The rules and regulations regarding traffic in the state of North Carolina allow for the safety of all of those drivers and passengers on the roadways. There are very specific guidelines regarding when a driver must yield on the highway, a roadway, or an intersection. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), accidents involving one driver failing to yield the right of way caused 3,579 fatalities in 2018.
If you were in an accident resulting from another driver’s failure to yield and were injured or lost a loved one, contact our legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to learn how a Charlotte failure to yield accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights.
North Carolina’s Failure to Yield Laws
Under North Carolina General Statutes (GS) §20-158, there are rules regarding the right of way at intersections, which include guidelines regarding stop signs and stoplights. If a driver fails to come to a complete stop as required under these provisions of law, the driver may be liable for their negligent behavior and for any injuries resulting from their actions. Additionally, motorists that merge onto highways or merge into other lanes of traffic must also follow regulations regarding monitoring their surroundings.
If a motorist fails to yield to another motorist when merging, they will remain responsible for any injuries or losses to a victim resulting from an accident due to their negligent behavior. If you suffered any injuries or losses resulting from another driver failing to yield on a roadway in Charlotte, learn how a Charlotte failure to yield accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help protect your legal rights.
For a free legal consultation with a failure to yield lawyer serving Charlotte, call (844) 730-0233
Examples of Accidents Resulting from a Motorist Failing to Yield
There are several types of accidents that encompass failing to yield, all of which may result in serious injuries or fatalities.
At Intersections
Stop signs or traffic lights regulate the traffic flow at intersections. If a motorist fails to come to a complete stop at a red light or at a stop sign, they risk hitting another motorist traveling through the intersection with the right-of-way. Additionally, failing to yield at a yellow light may also result in a serious or catastrophic accident with injuries and fatalities.
Legal Right Turns at a Stop Sign or Red Light
In most cases, unless otherwise posted, a motorist has the legal right to make a right turn with the flow of traffic after coming to a full stop at a stop sign or red light at an intersection. However, if a motorist fails to come to a full stop or fails to properly examine the surrounding traffic, they may cause either a T-bone accident (perpendicularly hitting a vehicle) or a sideswiping accident (two sides of vehicles impacting each other). These types of accidents can cause serious injuries or death.
Merging Traffic
Many motorists must merge onto highways through on-ramps or through the merging of lanes on highways. If a motorist fails to yield to other drivers surrounding them, they may cause an accident and serious damage and injury to others. Additionally, if a motorist makes the decision to change lanes, they must yield first to other traffic and find a safe moment to do so or risk a serious accident occurring.
Ambulances, Fire Trucks, Police Cars, and Other Emergency Vehicles
An emergency vehicle with either sirens or lights on has the right of way on the roadways throughout the United States. Every vehicle on the roadway must come to a complete stop or move off of the roadway if possible in order to yield to ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, or other emergency vehicles. Failing to yield to these emergency vehicles can result in an accident since these vehicles often travel at extremely high rates of speed.
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Types of Compensation Available for Victims of Failure to Yield Accidents
If another driver failed to yield to you or give you the right of way which resulted in severe or permanent injuries, you have the legal right to pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological treatment
- Funeral costs
- Punitive damages
Many of the calculations for non-economic losses can prove legally challenging and complex. Discussing your losses with a Charlotte failure to yield accident lawyer can help you better understand the types of compensation you may have a legal right to under the law.
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Statute of Limitations for North Carolina Car Accidents
In North Carolina, you must file a claim within three years of an accident in which you were harmed, under North Carolina General Statutes §1-52. An attorney can help you with your case. An attorney can gather evidence, build a case with witnesses and experts, and advise you on any offer you may receive to settle.
A lawyer can also take all the facts into consideration and calculate what you may be owed as a result of your injuries. Having a lawyer on your side can also help you balance your health and the stress of seeking compensation after an accident.
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Learn How a Charlotte Failure to Yield Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one suffered injuries or a fatality resulting from an accident involving another motorist’s failure to yield, learn how a Charlotte failure to yield accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 can help you understand your legal rights, and help you attempt to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
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