Insight

Leading Cause of Car Accidents in Alabama? Failing to Yield the Right of Way

Failing to yield the right of way was the leading cause of car accidents in Alabama in 2018. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, failing to yield the right of way resulted in 23,832 crashes. Ninety-six of those crashes resulted in fatalities.

Shards of car glass on the street
ML

Mitchel Lattof

January 7, 2021 08:00 AM

Failing to yield the right of way was the leading cause of car accidents in Alabama in 2018. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, failing to yield the right of way resulted in 23,832 crashes. Ninety-six of those crashes resulted in fatalities.

Tailgating and misjudging stopping distance rounded out the top three causes of car accidents that year. There were a total of 159,925 traffic crashes in Alabama during 2018.

Drivers Duty to Yield the Right of Way

Drivers have the duty to yield the right of way in certain circumstances. Instances in which a driver must yield the right of way include but are not limited to:

  • Whenever there is a yield sign present or a yellow blinking traffic light
  • When turning left across opposite lanes of traffic
  • When turning right on a red light
  • For pedestrians in a crosswalk
  • Two emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, police vehicles, and fire trucks
  • When merging into traffic from an on-ramp
  • Entering the road from a driveway or private road

You can refer to the Alabama Driver's Manual or the Alabama Traffic Code for a complete list of traffic laws.

Why Do Drivers Fail to Yield the Right of Way?

In most cases, inattention is the reason for accidents caused by failure to yield the right of way. A distracted driver runs a red light, fails to stop for a crosswalk, or pulls out into traffic and causes a collision.

Common reasons why a driver might fail to yield the right of way:

  • Intoxication
  • Road Rage
  • Failing to obey traffic signals
  • Drowsy driving
  • Inexperience
  • Speed
  • Failing to see a yield sign
  • Poor visibility
  • Distracted driving
  • Failing to check before merging into traffic

Failure to yield the right of way can cause car accidents that result in catastrophic injuries and deaths. All drivers have a duty to maintain a proper lookout and obey traffic laws. If a driver is negligent or reckless, he can be held liable for damages caused by an accident.

Injuries and Damages Caused by a Failure to Yield Right of Way Accident

Failing to yield the right of way can cause a T-bone accident or head-on collision. The risk of traumatic and life-threatening injuries are high in these types of accidents. However, any collision has the risk of causing fatalities and severe injuries.

Common injuries sustained by car accident victims include traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, back injuries, broken bones, and neck injuries. Accident victims might require surgery and physical therapy to recover from accident injuries.

Accident injuries result in damages. Damages include the economic losses incurred by accident victims. They also include non-economic damages or "pain and suffering" damages.

Examples of damages in a car accident claim include:

  • Cost of diagnosis and treatment of injuries
  • Loss of income and benefits
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement, impairments, and disabilities
  • Other out-of-pocket expenses

The value of a car accident claim depends on numerous factors, including your financial losses, the severity of your injuries, and whether you share responsibility for the cause of the car accident.

You can help increase your chance of recovering full compensation for your injury by documenting your injuries and financial losses. Keep copies of all receipts, bills, and other evidence of economic damages. Make sure that you follow your doctor's treatment plan.

What Should You Do After a Failure to Yield the Right of Way Accident?

Try to remain calm. Being involved in a traffic accident can be overwhelming and frightening. Your emotions can get away from you, especially when the accident is the other driver's fault.

Call 911 to report the car crash. The operator will dispatch the police and emergency medical services. Do not discuss the accident with the other driver or bystanders.

If possible, make a video of the car accident scene with your cell phone. You might also want to take some pictures with your cell phone, including the vehicles' positions and the damage to the vehicles.

If there are any eyewitnesses, ask them for their names and contact information. Some witnesses may leave before they give a statement to the police officer. When liability for the cause of the crash is disputed, eyewitness testimony can be the evidence you need to prove that the other driver failed to yield the right of way.

Seek medical treatment for your injuries. Prompt medical care is best for your health and your car accident claim. Delays in medical care could be used to argue that your injuries were not the result of the car accident.

As soon as possible, contact a car accident lawyer near you to discuss your accident. An attorney explains your rights and advises you of your options to recover compensation for your injuries.

Mitchel Lattof is an experienced personal injury attorney in Mobile, AL. He handles all kinds of personal injury cases, and he offers a free consultation.

Headline Image: ISTOCK.COM / BEREZKO

Related Articles

How to Handle Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident


by Craig D. Rosenbaum

Receiving medical attention after a car accident can be expensive. One personal injury lawyer details the steps to take when seeking medical attention after the accident.

Car Accident

Why Expert Help Is Essential After a Car Accident


by Ted Lorenz

An Attorney Can Help Investigate After an Accident

A Legal Expert Can Help After A Car Accident

Car Accident Compensation in Florida


by Peter Catania

Are you curious about how to maximize your compensation after a car accident? These steps can help. Learn more here.

Car Accident Compensation in Florida

What Will a Car Accident Lawyer Actually Do for You?


by David Muñoz

Find out what you can expect after hiring a personal injury attorney. Learn about your legal rights to help you decide if you should hire an attorney after suffering injuries in a car accident.

What to Expect from A Personal Injury Lawyer

When Do You Need To Hire a Car Accident Attorney


by Jay S. Knispel

Injured in a car accident? Here are seven major signs you need to hire a car accident lawyer for your case.

Seven Signs To Hire a Car Accident Attorney

Crash Avoidance Technologies and the Litigation Landscape


by Jaime D. Jackson

Crash Avoidance Technology is now becoming widely implemented in production vehicles.

Crash Avoidance Technologies and the Litigati

A Potentially Precedent-Shifting Verdict


by Sean Stonefield

Preeminent trial lawyer Benedict Morelli on achieving one of the highest pain-and-suffering awards in New York State history.

Benedict Morelli

Overcoming Obstacles


by Sean Stonefield

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, personal injury firm Block O’Toole & Murphy is on track for its most successful year.

Block O'Toole & Murphy

The Winning Edge


by Justin Smulison

In its 40th year, Frantz Law Group finalized history-making settlements for clients in California and nationally.

Frantz Law Group

What to Do If You Become a Victim of Police Brutality?


by Edson Legal and Grillo Law

Two Toronto firms, one focusing on police brutality and the other on personal injury, give advice on what are the next steps you should take if you find yourself the victim of police brutality or abuse.

What Can You Do If You Are a Victim of Police

Trial Law Leadership


by Justin Smulison

Daniel J.T. Sciano, twice-named Best Lawyers® San Antonio “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2010, 2012), discusses how his record of success impacts clients and Texas’ legal community

Daniel Sciano Best Lawyers 2020

Big Case Warriors


by Best Lawyers

The co-founders of Lyons & Simmons, LLP discuss their relentless dedication to pursuing justice for clients while also invoking change.

Lyons & Simmons Best Lawyers 2020

Are Teenage Drivers More Likely to be in a Car Accident?


by Jason Stephens

Teenagers are more likely to be in car accidents due to driving inexperience. But what are the other factors, and what can be done to help?

Teenage Drivers and Car Accidents

Wearing a Hard Hat Significantly Reduces Risk of Injury, Death on NYC Construction Sites


by Michele Mirman

Construction Injury Prevention From Hard Hats

Why You Should Never Admit Fault After a Car Accident in Philadelphia


by Ryan Zavodnick

It Will Hurt Your Insurance Claims

Never Admit Fault After a Car Accident

Are Cell Phones to Blame for a Rise in Rear-End Car Accidents?


by Michele Mirman

Distracted Driving Is Causing More Accidents

Cell Phones and Rear-End Car Accidents?

Trending Articles

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers® in the United States


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers listed in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and in the 2nd Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2022.

2022 Best Lawyers Listings for United States

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue


by Best Lawyers

The 2021 Global Issue features top legal talent from the most recent editions of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch worldwide.

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue

The U.S. Best Lawyers Voting Season Is Open


by Best Lawyers

The voting season for the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 5th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is officially underway, and we are offering some helpful advice to this year’s voters.

Golden figures of people standing on blue surface connected by white lines

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 Launch


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for 2023, including the top lawyers and law firms from Australia.

Australian Parliament beside water at sunset

Inflation Escalation


by Ashley S. Wagner

Inflation and rising costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind as we enter 2023. The current volatile market makes it more important than ever to understand the rent escalation clauses in current and future commercial lease agreements.

Suited figure in front of rising market and inflated balloon

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

A Celebration of Excellence: The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

As we embark on the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are excited to highlight excellence and top legal talent across the country.

Abstract image of red and white Canada flag in triangles

8 Different Types of Criminal Defenses in Law


by Best Lawyers

Learn about the different types of criminal defenses available in law, including innocence, self-defense, insanity and more. Protect your rights today.

Silver handcuffs laying on finger printed papers

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.

Tall buildings and rushing traffic against clouds and sun in sky