Failure to Yield Car Accidents in Houston

Motorists must know and follow the state traffic laws, including when to yield, to prevent causing harm to others sharing the road. Negligent motorists who fail to yield commonly cause collisions, which lead to severe injuries and other losses. The crashes usually happen in intersections and may involve other cars, pedestrians, or cyclists.  

Unfortunately, the driver could have prevented most crashes by remaining cautious, alert, and compliant with traffic laws. Schedule an appointment with a hard-working car accident lawyer for more information about failure-to-yield car accidents in Houston. 

Where Do Collisions Occur?

Some of the most common locations and causes of failure to yield crashes include the following: 

• During left turns, when drivers fail to yield to traffic coming from the opposite direction 
• Neglecting to yield 
• Drivers failing to yield while merging onto highways
• Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks 
• Motorists neglect to yield to cyclists traveling on roadways or bicycle paths crossing  
• Roundabouts, when drivers entering fail to yield to other cars as they enter
• Drivers backing out of a driveway or parking space without checking for traffic and yielding

Understanding where and why failure-to-yield car crashes in Houston can help motorists exercise additional caution to avoid them. 

Common Causes 

Driver distractions, such as cell phone use, daydreaming, or chatting with passengers, are the most common cause. Other typical causes include motorist intoxication, inexperience, speed, and reckless or aggressive driving. Motorists must always use caution, avoid distractions, and remain alert to changes in traffic. Adherence to traffic laws and safe driving habits help keep the roadways safe by preventing avoidable crashes. 

When Drivers Must Yield on the Road

Following traffic laws, like yielding, is essential for traffic flow and roadway safety. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.151, vehicle operators must yield in the following circumstances: 

• Vehicles pulling up to stop signs must yield to the car that arrived first or is already crossing through the intersection
• Cars entering four-way stops must yield to the automobile that entered first, or if they arrive at the same time, to the vehicle on their right 
• Motorists must slow down to check for traffic and yield when necessary when approaching yield signs
• All drivers, regardless of right-of-way laws, must yield to emergency vehicles with flashing lights 
• Drivers making left turns must check for cars traveling from the opposite direction and yield when needed 

When accidents occur, those failing to follow the rules of the road face civil liability, penalties, hikes in insurance rates, and legal trouble. A qualified lawyer in Houston skilled in handling claims resulting from failure-to-yield car wrecks could gather the necessary evidence to establish fault and collect the maximum potential settlement amount. 

Time Limit to Pursue Compensation

Pursuing compensation after car crashes requires compliance with the personal injury statute of limitations. In most cases, the deadline for initiating the legal action is two years from the date of the vehicle collision. 

Speak to a Knowledgeable Attorney in Houston About Failure-to-Yield Car Accidents 

When reckless or negligent drivers cause collisions and others sustain bodily harm and other damages, pursuing damages to hold them accountable can improve road and highway safety. Everyone has a legal duty and ethical responsibility to adhere to the roadway rules and use reasonable caution while driving. 

Reckless motorists who cause traffic collisions are subject to civil liability, traffic violations, fines, and negative points on their driving records. Contact a diligent lawyer experienced with claims involving failure-to-yield car accidents in Houston.