A failure-to-yield accident occurs when one driver fails to give the right of way to another driver with the legal right to proceed. If you have been involved in a failure-to-yield accident in Atlanta, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced attorney who can protect your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
With the help of an Atlanta failure-to-yield accident lawyer, you can protect your rights and get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move on with your life. Navigating the complexities of such cases becomes easier when assisted by a seasoned Personal injury lawyer in Atlanta.
Understanding Failure-to-Yield Accidents
A failure-to-yield accident occurs when a driver fails to give the right of way to another driver with the legal right to proceed. This means that the driver who failed to yield did not stop or give way when required, causing an accident with another vehicle or pedestrian with the right of way.
Common examples of failure-to-yield accidents include failing to yield at a stop sign or yield sign, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, yielding to oncoming traffic when making a left turn, and yielding to emergency vehicles. Various factors, including driver error, distraction, or impairment, can cause these accidents.
In some cases, they may also be caused by road conditions or faulty traffic signals. Failure-to-yield accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, and it is important to seek the help of an experienced Atlanta failure-to-yield accident attorney if you have been involved in one.
Steps to Take After a Failure-to-Yield Accident
According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the most common causes of car accidents in Atlanta and throughout Georgia include distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, and failure to yield. If you have been involved in a failure-to-yield accident, take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: If you or anyone involved in the accident has been injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, getting checked out by a medical professional to ensure no underlying injuries is important. Delaying medical attention can also negatively impact your ability to seek compensation later.
- Call the Police: Call the police and report the accident. The police will come to the scene, investigate the accident, and file a report. The police report can be an important piece of evidence in your case.
- Gather Information: This can include witnesses’ names, contact information, and photos of the accident scene. This information can help build your case.
- Contact an Attorney: Contact an experienced failure-to-yield accident attorney in Atlanta as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive your deserved compensation. It is important to contact a failure-to-yield accident lawyer in Atlanta before speaking with any insurance adjusters or making any statements.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Do not admit fault or make any statements to the other driver or their insurance company. Any statements you make can be used against you later in the claims process.
- Follow Up on Medical Treatment: Follow up with your medical treatment and attend all appointments. This helps ensure your recovery and provides documentation of your injuries and treatment for your case.
By taking these steps after a failure-to-yield accident, you can protect your rights and ensure you have the best chance of recovering compensation for your injuries and losses.
Possible Defenses in a Failure-to-Yield Accident Case
In a failure-to-yield accident case, the at-fault driver and their insurance company may use various defenses to avoid liability or minimize their responsibility for the accident. Some common defenses in failure to yield accident cases include those referenced below.
Comparative Negligence
The other driver may argue that you were also at fault for the accident, claiming that you were driving too fast, not paying attention, or otherwise contributing to the accident.
Sudden Emergency
The other driver may argue that they faced a sudden emergency, such as an unexpected obstacle on the road or a medical emergency, and that they had no choice but to cause the accident.
Road Conditions
The other driver may argue that the road conditions were poor, such as wet or icy pavement, and that they could not avoid the accident.
Contributory Negligence
In some states, if you were even partially at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover any compensation at all.
Limited Damages
The other driver or their insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that you are not entitled to the full damages you seek.
How an Attorney Can Prove Liability in a Failure-to-Yield Accident
To prove liability in a failure-to-yield accident, an experienced attorney will gather all available evidence related to the accident, such as the police report, witness statements, photographs, and any video footage of the accident. They will investigate the accident scene to gather additional evidence and work with an accident reconstruction expert to recreate the scene and determine exactly how the accident occurred. This expert may use physical evidence such as skid marks or vehicle damage to help reconstruct the accident.
The attorney will interview witnesses to understand better what happened during the accident. They may also call expert witnesses to testify about technical aspects of the accident, such as the mechanics of a particular vehicle or the rules of the road. In addition, they will review your medical records to determine the full extent of your injuries and the medical treatment you have received.
Once the attorney has gathered all the necessary evidence, they will build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement for your injuries and losses. They will use the evidence gathered to support your case and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. By working with an experienced attorney who has handled failure-to-yield accidents, you can be confident that your case is in good hands and will receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Atlanta Failure-to-Yield Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been involved in a failure-to-yield accident in Atlanta, it’s important to seek the help of an Atlanta failure-to-yield accident lawyer. Our team can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.
