Accidents at Yield Signs – 3 Tips for Preventing Injuries

While used for traffic control, a yield sign can still lead to confusion and car accidents.

A yield sign serves the function to let drivers know they need to slow down and allow the right of way for any vehicles approaching from another direction.

A yield sign is different from a stop sign, since drivers approaching a yield sign are not required to make a complete stop. They can proceed to the road with caution. 

Yield signs can help traffic flow and prevent car accidents, but an area with such a sign is not immune to crashes. Just like stop signs, there are plenty of car accidents surrounding a yield sign. 

What if you get in an accident by a yield sign and suffer an injury? Are you eligible for compensation?

The answer is dependent on who caused the accident. For starters, an accident could be the result of failure to yield. 

According to California Vehicle Code 21800, the “driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private property, or from an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic…close enough to constitute an immediate hazard…shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that traffic until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety”.

To sum this up, all drivers need to properly yield to other vehicles. This applies to numerous traffic signals, including yield signs. 

Imagine a situation where Jacie is driving when the driver of another vehicle fails to yield at a yield sign and speeds into the intersection. They hit the side of Jacie’s car, and she bangs her head against the steering wheel, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. 

Jacie should consult with a car accident attorney about the incident, as the other driver is most likely at fault for the crash since they failed to follow directions at the yield sign.

Accidents may also occur at the actual yield sign. It’s not a rarity for some drivers to confuse a yield sign with a stop sign, coming to a complete halt as opposed to yielding to oncoming traffic and merging.

Think of another situation where Jacie comes to a complete stop at a yield sign even though there is no other traffic preventing her from entering the road. The driver behind her, Lisa, is unable to stop in time, and crashes her vehicle into the back of Jacie’s car.

This accident is more complicated in terms of determining fault. Jacie shouldn’t have stopped at the yield sign, but Lisa shouldn’t have crashed into Jacie’s automobile.

This accident is an example of comparative negligence.

Comparative negligence, also known as comparative fault, is a complicated process that’s not even a factor in all 50 states. However, California is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning that in some personal injury cases, fault may be divided between parties. 

The previous example with Jacie and Lisa may see fault split in half, with both parties having equal fault for the accident. 

Other potential causes of a yield sign accident may include:

• A distracted driver on their phone sending text messages
• A drunk driver 
• Speeding

If you were involved in a car accident at a yield sign resulting in an injury, you may be eligible for compensation. The best way to know is by consulting with a Southern California car accident lawyer.

At C&B Law Group, our LA personal injury lawyers have helped clients recover damages ranging from medical expenses to lost wages or more.

Some of the most frequent injuries our attorneys see from car accidents include:

• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Cuts or lacerations
• Sprains and strains
• Neck injuries
• Muscle tears
• Nerve damage
• Back injuries
• Whiplash
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Mental trauma
• Wrongful death

We will help you gather evidence to build a solid case, with the primary goal of maximizing your compensation.

Additionally, we will deal with dishonest insurance company’s who may try manipulating you into saying something that can be used against you in a case. 

Don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. Reach out to our team of LA lawyers today regarding your yield sign accident.

Your initial consultation is free. Contact us today!