Failure to Yield Car Accidents in Victorville
One of the basic ways to drive safely is to know who has the right of way when a vehicle meets with another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle on the road. The right of way is simply who has the legal right to proceed first. Knowing who has the right of way at an intersection, when turning, or when merging with traffic is the best way to avoid an accident.
Unfortunately, it is too easy for some drivers to ignore the right-of-way rules, which could result in a crash. If you have been injured because another driver failed to yield the right of way, call Walter Clark Legal Group to discuss your legal options. Our seasoned auto collision attorneys have experience with failure to yield car accidents in Victorville and could help you get compensation for your injuries.
Right of Way Rules for Vehicles
As previously stated, the right of way determines who has the legal right to proceed when a vehicle meets with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a bicycle on the road. In general, cars and other motor vehicles must yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicycles. When two or more cars meet, the right of way depends on the circumstances.
For example, at a four-way stop sign, the first car to arrive has the right of way, followed by the other cars in the order that they arrive. Naturally, there is a high likelihood of a collision if the second car fails to yield to the first car, which is why both drivers must recognize who has the right of way. Other scenarios where it is important to know the right of way include:
- Merging with traffic, the right of way is with vehicles already in the lanes
- Parking lots, cars leaving a parking spot must yield to other vehicles
- U-turns, vehicles approaching from the opposite direction have the right of way
- Emergency vehicles, other drivers must pull over and yield the right of way to emergency vehicles with their sirens on
- Intersections without stop signs or lights, yield the right of way to vehicles already in the intersection
Knowing who has the right of way in a given situation is the best way to avoid accidents, and generally, the driver who fails to yield the right of way could be liable for causing damage or injuries. A knowledgeable Victorville lawyer could assess the accident and help determine who had the right of way and if the wreck was caused by a failure to yield.
Right of Way Rules for Pedestrians
In general, a pedestrian will always have the right of way over a motor vehicle in any situation. Although pedestrians must follow traffic rules such as walking on sidewalks and not jaywalking, it is a driver’s responsibility to yield the right of way.
Pedestrians have the right of way because a motor vehicle is much bigger and heavier and can cause catastrophic injuries. A driver hitting a pedestrian likely is the one at fault and a seasoned Victorville failure to yield attorney could help in getting compensation for all resulting injuries.
Right of Way Rules for Bicycles
Similarly, bicycles usually have the right of way in most situations. Motor vehicles must yield the right of way to a bike in the same way they would for another car. For instance, a car must yield to a bicycle approaching an intersection where the car is making a right turn.
Drivers must also recognize and respect a bicycle’s space and allow for at least three feet when passing. Like with pedestrians, failure to yield the right of way to bicycles could lead to traumatic injuries.
Contact A Victorville Attorney After a Failure to Yield Auto Collision
Cars, bikes, and pedestrians all share the road, and knowing who has the right of way is the most effective way to avoid collisions. Unfortunately, either through ignorance, distractions, or in a rush, it is too easy for divers to ignore the right of way and cause an injury.
The legal team at Walter Clark Legal Group could help with failure to yield car accidents in Victorville. If you have been injured because a driver failed to yield the right of way, call an attorney at our firm to discuss your case.
