We rely on right of way to help traffic move smoothly through intersections. But when a driver fails to yield the right of way to another vehicle, it can lead to a serious accident. In Nevada, failure to yield is the leading cause of crashes. It often occurs at intersections when a driver makes a left turn and fails to yield at an intersection.
A left turn accident can have devastating consequences, with victims suffering severe injuries that may require hospitalization and long-term care. In some cases, the injuries sustained may be fatal. If you or a loved one have been involved in a failure to yield accident, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Nevada personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Who Has the Right of Way?
Right of way refers to the right of one vehicle to go before another vehicle. The term also applies to pedestrians and cyclists. It’s important for Nevada drivers to be observant and courteous to others on the road. Even if one may technically have the right of way, they must exercise caution to avoid a crash.
Here are several guidelines that are helpful when determining who has the right of way:
- When two vehicles approach each other at an intersection, the driver who arrived at the intersection first has the right of way.
- A vehicle that is coming from a minor road and entering a main road must yield to all traffic on the main road.
- A vehicle that is going straight ahead and is already at an intersection has the right of way to proceed through the intersection over one turning left.
- Right of way is given to emergency vehicles when they are flashing lights or sounding a siren. Drivers must immediately drive to the right side of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
- When an intersection has no traffic signs or signals, the vehicle on one’s right should usually go first. Drivers should proceed through the intersection with caution.
Although these guidelines exist, drivers cannot always be trusted to yield, and that negligence may result in a crash. Proving who is at fault can be complicated, so it’s best to consult a car accident lawyer.
Consequences of Failure to Yield Accidents
Nevada uses a demerit point system where traffic violations are assigned point values based on severity. Failure to yield right of way is assigned a 4-point violation. Drivers will have their licenses automatically suspended for 6 months if they accrue 12 or more points within a 12-month period. Other consequences can include fines, court costs, increased insurance rates, and even jail time, depending on the nature of the accident.
As for victims of these accidents, they can face a variety of medical and emotional problems that can have a significant impact on their quality of life. This can lead victims to suffer economic losses due to lost wages and reduced earning potential. In some cases, victims of a failure to yield accident may suffer from permanent disability or even death as a result of their injuries.
Preventing Failure to Yield Accidents
We can’t always prevent an accident from happening, but we can take steps to minimize the risk of being involved in this type of collision. Here are a few tips to help keep you and others safe behind the wheel:
- Slow down when you enter an intersection– especially during busy times of the day or during bad weather
- Stop completely if necessary before crossing an intersection.
- Check traffic and your surroundings before proceeding into an intersection. Even though you might have the right of way, other motorists cannot always be trusted to yield to you.
- Eliminate distractions when driving, such as phone use– distractions can limit your ability to monitor your surroundings.
Failure to Yield Accident in Las Vegas? Contact Valiente Mott
Our Nevada car accident lawyers have experience representing those that have been injured in a failure to yield car accident in Las Vegas, Reno, and throughout our state. We know that dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be stressful and scary – that’s why we’re here to help. While you fight to recover emotionally and physically, Valiente Mott will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.