Vehicle collisions often occur in intersections because drivers fail to yield as traffic regulations require. Severe accidents and lasting consequences can happen when someone pulls out into traffic without adhering to right-of-way rules and regulations.
When you suffered damages and losses in a crash because a negligent motorist failed to comply with the traffic laws, you have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. A hard-working lawyer skilled in handling cases resulting from failure to yield car accidents in Houston could provide legal advice and help collect a fair settlement. Reach out to one of our hard-working car accident attorneys today to learn more.
Typical Causes of the Collisions
Right-of-way accidents can happen for many reasons, and some of the most common causes include:
- Driver inexperience
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failure to adhere to traffic regulations
- Aggressive driving and following too closely
- Impairment from alcohol and illegal or prescription drugs
- Abrupt and unsafe lane changes while traveling in intersection
- Driver distractions, such as talking to passengers, texting, or changing the radio station
The parties often settle with the at-fault driver’s insurance agency. However, when they cannot reach a fair agreement, injured parties have the right to file a civil claim for damages. A Houston attorney skilled with cases resulting from failure to yield car crashes could investigate the cause and help gather the evidence to establish liability.
Approaching and Entering Intersections
Motorists traveling in Texas must know and follow the traffic and safety rules and regulations to keep themselves safe and avoid causing harm to others. Per the instruction of the Texas Transportation Code § 545.151, when approaching intersections, drivers making right turns must yield the right-of-way to oncoming cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Motorists must yield to the traffic arriving before them or to their right when they arrive simultaneously. They must also yield to those already crossing intersections when no traffic lights or signs are directing the flow of traffic. Traffic laws further require yielding in the following driving situations:
- Trains always have the right-of-way
- Merging from an unpaved roadway onto a paved road
- Anyone approaching a four-way intersection must yield to through traffic
- School buses and emergency vehicles with flashing lights approaching
- Drivers approaching a main road from an alley or private road must yield to oncoming traffic
Motorists making left turns must check and yield for pedestrians and oncoming vehicles.
A lawyer in Houston knowledgeable about failure to yield car crashes could answer questions about the traffic laws and applicable personal injury statutes during the consultation.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way
All drivers must yield to pedestrians and cyclists crossing crosswalks; even if they have a traffic light signaling, they may turn. They must also check for and yield when pulling out of a driveaway. Passing a vehicle stopped for pedestrians is always unlawful.
Meet With a Houston Attorney About Failure to Yield Vehicle Collisions
When careless motorists fail to adhere to the right-of-way laws, others around them can sustain severe bodily injuries and property damage. While personal injury laws protect you by allowing you to collect a settlement from the liable party, the process is complex and often requires overcoming challenges.
A diligent lawyer skilled with cases from failure to yield car accidents in Houston could help you through the process and fight for the compensation amount you deserve. Call today to schedule an appointment and review your case this week when you need help after a crash.