Binghamton Failure to Yield Car Accident Lawyer
Following right-of-way rules is one of the basic tenets of safe driving, yet unfortunately, far too many New York drivers misunderstand or ignore these rules. The results are often devastating. Failure to yield accidents can lead to severe injuries, permanent mobility limitations, and expensive medical bills. You may have a valid claim to compensation for your injuries, but you’ll need an experienced failure to yield car accident attorney to guide you.
At Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney, we are dedicated to securing justice for clients facing the life-changing consequences of failure to yield accidents. We’re here to offer not only aggressive legal representation but critical support as you continue on the path to recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Our Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Pursue Compensation
Attorney Scott C. Gottlieb has been protecting the rights of New York injury victims since 1980. In that time, he and the team at Scott C. Gottlieb, Attorney at Law have secured tens of millions in settlements and verdicts on behalf of clients just like you. We can help you pursue your claim and seek to recover damages on your behalf.
Our team takes pride in handling every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovery. We take on all the paperwork, coordinate with doctors, communicate with insurance companies, and go above and beyond to help you solve problems beyond the immediate scope of your case. Let us take on the legal burden while you continue to heal.
What Is a Failure to Yield Accident?
A failure to yield accident occurs when a driver does not allow another motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian to proceed when they have the legal right of way, causing a collision. These auto collisions are often the result of impatience, distraction, or a lack of understanding of traffic laws.
Common causes of failure to yield accidents include the following:
- Ignoring traffic signs
- Turning left without waiting for oncoming traffic to pass
- Entering an intersection despite another vehicle’s right of way
- Not stopping for pedestrians in marked crosswalks
Right-of-way rules dictate who should go first when vehicles and people cross paths. For instance, when two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop intersection simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. Vehicles making left turns must always yield to oncoming traffic. All vehicles must also yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections.
Common Scenarios Where Drivers Fail to Yield
Failure to yield car accidents can happen almost anywhere on the road. Some of the most common include:
At Intersections with Stop or Yield Signs
Intersections are some of the most high-risk areas for collisions. Stop or yield signs are meant to reduce that risk, but if someone doesn’t understand when they’re supposed to proceed, or if they blatantly ignore the sign, they may cause traffic accidents.
While Making Left Turns
Left turns are inherently dangerous, as they require the driver to cross over oncoming traffic. Unless they have a green arrow at a traffic signal, they must yield to all oncoming vehicles. When they don’t, a dangerous side-impact collision may occur.
At Pedestrian Crosswalks
Pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable when crossing the street, which is why they’re given the legal right of way any time they’re in a marked (and sometimes unmarked) crosswalk. However, distracted, impatient, or reckless drivers are not always as prepared as they should be for a pedestrian to step out into the street, leading to devastating accidents.
When Merging onto Highways
Merging drivers must yield to vehicles already on the highway. Failing to match speed or forcing another driver to brake suddenly can lead to rear-end or sideswipe accidents.
During Flashing Yellow or Red Lights
Flashing signals indicate the need for caution up ahead. Flashing red lights should be treated like a stop sign, and flashing yellow lights mean to slow down and yield when necessary. Ignoring or misinterpreting these signals often results in intersection collisions.
Who Is at Fault in a Failure to Yield Accident?
Determining who’s at fault in a failure-to-yield accident requires investigating the accident to determine how it happened, who had the right of way, and whether any New York traffic laws were violated.
Key factors in determining fault include:
- Police Reports: Accident reports often contain accident diagrams, witness statements, and the responding officer’s initial fault assessment.
- Witness Testimony: Neutral witnesses can provide key details and credible accounts of what happened before, during, and after the crash.
- Traffic Camera Footage: Video evidence offers some of the strongest evidence of how the accident occurred and who might be at fault.
- Accident Reconstruction: Experts can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and other evidence to recreate the accident.
Under New York law, violating right-of-way rules is strong evidence of negligence, which is the foundation of establishing liability in a motor vehicle accident claim. Your failure to yield accident lawyer will gather evidence to prove right-of-way rules were violated and seek maximum compensation.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you work with an experienced failure-to-yield car accident attorney on your personal injury claim, you give yourself a distinct strategic advantage. Attorney Scott C. Gottlieb can help by:
Investigating the Accident and Proving Fault
We’ll gather all evidence, including police reports, accident scene photos and videos, surveillance footage, medical and financial records, witness statements, and expert testimony to prove the other party was at fault and show the full impact of your injuries.
Handling Insurance Claims and Negotiations
Insurance companies will attempt to downplay your injuries and shift blame to avoid paying you what you deserve. We’ll handle all communications and negotiations with them so you don’t have to worry about their tactics. We can seek to recover compensation for your losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Any other damages you are entitled to
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit, If Needed
We are fully prepared to take your case to court if the insurance companies refuse a fair settlement. You can rest easily knowing you’re represented by a legal team with decades of trial experience and a long track record of favorable verdicts.
Contact a Failure to Yield Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in a failure-to-yield accident caused by someone else, you need an experienced law firm to protect your rights. Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney will fight to hold the at-fault driver accountable and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.