Yielding the right of way is crucial to being a safe driver in Roswell. Unfortunately, not all motorists follow the laws. If a driver fails to yield and causes your accident, you can seek compensation for your costs. Talk to a Roswell truck accident lawyer to get help today.
All drivers have a duty of care on Roswell roads. If someone was at fault for your accident, you have rights. At John Foy & Associates, we can help hold the at-fault driver accountable. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build a strong claim for what you deserve.
To speak with one of our lawyers today, call (404) 400-4000 for a FREE consultation. You can also complete our online contact form.
What “Failure to Yield” Means
Georgia has specific yielding laws under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §40-6-72:
- After stopping, drivers should yield the right of way to any closely-approaching vehicles or cars in the intersection.
- Drivers coming up on a yield sign should slow to a reasonable speed for current conditions. They should stop if necessary to stay safe.
When a driver doesn’t yield correctly, it’s an example of a failure to yield. A failure to yield correctly can also help your injury case. If a driver causes your accident after ignoring a yield sign, the accident can act as evidence of failure to yield. This is known as “prima-facie” evidence.
Failing to yield is careless behavior. It’s also incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Examples of failure to yield include:
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Ignoring a yield sign
- Not yielding after stopping at an intersection
- Changing lanes without checking first
- Turning at a light without checking for oncoming traffic
- Merging onto a highway without yielding
These are just a few examples. If a driver did not stop or slow down when they should have, it’s probably because they failed to yield. If these actions led to your accident, you might be entitled to compensation.
Failure to yield is one of the leading causes of accidents in Georgia. But that doesn’t mean the crash isn’t a big deal. If you were injured by a driver’s failure to yield, it’s time to take legal action.
An experienced lawyer can help you build a claim for compensation. To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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Failure to Yield Accident Damages
You can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver for damages like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
These are costs you shouldn’t have to pay if you were not at fault for the accident. In Georgia, the at-fault driver is liable for all of the accident damages. You can file a claim with the driver’s insurance company for compensation.
What to Do After a Failure to Yield Accident
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you have rights. You are probably entitled to compensation for your damages, but you’ll have to build your injury claim.
You can protect your rights and start building your case from the beginning through the following steps.
Report the Accident
Call 9-1-1 to report the accident to the police. Make sure officers create an accident report on the collision. You’ll need a copy of this report for your claim.
Exchange Information
Exchange the following information with the other driver:
- Full names
- Contact information
- Insurance policy information
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
Be civil with the driver, but avoid saying “sorry” or admitting any fault. Anything you say at the scene could be used against you later.
If you’re in doubt, say as little as possible about the accident. Your lawyer can handle any communication about the crash after you leave the scene.
Document the Scene
Do whatever you can to document the scene. For instance, you can:
- Take pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage.
- Photograph the entire accident scene.
- Get the names and contact information of eyewitnesses.
Don’t be afraid to take several pictures at the scene. Picture evidence helps show how the scene looked right after the crash. This is crucial because an accident scene can change quickly.
Get Medical Treatment
If you have serious or life-threatening injuries, get emergency medical attention. Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 for an ambulance. Otherwise, see a doctor as soon as possible after leaving the scene.
If you wait to see a doctor, it could hurt your case. The driver or insurance company might claim that you weren’t hurt as badly as you say. It will cast doubt on your claim if you don’t see a doctor soon for your injuries.
Keep Track of Your Damages
Save proof of any losses you have because of the failure to yield accident. That includes medical bills, receipts, and much more. It helps to keep a folder where you can save everything. When you talk to a lawyer for the first time, bring any of these documents with you.
Be Careful What You Say
The insurance company will probably contact you after the accident. The adjuster might ask for a recorded statement or give you a settlement offer. In either situation, don’t comply without talking to a lawyer first.
Insurance companies know what they’re doing. If you admit any blame or talk about the accident too much, the insurer will use it to undermine your claim. Instead, get a lawyer on your side as soon as possible.
Talk to a Roswell Failure to Yield Accident Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, we are the “Strong Arm” for our Georgian clients. We are not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for your rights. Plus, we do not collect a fee unless we win your case.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss your accident and go over your legal options. If a failure to yield led to your accident, you can seek the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or fill out our online contact form for your free consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
