According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 36.560 people suffered fatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents across the U.S. in 2018, including 3,563 in California. Car accidents also lead to millions of injuries each year, most of which drivers could prevent with safer habits.
San Diego residents understand the frustration of traffic congestion, but impatience does not give drivers the right to ignore traffic laws. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a collision caused by a negligent driver, a San Diego failure to yield accident lawyer could help you seek compensation. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (844) 730-0233 to discuss your case with our legal team.
Human Error Accounts for Most Motor Vehicle Accidents
For decades, studies have shown that driver error causes most motor vehicle accidents. The NHTSA pinpointed the cause of 94 percent of serious accidents as dangerous decisions or mistakes drivers make behind the wheel.
According to the NHTSA, failing to yield contributed significantly to fatal accidents at intersections between 1997 and 2004. In a failure to yield collision, the driver correctly obeys the traffic signal or device at an intersection but proceeds before yielding another driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist the right of way. During the time frame studied, California had the most fatal crashes at intersections controlled by traffic devices, such as stoplights.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) ranked the top contributing driver behaviors in fatal accidents in 2018 and found that failure to yield the right of way came in fourth behind speeding, driving under the influence, and improper lane usage. If the reckless or negligent actions of a driver led to your injuries or the loss of your loved one, a San Diego failure to yield accident lawyer can help you pursue financial recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a failure to yield accidents lawyer serving San Diego, call (844) 730-0233
California Law Requires Drivers to Yield the Right of Way
California Vehicle Code (VEH) § 21800 outlines regulations regarding the right of way, which require a driver to yield under certain circumstances. In general, drivers should allow a car that reaches an intersection before them to go first. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver should yield to the car on their right. Exceptions include:
- Crosswalks
- Three-way stops
- Broken traffic signals
- Clearly marked or functioning signs or signals
California drivers have an obligation to understand the processes for yielding the right of way in each of those situations. If they fail to abide by the rules of the road, serious consequences can result. If you or a loved one suffered severe or fatal injuries in a San Diego failure to yield accident, Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help. Contact our legal team at any time for a free case evaluation.
San Diego Failure to Yield Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Compensation in Failure to Yield Accident Cases
California requires the driver responsible for causing the accident to compensate victims for their injuries. Typically, the driver’s liability insurance policies will provide coverage. However, if they do not offer a fair settlement amount or fail to cover the extent of your damages, you can seek financial recovery, which may include awards for:
- Medical bills and all accident-related health care costs
- Lost wages for missed time at work
- Loss of earning potential if your accident left you with a disability
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of support if you lost a loved one who provided for you financially
The lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you assess your damages and pursue fair financial awards for your losses.
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Types of Evidence That Might Support Your Case
Evidence from the scene of your accident and those involved with your case could help you establish the at-fault driver’s liability. Types of evidence that may strengthen your case include:
- Photos and videos from the collision scene
- Police reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Expert testimony
- Medical records and bills
- Cell phone records
A car accident attorney can help you gather documentation, statements, and other items to use as evidence in your failure to yield accident case.
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Statutes of Limitations on California Failure to Yield Accident Cases
Each state determines how much time victims and their loved ones have to file claims against the liable party. In California, Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 335.1 allows victims of car accidents up to two years to file a personal injury claim in most cases. Family members typically have two years to file suit for wrongful death. However, exceptions apply in some circumstances. A lawyer can determine how much time you have remaining to file and get started on your claim as soon as possible.
How a San Diego Failure to Yield Accident Lawyer Can Help You Build Your Case
Victims and their loved ones can pursue financial recovery for their losses on their own. Still, they might find it challenging to navigate the legal system without the assistance of a professional. Lawyers can help by managing every aspect of your case on your behalf, including:
- Investigating the accident.
- Establishing the liability of the at-fault driver.
- Gathering the appropriate evidence.
- Filing your claim for you.
- Handling all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies.
- Seeking adequate financial recovery.
- Taking your case to trial if necessary.
Those seeking compensation in personal injury and wrongful death cases often feel overwhelmed, but a lawyer can help by guiding you through the complex process and providing you with legal support every step of the way.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Today to Get Started
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we understand the devastating impact motor vehicle accidents often have on victims and their families. We advocate for each of our clients to help them seek the financial awards they deserve for their losses. If you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries and need the assistance of a San Diego failure to yield accident lawyer, contact our legal team today at (844) 730-0233 for your free case evaluation.
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