Failing to yield is a serious traffic offense that puts motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians in Nevada at risk. Nevada law dictates who has the legal responsibility to yield in a driving situation and when. People who ignore these laws can be held accountable for a related car accident and resulting injuries.
What Are Nevada’s Yield Laws?
Nevada’s laws on intersections, yielding and rights-of-way are found mostly in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 484B.250. This section of the law states that a driver is legally required to stop prior to entering the intersection and yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and road users, as applicable. Who shall yield depends on the circumstances:
- At an intersection marked with a stop or yield sign, the approaching driver must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles that have entered the intersection or are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.
- When two or more vehicles enter an intersection at approximately the same time, the right-of-way is given to the vehicle on the right.
- The driver of a vehicle at an intersection intending to turn left must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are in the intersection or close enough to constitute an immediate hazard.
- Motor vehicle drivers have a responsibility to yield to pedestrians when they are within a crosswalk on their half of the road or approaching their half so closely as to be in danger.
These are just a few of Nevada’s right-of-way laws. Every driver and road user has a legal responsibility to know and obey the traffic laws, signs and signals that apply to them. Failing to yield in violation of these rules could lead to a car accident and a liability claim against the driver.
Common Failure-to-Yield Accidents and Their Consequences
Failing to yield can lead to devastating and catastrophic intersection accidents, such as head-on collisions and T-bone accidents. These are two of the most severe accident types seen on Nevada roadways. Other common types include left-turn accidents, rear-end collisions, chain-reaction accidents, and collisions with bicyclists and pedestrians. Intersection accidents can have devastating effects, including broken bones, brain injuries, spine injuries and deaths.
Seeking Compensation for a Failure-to-Yield Crash in Nevada
Nevada is a fault-based car accident state, which means when someone is at fault for causing a collision, his or her car insurance company is held responsible for paying. Anyone who is injured in the accident could recover compensation for their bodily injuries, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, it is up to the victim to prove fault using evidence.
What to Do if You Get Hurt in a Failure-to-Yield Accident in Nevada
If another driver crashes into you or hits you with their car at an intersection in Nevada when you had the right-of-way, try to stay calm and collect evidence while you’re still at the scene. Take pictures of the accident scene, including the surrounding roadway and all nearby traffic signs or signals. Do not admit fault for the collision or apologize to the other driver. Get medical care immediately. Report the crash to your own insurance provider, then file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party. If you have catastrophic injuries or encounter any challenges – such as an insurance company blaming you for the crash or underestimating the value of your claim – contact a car accident attorney in Nevada for advice and assistance without delay.