When to Yield the Right of Way

While there is sometimes posted signage indicating the need for drivers to yield to oncoming traffic, these rules very often apply in areas without signs. One of the most common instances local lawyers see people failing to yield the right of way is when a driver is turning left across oncoming traffic.

For instance, on Highway 380, if someone is going eastbound but wants to go northbound, they have to cross the westbound lanes. These drivers have a duty to yield the right-of-way regardless if there is a sign or not. In other words, they must wait for traffic to clear before turning safely.

The same thing happens on minor roads. Regardless of whether there are posted signs, if a person is going to take a left across traffic, they have to wait until that lane of traffic has cleared. About 40 percent of all serious injuries occur when people fail to yield the right of way.

Why are Failure to Yield Cases Complicated?

The most common complicating factor in failure to yield cases are that they usually occur at intersections that are controlled by traffic lights. When a driver has a green arrow, that means they should be able to turn left safely and not intersect the oncoming traffic. However, when a wreck occurs, it can be difficult to determine who had the right of way at the time of the collision.

Oftentimes, drivers will try to shift the blame onto the other and claim that the other motorist failed to yield.

Lawyers often rely on video footage or witness testimony to determine who had the right of way at the time of the accident.

When there is no posted signage indicating a need to yield, insurance companies see this as an opportunity to escape liability, or at least part of it, in these cases. They may argue that both parties were partially at fault, or shift the blame entirely to the injured claimant. In those situations, attorneys must show very clearly that the defendant had to yield right of way and chose not to, resulting in an accident.

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Call a Failure to Yield Accident Attorney Right Away

While handling any civil case without seasoned representation can be challenging, it is especially so in cases based on failing to yield. These cases require the skill and knowledge of a well-practiced attorney to gather evidence and testimony that could hold the negligent party responsible for their action. If you or a loved one were struck by another driver when you had the right of way, contact a failure to yield accident lawyer. Your first consultation is always free.

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Get The Help You Need Contact McCraw Law Group

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

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If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

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