Many drivers in Cartersville are rushing to their next destination. When someone is in a hurry, they’re more likely to fail to yield—and cause an accident. If a driver’s failure to yield caused your crash, you have rights. A Cartersville failure to yield accident lawyer can help.
Failing to yield is a clear example of driver negligence. When someone is negligent, they’re responsible for accident damages. At John Foy & Associates, we help our clients recover what they’ve lost. We’ve been working with accident victims for over 20 years.
If you have injuries from a failure to yield accident, contact us today. We’ll start with a FREE consultation.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
Examples of Failure to Yield in Cartersville
A driver’s failure to yield often leads to an accident. Yield laws help control the proper flow of traffic. If someone ignores a yield sign, it can lead to a devastating accident.
Careless drivers often fail to yield when:
- Turning left
- At a four-way stop
- Merging onto a highway
- Approaching or entering an intersection
- Entering or crossing a roadway
- Approaching a railroad crossing
- Leaving a parking lot
Drivers should stay alert at all times. If a situation requires a driver to yield for safety, they should do so. Failing to yield is often a sign of distraction or reckless driving.
Get the strong arm
Common Failure to Yield Accident Injuries
Failure to yield accidents result in all types of injuries. Some of the most common injuries we’ve seen include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
After a failure to yield accident, make sure you understand your injuries. See a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Getting a full medical evaluation will let you know:
- The maximum extent of your injuries
- How much your treatment costs will be
- Your treatment timeline
Severe accidents require long-term treatment. When you file a compensation claim, you’ll need to consider all medical costs. If you aren’t sure where to start with this, contact a car accident lawyer.
Georgia’s Laws on Yielding While Driving
The Georgia Code includes several laws for yielding the right-of-way.
Approaching or Entering Intersections
According to Georgia Code §40-6-70:
- When two cars approach an intersection with no stop signs simultaneously, the driver on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.
- When two cars come to an intersection with a traffic light that doesn’t work, each driver should stop. After stopping, drivers should go in the order that they arrived.
Turning Left
When turning left onto a road, drivers should yield to any car coming from the opposite direction.
Using Stop Signs and Yield Signs
Anyone approaching a stop sign should stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, the driver should stop before the crosswalk. If there isn’t a crosswalk, the driver should stop close enough to see approaching traffic. After stopping, drivers should yield until it’s safe to go.
When approaching a yield sign, drivers should slow to a reasonable speed. The driver should stop if it’s safest for conditions. After slowing down or stopping, drivers should yield to others in the roadway before going.
Entering or Crossing a Roadway
According to Georgia Code §40-6-73, drivers should be careful before entering or crossing a road. They should yield to any cars approaching on the roadway.
Yielding to Emergency Vehicles
Drivers should know the laws for yielding to emergency vehicles. If the vehicle has its sirens and lights on, every driver should yield and move as close as possible to the right-hand side of the road. Drivers should stop and wait until the vehicle has passed.
Yielding to Pedestrians in Cartersville
When there is a crosswalk, pedestrians have the right of way. A pedestrian also has the right of way if they have already safely entered a road.
Unfortunately, pedestrian failure to yield accidents tend to be severe. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in this way, contact a lawyer. You deserve compensation for your injuries and damages.
Negligence in a Failure to Yield Case
After a failure to yield accident, negligence is the critical factor. Negligence means failing to exercise reasonable care towards others. When a driver doesn’t yield properly, they have been negligent.
To have a case, you must prove:
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver failed in their duty of care.
- The failed duty caused your accident.
- Your accident led to your injuries and damages.
In other words, you would not have your injuries if it weren’t for the driver’s actions. Legally, you have a right to compensation.
Damages to Claim After an Accident
If another’s actions caused your accident, you can recover damages like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, you might be eligible for punitive damages. Talk to an experienced lawyer to know if punitive damages are an option.
If you lost a loved one in a failure to yield accident, we’re very sorry for your loss. You might be entitled to wrongful death damages on behalf of your loved one. At John Foy & Associates, we can let you know your options.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Be Wary of the Insurance Company
The driver who hit you probably has auto insurance. After your accident, the insurance company might offer you a settlement. However, the first offer is almost always a lowball offer.
Before accepting anything from the insurer, contact a lawyer. Insurance companies care most about their profit, not your well-being. A lawyer will work to negotiate with the insurer for a fair offer.
Get a Free Consultation with a Cartersville Failure to Yield Accident Lawyer Today
Failure to yield accidents are painful and stressful. However, you have legal options. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll work to get the compensation you need.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
