Failure to Yield Car Accidents in Bakersfield

When two or more drivers intend to enter the same space—including intersections and lanes—state law determines who has the right-of-way. Failure to yield to the driver with the right-of-way can lead to a collision. When these accidents happen, a dedicated injury attorney may be able to help.

If you have been hurt in a failure to yield car accident in Bakersfield, our experienced auto accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your losses. While success is never guaranteed, the support of strong legal counsel can improve your chances for a favorable outcome. Reach out to our team today to learn more.

Understanding Failure to Yield Laws

California right-of-way laws dictate who is legally entitled to enter a lane, intersection, or shared space when multiple drivers are present. These laws help prevent accidents by clarifying which driver has the priority to proceed. For example, drivers already established in a lane have the right to remain there, while merging vehicles must yield until it is safe to enter.

Motorists must also comply with stop signs and traffic control devices to avoid collisions. At a stop-sign-controlled intersection, the first driver to arrive has the right to proceed. When two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right typically has the right-of-way. Failing to follow these rules, such as running a stop sign or red light, often results in liability if a crash occurs.

Understanding Bakersfield right-of-way laws is crucial in car accident cases, as violations can serve as key evidence in determining fault. A lawyer can use these violations to establish negligence and strengthen an injured party’s claim for compensation. Call to learn more about the area’s failure to yield laws.

Building a Negligence Case Through Evidence

In order for a person injured in a Bakersfield failure to yield car accident to recover compensation for their damages, they must first show that someone else’s negligence was to blame. In these situations, success requires proof that the other party failed to yield the right-of-way, ultimately leading to the crash.

Police Reports

The police report is a helpful starting point in an investigation. It can highlight who else witnessed the accident and what the parties might have admitted to. Although the document itself cannot be used at trial, it often leads to other evidence that can.

Witness Testimony

Witness testimony is commonly used to establish negligence. This could come from the plaintiff or from a neutral third party who saw the crash as it happened. While this evidence is essential, it is not unusual for both sides to offer conflicting stories.

Photos and Video

Photos and videos can be invaluable, especially if they capture the crash as it happened. Nearby security cameras or dash cam footage can allow a jury to decide for themselves what happened.

It is important to work with a legal team that understands the importance of gathering evidence and can leverage their knowledge and connections to establish the necessary details. Learn more about how our team handles proving liability by calling today.

The Deadline to File a Lawsuit

When negligence leads to a failure to yield car wreck in Bakersfield or elsewhere in the state, there is a limited amount of time available to pursue legal action. The deadline—known as the statute of limitations—is one of the most problematic pitfalls when filing an injury lawsuit.

Generally, a person has two years from the date of an accident to pursue compensation or settle their case. Waiting too long can put their recovery in jeopardy. Unless some uncommon exception applies, the court will be forced to dismiss the lawsuit permanently. Managing this time limit is only one of the ways an attorney can help in these cases. Connect with our team to learn more about how we can offer assistance.

Talk to an Attorney in Bakersfield About Failure to Yield Car Accidents

Complying with right-of-way rules is a key part of safely operating a motor vehicle. When a driver fails to do so, they significantly increase the risk of a crash. If you were hurt in a failure to yield car accident in Bakersfield, you have the opportunity to seek legal help and pursue a lawsuit for your damages. Call the Valero Law Group today to begin working with a dedicated advocate.