Yielding the right-of-way is a fundamental rule of the road that keeps traffic flowing smoothly and safely. This practice involves giving way to other vehicles or pedestrians who have the legal right to proceed first. When drivers fail to yield, they disrupt this flow and create dangerous situations.
In Kansas City, failure to yield accidents occur all too frequently at intersections, highway on-ramps, and more. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured due to another driver’s negligence, you have the right to hold them accountable for the harm you have suffered and a car accident lawyer in Kansas City can help you.
Understanding Right of Way Laws in Kansas City
Kansas City is located on the border between Kansas and Missouri, which means drivers must be aware of both states’ right-of-way laws. In Kansas and Missouri, when two vehicles approach an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. This rule applies when there are no traffic control signs or signals present.
At intersections with stop or yield signs, drivers must obey these signs and yield to vehicles that have the right-of-way. Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic in both states as well. Additionally, drivers entering a highway from a private road, alley, or driveway must yield to all vehicles on the highway.
Common Scenarios Leading to Failure to Yield Accidents
Failure to yield accidents can occur in various situations, but some scenarios are more common than others. These include:
- Failing to yield to the vehicle on the right when arriving simultaneously at a four-way intersection
- Making a left turn without yielding to oncoming traffic at an intersection
- Merging onto a highway without yielding to vehicles already in the lane
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots or yielding to vehicles in the adjacent lane
- Not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections
- Entering a roundabout without yielding to vehicles already in the circle
- Running a stop sign or failing to come to a complete stop before proceeding
- Ignoring or misinterpreting yield signs at highway on-ramps or intersections
- Exiting private driveways or parking lots without yielding to traffic on the main road
Recovering Compensation After a Failure to Yield Accident
If you have been injured in a failure to yield accident in Kansas City, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of severe injuries, you may also be eligible for compensation for long-term care and loss of earning capacity.
To recover compensation, you will need to prove that the other driver failed to yield and that this failure caused your injuries. This process can be complex, which is why you need a personal injury attorney in Kansas City who can help protect your rights.
Your attorney will investigate the crash, collect evidence such as police reports and witness statements, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case in your favor. They can also handle all communication with insurance companies and represent you in court, if necessary.
Protect Your Rights: Consult a Failure to Yield Accident Lawyer
Were you injured because another driver failed to yield? The Kansas City car accident attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe will work diligently to secure the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today at (816) 876-2600 or toll-free at (877) 816-2600 for a free consultation and trust our firm to stand up for your rights.