What does yielding the right of way mean? Yielding the right of way means you allow a driver, rider, or cyclist to go first on a road.
A Fort Worth car accident lawyer can explain what yielding the right of way means. If you yield the right of way and a motorist crashes their car into yours, you may have grounds for legal action.
What Does Yielding the Right of Way Mean in Texas?
In Texas, yielding the right of way can mean slowing down or stopping your car to let a motorist, motorcyclist, or cyclist proceed. For example, you and another driver stop at an intersection at the same time. Generally, the driver on the right has the right of way. If the other motorist is on your right, you should let them go first.
The meaning of yielding of the right of way relates to right and left turns. If you turn right, you must yield the right of way to other motorists, riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. When you turn left, traffic heading straight has the right of way. In most instances, it is illegal to turn left on red in Texas. If you turn left on red into traffic, you could cause an accident and be liable for it.
Get legal help if you are involved in an auto accident in which you had the right of way and the other driver slams their car into yours. The Texas Law Dog has helped clients obtain millions of dollars in compensation. We can share FAQs and other resources relating to what yielding the right of way means with you. Contact us for more information.
Who Is Liable If You Yield the Right of Way and Get into a Car Accident
Car accident liability depends on many factors. Speak with a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer who has car accident case experience following a crash in which you yielded the right of way. Your lawyer looks at what happened and determines who is responsible. If the other driver is to blame, your attorney can help you get money from this individual or their insurer.
Based on Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you have two years from the date of an auto accident to request compensation from any liable parties. Your lawyer discusses what it means if you yield the right of way and how this applies to your case. They can submit an insurance claim or lawsuit for you and represent you in settlement negotiations.
How much money is provided in car accident settlements varies. Your lawyer positions you to secure compensation that matches your expectations. However, they are realistic about your settlement negotiations. They understand that a liable party or their insurer may offer a lowball settlement. If you do not get a fair offer, your attorney can take your case to trial.
What Yielding the Right of Way Can Mean if a Driver Blames You for a Car Accident
Just because you know what it means to yield the right of way and do so does not guarantee that the other motorist involved in your crash will not try to blame you for the incident. If this motorist succeeds, you may have to take full responsibility for your accident-related losses.
An auto crash lawyer knows what challenges you will face if you try to settle a car accident case. If you yield the right of way and the other motorist says you are liable, your lawyer argues against this driver. They can use accident scene photos, witness statements, and other proof to support your case. Your attorney may show that you are not at fault for your collision.
There are times when a driver yields the right of way and shares responsibility for an accident with another motorist. If you file an auto accident lawsuit, the court may find that you and the other driver are both partly responsible. In this scenario, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Or, if you are primarily liable, you may be ineligible to receive damages.
How to Get Compensation if You Yield the Right of Way and are Involved in a Car Accident
An insurance claim is a viable option to get compensated after an auto collision. Do not go through the insurance claims process alone. Hire a car accident lawyer, as they can negotiate with an at-fault motorist and their insurer for you.
Your lawyer can teach you about recoverable damages in a car accident. They argue as to why you should receive money for your auto repair costs, pain and suffering, medical bills, and other losses. Your attorney keeps you updated about insurance settlement negotiations and lets you know if you get an offer.
Receiving and accepting a settlement offer are two different things. You are not legally obligated to approve a settlement if it is less than what you want. If you yield the right of way and believe it may be best to move forward with a lawsuit against the motorist liable for your car accident, your lawyer supports your decision to do so.
Why You Should Yield the Right of Way Whenever Possible
If you choose not to yield the right of way, you could get into an auto crash and be held responsible for it. You may have to compensate the other motorist or other parties involved in the collision for their losses. Meanwhile, your car insurance rates could go up.
Yielding the right of way takes only a few seconds. Yet, it can make a big difference for you and others. Those who know what it means for someone to yield the right of way are well-equipped to avoid accidents. They are doing their part to keep themselves and others safe on the road.
Of course, letting someone go first on the road does not mean you can avoid car accidents altogether. If a driver is negligent, they can cause an accident that leaves you with injuries, regardless of whether you provided this motorist with the right of way. After this incident, speak with a car crash lawyer to review your legal options.
Partner with a Lawyer Who Bites Back Against Anyone Responsible for Your Car Accident
The Texas Law Dog is a Hopkins County native who maintains a strong work ethic. We work hard to get you compensation from anyone liable for your auto accident.
Trust our team to assist you with your car collision case. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
