To Yield
Failure-to-yield accidents tend to happen in instances such as the following:
- At intersections with traffic lights, stop signs, or yield signs
- At intersections where through traffic has the right-of-way
- When making left turns across oncoming traffic
- When making right turns, such as in response to oncoming traffic, to cyclists in the bike lane to your right, or to crossing pedestrians
- When joining traffic from an entrance
- When leaving traffic on an exit, such as moving across lanes
- When traveling through roundabouts or traffic circles
As we approach intersections, exits, and entrances, we have to make split-second decisions. When these decisions are poorly considered, they can lead to disastrous results, including failure-to-yield car crashes in Midland. This makes proceeding with utmost caution and driving without distraction very important.
What Does It Mean To Have the Right-of-Way?
When Midland drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, car accidents are more likely to happen. Having the right-of-way means that you have the right to proceed, and the law establishes the relevant guidelines.
For example, in open intersections not controlled by traffic lights or signs, motorists must yield to traffic that is already in the intersection. At intersections where a one- or two-lane road meets a larger, busier road, those on the smaller road must yield the right-of-way. The same is true when unpaved roads meet paved roads.
In intersections that have traffic lights, drivers must obey the signals. When turning left on a green light that is not an arrow, motorists must yield to oncoming traffic. While traffic lights do afford you the right-of-way, you should not proceed until you have confirmed that it is safe to do so.
When entering traffic from an entrance, the yield sign means that you are responsible for merging safely. This can mean slowing down or even coming to a stop. When taking an exit off a busy roadway, you must yield the right-of-way to traffic on your right or left as you make your way to the exit.
Damages in Your Failure-To-Yield Claim
Failure-to-yield accidents are some of the most common and most dangerous traffic incidents in Midland. If you suffered an injury because of a motorist who failed to yield, a diligent car accident lawyer could help you pursue just compensation in each of the following categories:
- Property damage to your car
- Medical bills addressing health complications and secondary conditions
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income and any lost earning potential
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering, and any resulting disabilities or disfigurement
Steps To Protect Your Claim
After your car collision in Midland with a driver who failed to yield the right-of-way, there are steps you should take that will benefit your case, including seeking immediate medical attention and following your doctor’s instructions carefully. It is also important to secure the legal counsel of a personal injury attorney early in the process to allow them to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. You should limit your statements to insurance companies and stay off social media until your claim reaches a resolution.
Seek the Trusted Guidance of an Experienced Midland Lawyer After Your Failure-To-Yield Crash
Failure to yield car accidents in Midland are dangerous. If you have suffered an injury as a result of this type of accident, the well-respected attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris welcome the opportunity to help. Our impressive reputation for fierce advocacy demonstrates our commitment to you and your claim. Learn more by calling us or contacting us online today.
