When behind the wheel, drivers are required to be alert to all possible signals and situations that require slowing down or deferring to another driver. However, many drivers fail to yield, thus causing a number of car accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,000 fatal accidents in 2011 cited failure to yield the right-of-way as a contributing factor. Failure to obey traffic signs, on the other hand, contributed to over 1,800 fatalities that same year.
When it comes to failure to yield car accidents, the injury victim often drives into the car that failed to yield. In Philadelphia, this type of accident can result in severe injuries to bicyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists. These injuries include head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, permanent scarring, fractures, and more.
Failure to yield car accidents can occur in several different ways. Sometimes, right of way is governed by law. In other situations, a driver fails to obey a yield sign and crashes into another vehicle. Drivers are typically required to yield in situations such as:
- When at a four-way stop or intersection
- Before making a right- or left-hand turn
- When there is a stop or yield sign
- For pedestrians at a crosswalk
- For crossing traffic at a flashing red or yellow traffic light
- For bicycles while making a right turn when they have right of way
- When trying to merge from a ramp or smaller road
- When entering a busy street from a private driveway
- When an emergency vehicle engages their sirens and/or lights
In any of the abovementioned situations, failing to yield may result in an auto accident. Failure to yield car accidents most often occur at intersections, as drivers at a four-way stop are often unaware of which vehicle has right of way.
Proving Failure to Yield Car Accidents
In some cases, it can be difficult to establish that a car accident occurred because of a driver’s failure to yield. It is important, therefore, to seek legal representation from an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can advocate aggressively on your behalf. An attorney can investigate the scene of the accident carefully, thoroughly review all police reports, as well as interview any witnesses.
Car accidents stemming from another driver’s failure to yield can result in serious injuries and even death. If you have been injured in a Philadelphia car accident, you may be eligible to obtain monetary compensation for damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and property damage. Keep in mind that personal injury claims in Philadelphia are subject to a statute of limitations, so you must not delay filing your claim.
Contact The Brod Law Firm
At the Brod Law Firm we have the experience and proven track record to handle your Philadelphia auto accident injury claim. Don’t hesitate to call our office at 1-888-HELPWIN (888-435-7946) for a 100% free and confidential consultation.
