Auto Accidents Caused By Failure To Yield The Right Of Way
Florida law does not state who has the right of way. Instead, it delineates who must yield the right of way in different situations. Yielding the right of way can be defined as a driver allowing other road users to proceed in front of them as they wait their turn. Laws regarding who must yield the right of way exist to protect every road user. If a driver fails to yield the right of way, an accident can happen.
Laws Regarding Yielding the Right of Way
In Florida, the laws regarding when a driver must yield the right of way are codified in Statutes 316.125 and 316.121. For instance, according to Florida Statute 316.125, a driver entering the highway from a private road, driveway, or an alley must yield the right of way to all other drivers approaching the highway. And according to Florida Statute 316.121, a motorist driving towards an intersection must yield the right of way to drivers already at the intersection.
Even if you understand these statutes, you might still get confused about yielding the right of way. It is usually best to yield the right of way and wait until the road is clear in such a case. Some of the most significant cases we deal with involve crashes in intersections when a driver turns left on a green circle into oncoming traffic (green light). The driver with the green light has the right of way.
Ways Accidents Happen Because of Failure To Yield the Right of Way
Common traffic offenses related to yielding the right of way that can result in accidents include;
- Failure to yield the right of way when entering a roundabout;
- Failure to yield the right of way when entering a highway from a driveway, private road, or an alley;
- Failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian; and
- Failure to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of the traffic offenses related to yielding the right of way that can result in accidents.
What To Do After Being Injured Because Another Driver Failed To Yield the Right of Way?
If you were injured as a driver, vehicle occupant, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist because another driver refused to yield the right of way, you need to seek immediate medical attention. It is also best to contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Accident victims are entitled to compensation for their past and future medical care, past and future lost wages and past and future pain and suffering.
As it pertains to seeking prompt medical attention, it is crucial that you do so to protect your health and right to recover compensation. If you delay seeking medical attention and file a claim, the at-fault party’s insurance company might argue that another incident caused your injuries or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Finally, you should gather and preserve as much evidence as possible after being injured because another driver failed to yield the right of way. For example, collect witnesses’ contact information and ensure you keep all your medical bills.
Contact a Plantation Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured because of a driver who failed to yield the right of way and need help with your injury case, contact our Plantation personal injury lawyers at Lyons & Snyder at 954-462-8035.
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