Failing to yield the right of way can lead to devastating collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and property. Unfortunately, those harmed by other drivers who failed to yield can struggle to recover compensation. Failing to yield is much more than just a traffic violation. This type of negligent vehicle operation can lead to devastating consequences.
Common Places Where Failure to Yield Crashes Happen Around Lexington
Lexington is home to several bustling intersections and traffic-heavy areas where failure-to-yield accidents frequently occur. Some of the more well-known locations prone to these incidents include:
- New Circle Road and Nicholasville Road. As one of Lexington’s busiest intersections, the heavy traffic and frequent lane changes create the perfect environment for failure-to-yield accidents, especially when drivers fail to give way when merging or turning.
- Man O’ War Boulevard and Richmond Road. This is another high-traffic area that can see accidents due to drivers failing to yield when turning left or merging into traffic.
- Downtown Lexington near the University of Kentucky campus. The mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists can result in dangerous situations if drivers do not yield appropriately at crosswalks and stop signs.
- Fayette Mall area. With high volumes of shoppers and vehicles, drivers rushing to turn into or out of parking lots often fail to yield, leading to collisions.
Failing to yield is not just a minor traffic violation—it can lead to life-altering consequences for victims.
How Hard Is It to Determine Liability After These Incidents?
Determining liability in a failure-to-yield accident can be complicated and often depends on the specific circumstances of the crash. Kentucky follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning that each party involved in the accident may be assigned a percentage of fault. Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages, although they will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if a driver fails to yield at an intersection and collides with another vehicle, determining liability involves reviewing:
- Traffic signals or signs. Was there a yield sign or traffic light the driver failed to follow?
- Right of way rules. Was the other driver legally entitled to proceed?
- Witness testimony and police reports. Witnesses or the attending officers can provide valuable insights into the events leading up to the crash.
In cases involving pedestrians or bicyclists, it may also be necessary to examine factors such as crosswalk markings, pedestrian signals, and whether the driver was speeding or distracted at the time of the crash.
Why Do Failure to Yield Accidents Happen?
While failure-to-yield accidents may seem straightforward, they can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Distracted driving. Texting, using a phone, or any other distractions can cause a driver to miss important signs or signals requiring them to yield.
- Aggressive driving. Some drivers may deliberately refuse to yield in an attempt to beat oncoming traffic or rush through intersections.
- Impatience in high-traffic areas. Locations such as Nicholasville Road and Richmond Road often see impatient drivers trying to force their way into traffic, leading to failure-to-yield accidents.
- Inexperience or confusion. Especially at complex intersections or roundabouts, less experienced drivers may not understand who has the right of way.
Understanding why an accident occurred is crucial for assigning liability and building a strong case for compensation. Speak to an accident attorney in Lexington for more information
Injuries and Damages in Failure to Yield Accidents
The injuries sustained in failure-to-yield accidents can be severe, especially in high-traffic areas like downtown Lexington or New Circle Road. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries. A sudden stop or collision can cause significant strain to the neck and spine.
- Head and brain injuries. Striking the dashboard, steering wheel, or window can lead to concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Broken bones. The impact of a crash often results in fractures, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Spinal cord injuries. These can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
Victims of failure-to-yield accidents may face significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation costs. Working with an experienced Lexington personal injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for both your economic and non-economic damages.
What Can You Do After a Failure to Yield Collision?
If you are involved in a failure-to-yield accident in Lexington, there are important steps to follow to protect your rights:
- Seek medical care right away. Even if you aren’t experiencing any major pain, some injuries may not present symptoms right away.
- Report the accident to the police. A report from the responding law enforcement officer is a crucial piece of evidence that can help establish liability.
- Document the scene. If possible, take photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information. Gather the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved, as well as any witnesses to the accident.
- Consult a failure to yield accident lawyer. Nobody should have to take on insurance carriers or other legal teams alone. Let an experienced injury lawyer help.
Contact a Lexington Failure to Yield Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a failure-to-yield accident in Lexington, the experienced attorneys at Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. are here to help. We understand the complexities of Kentucky’s traffic laws and can get you through this process. You may be entitled to significant monetary compensation, and you can us for a free consultation of your claim by completing out our contact form or dialing us at (800) 337-4002.
