When you are driving, it’s essential to yield in certain circumstances. You must yield at yield signs, stop signs, red lights, and when you encounter a driver that has the right-of-way. Drivers that don’t obey these rules can result in a failure to yield accident that can lead to extensive injuries to you and damage to your vehicle.
Nevada Accident Injury Lawyers (NAIL) can represent you in a failure to yield right-of-way accident. Read on to learn more about Nevada right-of way-laws and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Nevada Right-of-Way Laws
Here are the Nevada right-of-way laws you must adhere to if you want to stay on the right side of the law.
- You must yield to a vehicle that arrives first at a four-way stop
- You must yield to pedestrians crossing the street at designated areas on sidewalks and crosswalks
- You must yield at a red light
- You must yield to vehicles already on the highway when merging
- You must yield to emergency vehicles
Nevada right-of-way laws can get a bit confusing. Here are some you may not know about.
- You must yield at all intersections that do not have traffic signs or lights. If two or more vehicles yield simultaneously, the one on the right will have the right-of-way. If you have the right-of-way, proceed with caution. The other vehicles may not be paying attention or may not be aware of the right-of-way laws.
- You must yield to bicycles in bike lanes.
- You must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians if you are entering a busy street from a minor road.
- You must yield to oncoming traffic on a freeway or busy street. Enter only when it is safe to do so.
- A vehicle going straight through an intersection has the right-of-way over the vehicle turning into the intersection. If you see a vehicle going straight through an intersection, allow them to get through before turning.
- You must yield to funeral processions
- You must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and those with vision impairments. Pedestrians will have right-of-way once oncoming traffic has cleared.
How to Prevent Failure to Yield Accidents
A failure to yield accident can be prevented with the following measures:
- Slow Down: This will give you time to react to a driver failing to yield.
- Check Intersections Before Entering Them: Even if you have the right-of-way, you never know what another driver may be thinking. It’s always best to check for cars before entering an intersection.
- Defensive Driving: Defensive driving involves keeping an eye out for all drivers, including those to your side, in front of you, and behind you. It allows you to spot unsafe driving activities so you stay clear.
- Don’t Drive Distracted: Distracted driving can be due to using electronics, eating, or being involved in any other activity that takes your attention away from the road while driving. It can make you lose track of who has right-of-way increasing the risk of an accident.
- Obey Traffic Signs and Lights: This is especially the case if there are cars in the intersection trying to turn. You must always respect the right-of-way of cars already in the intersection.
Nevada Demerit Points for Violations of Right-of-Way Laws
If you are caught failing to yield, Nevada officials will charge you with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $305.
You will also have four demerit points added to your license. Demerit points are added every time you commit a moving violation. If you accumulate 12 demerits a year, the Nevada DMV will suspend your license for six months.
A suspended license means you will be unable to drive at all for three months. After that time, you may get limited rights back, allowing you to drive to work and school only.
You may erase three demerit points from your license by completing an accredited traffic school program. You are also entitled to a hearing to fight your charges or a suspension.
The Damages in a Failure to Yield Accident
Failing to yield can result in a fine and four demerits. Another driver may end up causing a failure to yield accident that hurts you.
If another party is found at fault in a right-of-way accident, they may have to pay you damages to you, which can include:
- Emotional damages
- Medical expenses (present and future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced ability to earn
- Property and vehicle damage
- Rental car costs
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
Who is Responsible for a Failure to Yield Accident?
Nevada is a tort state. If necessary, the at-fault driver must pay for the other driver’s medical expenses resulting from an accident.
The case will be brought to court, and the judge will determine the extent to which each involved party is responsible, which will be broken down into percentages. If you are found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident, you may be compensated for your damages.
How NAIL Can Assist in Your Failing to Yield Right-of-Way Accident
If you were involved in a right-of-way accident, you need a reliable lawyer on your side. An experienced lawyer will help you build a strong case and see that you get fully compensated for your damages.
NAIL has years of experience representing clients in failure to yield accidents and other personal injury claims. We are known for our excellent service and winning results. We put our clients first, offering quality representation and expertise in our field.
If you were involved in a failure-to-yield accident due to a driver who didn’t bother to heed Nevada’s right-of-way laws, don’t take it lying down. Contact NAIL today. We will see to it that you get the justice you deserve.