Yield signs are meant to regulate traffic by telling drivers to slow down and give right of way to traffic approaching from another direction. Yield signs differ from stop signs because drivers are not always required to come to a full stop but must proceed with caution.
Yield signs help traffic flow and can reduce accidents but areas around them are still prone to crashes. A common cause is failure to yield. Under California Vehicle Code 21800 any driver entering or crossing a roadway from public or private property or from an alley must yield to all traffic that poses an immediate hazard. That obligation continues until the driver can safely proceed.
Imagine a driver, Jacie, is traveling when another driver fails to yield at a yield sign and speeds into the intersection. The other driver collides with Jacie’s car from the side causing Jacie to hit her head on the steering wheel with a traumatic brain injury. In that case the other driver would likely be at fault for failing to follow the yield requirement.
Another situation might happen at the yield sign itself when someone mistakenly treats it like a stop sign. Suppose Jacie comes to a full stop even though no traffic is approaching and the driver behind her, Lisa, cannot stop in time and rear-ends Jacie. Fault in such cases is complicated. Jacie should not have stopped but Lisa should have been keeping enough distance to stop safely. This is an example of comparative negligence. In California fault may be divided between parties based on their percentage of responsibility.
Other causes of accidents at yield signs include distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and speeding. If you are injured in an accident at a yield sign you may be eligible for compensation. A personal injury attorney can help you assess your claim.
Some injuries common in yield sign accidents include:
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Cuts or lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Neck injuries
- Muscle tears
- Nerve damage
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injury
- Mental trauma
- Wrongful death
Hillstone Law will help you gather evidence, fight insurance companies, and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.
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Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
