Every year, thousands of people are hurt or killed in car crashes throughout the United States. While vehicles are an integral part of daily life, these fundamental tools can also be deadly weapons when used irresponsibly. One of the most common causes of crashes is a driver’s failure to yield.
If you have suffered in an accident because of a failure to yield, an Albuquerque lawyer may be able to support you. Being involved in a car crash can create legal hurdles you more than likely will need help with to overcome. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC is here for you. After seeking medical attention for your injuries, consider getting in touch to schedule a free meeting with a legal advocate to go over your options. Dial (800) 598-7557 to speak with a member of our team to set a time to discuss your case.
Establishing Cause and Liability
New Mexico has several traffic laws designed to protect everyone on the roadways. This includes protocols regarding which driver has the right-of-way and how to drive through intersections safely. Failure to yield entails any time a driver does not observe rules pertaining to the right-of-way rules, traffic signs, and lights. Along with obeying these rules and abstaining from intoxicated or distracted driving, stopping and yielding when necessary are two of the most crucial steps a responsible driver can take to avoid an accident.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), failure to yield accounts for about 7% of fatal accidents in the U.S. in 2018. Often, drivers fail to yield because they are distracted, in a rush, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Crashes are particularly common in bustling and densely populated areas like Albuquerque, where numerous drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians frequently crowd the roadways. Some of the most common causes of failure to yield crashes include:
- Not stopping at a red light or stop sign
- Failing to observe a yield sign
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Distracted driving, such as using a cell phone
- Failure to give the right-of-way at an intersection
- Not yielding for emergency vehicles
- Wrongfully driving through an intersection
Whatever the reason for a driver’s failure to yield, the consequences can be devastating for them and others. Victims may suffer injuries ranging in type and severity, from lacerations and contusions to traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, internal bleeding, organ damage, dismemberment, and even death.
In addition to the physical toll such trauma can take, victims may face emotional turmoil and financial strain from medical bills, long-term care costs, and lost wages. If a family loses a loved one in a crash, they may also suffer the loss of companionship and loss of future finances if that family member was a breadwinner. An Albuquerque failure to yield accident lawyer can explain the options open to you to recover for such losses.
For a free legal consultation with a failure to yield accidents lawyer serving Albuquerque, call (800) 598-7557
Comparative Negligence
In some cases, a defendant or their insurance provider may argue that the victim is partially responsible for the accident and injuries. Even if this is true and you did contribute to some extent to the crash, you may still be able to pursue compensation for your damages.
New Mexico has a comparative negligence law when it comes to vehicle accidents. Per NM Stat § 41-3A-1, this means multiple parties may be partially liable for a crash. Typically, a law enforcement officer responding at the scene will allocate a percentage of fault to each party. As long as you are less than 50% at fault for the incident, you may still be eligible to pursue financial compensation from the other at-fault party. Contact the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC who can help you navigate these complex legal matters.
Albuquerque Failure to Yield Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 598-7557
Do Not Accept an Insufficient Settlement
Most car crash cases settle before any of the involved parties set foot in a courtroom. In many cases, a victim will first request compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company. The insurance company, however, may try to deny you fair compensation. You do not have to take the first settlement an insurance company offers.
If you feel the offer is inadequate, consider talking to a lawyer for assistance. They can help you negotiate for fair compensation. If necessary, they will perform an independent investigation to try to prove causation and fault, as well as establishing the extent of your damages.
If necessary, a lawyer will also help you design and file a personal injury lawsuit in a civil court of law. This may be necessary for a few reasons. One of the most common is if the responsible party’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover the full extent of your losses. A lawyer can help you determine the best course of action based on the details of your situation.
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Find the Support You Need at Ben Crump Law, PLLC
An Albuquerque failure to yield accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you pursue compensation to maintain stable footing in your road to recovery after your accident. We do not shy away from tough cases.
Car crash cases can be challenging for various reasons, but you can count on our team for support. Whether you wish to negotiate for a fair settlement with the responsible party’s insurance company or bring a personal injury suit in a civil court of law, our attorneys can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
In addition to taking these daunting tasks off your hands, hiring Ben Crump Law, PLLC will allow you to focus on healing and moving forward. Call (800) 598-7557 to get started.
Call or text (800) 598-7557 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form