English
Español
Drivers on all roads and highways throughout the state are required to follow the established traffic laws and regulations. Additionally, every single motor vehicle operator has a “duty of care” that they owe to everyone else on the road to drive in a reasonable manner and to avoid causing danger or harm to others. When even just one person fails to uphold this standard, everyone is at risk.
If you were hurt in a wreck due to another driver’s reckless or carless actions, get in touch with a Kennewick failure to yield accident lawyer. A dedicated car crash attorney at our firm could help you file a legal claim and hold the negligent party accountable for your damages.
What Is a Failure to Yield?
There are various traffic laws in the state of Washington that are in place to help maintain order and keep everyone on the roadways safe. One of those laws asserts that there are certain drivers who have the right-of-way—meaning they have the right to drive first and someone else must stop or yield to let them go.
A failure to yield is when someone does not stop or slow down, even though they do not have the right-of-way. When a driver fails to yield and causes an accident, they are liable for any and all ensuing damages. This is because they broke the law and acted in a negligent manner, putting others in danger. A diligent failure to yield lawyer in Kennewick could work to prove one driver’s disregard for the law resulted in another person’s injuries.
What Constitutes the Right-of-Way in Kennewick?
There are numerous situations when driving where the right-of-way can come into effect. For example, when entering or exiting roundabouts. There are signs at each entrance of a roundabout that mark whether you must stop completely, or simply yield before entering. Stoplights are another example of when the right-of-way may come into play. Often, traffic lights will have a specific sign posted that instructs drivers what the rules are at that specific intersection, such as: “Left turn must yield” or “No right turn on red.” These signs are not mere suggestions—rather, they are state laws that must be followed just like posted speed limit signage.
Common Causes of Failure to Yield Collisions
Some of the most common areas where wrecks involve a failure to yield occur are at left-turn lights. When turning left at a stoplight, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic that is driving straight in the opposite lane. Too often, drivers fail to do so, and turn directly into oncoming traffic, colliding into another vehicle. Roundabouts are another frequent location of failure to yield accidents in Kennewick. There are quite a few of them throughout the city, and they can present a unique and sometimes overwhelming traffic pattern. Newer or younger drivers who are not as familiar with the rules at roundabouts, or simply have less experienced and feel stressed in such a fast-paced environment, tend to instigate crashes in these intersections due to a failure to yield.
Identifying Fault in Failure to Yield Cases
A frequent challenge in any motor vehicle accident case is identifying who was at-fault. Most people will deny responsibility, even if they are clearly the ones who made the mistake or acted carelessly. That is one of the reasons why it is so beneficial for an injured person to have an experienced Kennewick failure to yield attorney on their side. A proactive legal professional could interview witnesses, obtain video or camera surveillance, and investigate the accident scene to get clear and substantial evidence that proves the other driver was to blame.
Call a Kennewick Failure to Yield Accident Attorney Today
Being involved in any type of car crash can be upsetting and stressful, especially when it was caused by another person’s negligent behavior. At the very least, you are likely dealing with police reports, insurance claims, and trying to get your car into the mechanic. In more serious situations, you could be recovering from severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and even paralysis.
Either way—you have a right to hold the person who caused you harm accountable. Reach out to a skilled Kennewick failure to yield accident lawyer today to learn more and get started on your claim for monetary damages.
