Every day, drivers across Texas make split-second decisions at intersections, where one wrong choice can prove deadly. Among the most common causes of serious crashes is a failure to yield, especially when turning left, merging, or entering intersections.
When these violations result in fatalities, surviving family members are left with grief, unanswered questions, and financial stress.
An experienced Dallas intersection-crash-lawyer can help pursue justice against negligent drivers and work to recover the full compensation you're entitled to.
What Is a Failure-to-Yield Accident?
A failure-to-yield accident in Texas occurs when a driver does not give the legal right-of-way to another vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian. These accidents often happen at the following:
- Intersections with stop signs or red lights
- Yield signs and unmarked intersections
- Left turns across oncoming traffic
- Highway merge lanes or roundabouts
In many cases, a failure to yield to pedestrians happens when drivers ignore crosswalks or turn without checking for foot traffic. These moments of carelessness can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.
Who Is at Fault in a Failure-to-Yield Crash?
So, who is at fault in a failure-to-yield accident? In Texas, the driver who violates a right-of-way law is typically liable. However, determining fault requires a careful look at:
- Traffic camera footage and accident scene evidence
- Police reports and traffic citations
- Eyewitness accounts
- Skid marks, vehicle damage, and signal timing
In some cases, both drivers may be at fault. However, under Texas's comparative negligence laws, a driver who is found to be more than 50% responsible for causing an accident cannot recover damages. This makes legal representation essential.
When Failure to Yield Becomes Fatal: Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one dies due to a failure-to-yield accident in Texas, their family may pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases arise when a person's negligence leads directly to someone else's death.
In Texas, only specific family members— spouses, children, or parents—have the legal right to file a claim to recover compensation after a wrongful death. The damages that may be recovered include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support, including income and other benefits
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Emotional pain and suffering
These claims are especially important when failure-to-yield wrongful death cases leave families with sudden financial burdens. Prompt legal action ensures evidence is preserved and timelines are met.
Legal Help After a Failure-to-Yield Crash
Proving negligence in a fatal or serious crash takes more than a police report. You need a knowledgeable personal injury attorney familiar with Texas traffic laws and skilled in building a solid case on your behalf. A Dallas intersection crash lawyer can:
- Investigate accident details quickly
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies when they try to minimize payouts
- File a wrongful death lawsuit in compliance with the Texas statute of limitations
Whether you're grieving a loved one or recovering from serious injuries, hiring a lawyer increases your chances of getting full compensation.
Read Also: The Ultimate Guide to Car Accident Claims in Texas
Let Bailey & Galyen Help You Seek Justice
At Bailey & Galyen, we understand the devastating impact of intersection crashes caused by failure to yield. If you lost a loved one or suffered serious injuries, you don't have to face the legal system alone.
Our experienced attorneys will fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and recover the compensation you need. We offer free consultations, and our team is available 24/7. Call us today or contact us online—your road to justice starts now.