Failing to yield is one of the most common causes of collisions in Atlanta. Not yielding the right of way can cause side-impact crashes, T-bone accidents, and more. If you suffered injuries, you are entitled to financial recovery for your costs. Contact an Atlanta truck accident lawyer for help.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping accident victims for 20-plus years. Our goal is to get full recovery for your accident costs. We only work for injury victims—never insurance companies. Plus, we know what it takes to win cases.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss your accident and your legal options. To get started for FREE, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
What “Failure to Yield” Means in Atlanta
Yielding means waiting for another vehicle that has the right of way. Georgia law dictates when a driver should yield to another. Drivers must yield in situations like:
- Making a turn
- Changing lanes
- Entering a highway
- Passing through an intersection
- Entering a turnaround
If a motorist does not yield when they should, the law calls it “failure to yield.” When a driver’s failure to yield causes an accident, that driver is liable for the damages. You can pursue financial recovery for your injury costs if you are the victim of a failure to yield collision.
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When Drivers Should Yield the Right of Way in Atlanta
Georgia Code Section 40-6-72 covers the state’s yielding laws. If someone violates laws on yielding, it’s a clear sign of negligence. Motorcycles and bicycles must follow the same yielding rules.
In Atlanta, here’s what to know about yielding the right of way to others:
- Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles
- When two drivers arrive at an unmarked intersection simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield
- Drivers who have a yield sign when approaching moving traffic must yield to cars already on the road
- Yield the right of way to vehicles that are already on a street or highway
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
- Motorists should always yield the right of way if necessary to prevent an accident
If another driver caused your accident after failing to yield, it works in your favor. You can use the collision as “prima-facie evidence” to show the driver’s negligence. To learn more about this, contact an Atlanta failure to yield accident lawyer.
Common Failure to Yield Accident Damages
If you didn’t cause your crash, you have rights. Georgia law says you’re entitled to full recovery for your damages. In a personal injury case, your damages are the losses you face because of the accident.
Examples of personal injury damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
You might also have pain and suffering damages. Pain and suffering include non-economic damages that don’t have a set dollar amount. You’ll need a lawyer’s help to calculate the worth of non-economic and emotional losses.
All drivers in Atlanta should have auto insurance. If the at-fault driver has coverage, you’ll file a claim with their insurance company. Most of the time, the insurer will send a quick, lowball settlement offer.
Be careful never to accept the first settlement offer. It will be much less than what you need to cover your full damages. Instead, contact an experienced lawyer before communicating with the insurance company.
What to Do After a Failure to Yield Accident
After your accident, it’s best to call a lawyer as soon as possible. Make sure your lawyer has experience with failure to yield accidents in the Atlanta area. Schedule a consultation to discuss your legal options.
To schedule a FREE consultation today, contact John Foy & Associates. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online, and we’ll match you with the best lawyer for your needs.
Other than working with a lawyer, here are some ways you can protect your legal rights.
Call the Police
Call 911 to report the accident to the police. Responding officers should create an accident report, of which you’ll need a copy. Sometimes, the record will include details about the other driver’s mistakes.
Take Pictures
Picture evidence preserves an accident scene forever. Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of:
- Your injuries.
- Your vehicle damage.
- The entire accident scene.
You can show these photos to your lawyer later. Pictures demonstrate how the scene looked right after the collision. They also document your injuries and property damage.
If the other driver or insurance company tries to lie about what happened, your pictures will support your case.
Talk to Witnesses
Look around to see if anyone witnessed your accident. If so, talk to witnesses and get their contact information. Your lawyer will reach out to these people for statements.
Witness testimony can be invaluable for a failure to yield accident claim.
Document Your Damages
Keep track of all proof of your costs like:
- Medical bills
- Copies of medical records
- Doctor notes
- Past pay stubs or tax returns
- Receipts or quotes for payments
Also, write down how the accident has affected you. Note anything that changes with your injuries or emotional state. If you notice anything meaningful at the scene, such as a video surveillance camera, tell your lawyer.
An Atlanta failure to lawyer accident lawyer will help you with all of the above. Your lawyer will also help you handle the insurance company. They’ll communicate and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.
After an accident, you have two years to file a claim. If you wait too long, it will hurt your case. Get started today by calling an experienced lawyer.
Talk to an Atlanta Failure To Yield Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping injury victims throughout Georgia for 20-plus years. Our lawyers approach each case with experience, knowledge, and compassion. Our primary goal is to get you a full financial recovery.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. We’ll discuss your accident and your legal options. Plus, there is no fee unless we win your case.
To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
