Every driver in Chicago has a duty to follow traffic laws and yield the right of way when required. Failing to do so can lead to devastating car accidents that cause serious injuries for victims. Unfortunately, failure-to-yield crashes are often preventable and are usually rooted in driver negligence.
If you were injured in this type of accident, you may be entitled to compensation under Illinois law. Learning about how these collisions occur and who can be held responsible can help you protect your rights. Make sure to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago.
Failure to Yield Law in Illinois
Illinois traffic law is clear about when drivers must yield the right of way. The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-904) requires drivers to slow down and yield when approaching intersections, stop signs, yield signs, and pedestrian crossings. Drivers must also yield in various other circumstances, such as when turning left across traffic and merging onto highways.
Common situations where failure-to-yield accidents happen include:
- Turning left in front of oncoming vehicles
- Ignoring stop signs or flashing yellow lights
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or cyclists in crosswalks
- Entering intersections during changing traffic signals
- Merging onto busy roads without checking blind spots
Violating these laws is generally considered negligence. If a driver’s failure to yield causes an accident, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries and property damage.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Every failure-to-yield accident case in Chicago is different, so there isn’t a fixed amount victims can expect to receive. The value of your claim depends on various factors, which include things like:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- The amount of your medical bills and future care costs
- How much work you missed and whether you can return to your job
- The strength of the evidence proving the other driver’s fault
- The limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy
- Whether your injuries caused lasting pain and suffering and reduced your quality of life
Your personal injury lawyer in Chicago can provide you with insight into how much your claim might be worth during a free initial consultation.
What To Do After a Failure-To-Yield Accident in Chicago
If you’re involved in this type of crash, take these steps to protect yourself and strengthen your claim:
- Call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement
- Take photos and videos of the scene if it is safe to do so
- Gather witness information if possible
- Get medical attention immediately
- Avoid making statements about fault to insurers and other drivers
- Contact a Chicago car accident lawyer to discuss your next steps
Getting legal advice as soon as possible after this type of collision is one of the best steps you can take in terms of preserving your right to full compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Meyers & Flowers After a Crash
If you were injured because another driver failed to yield in Chicago, Illinois, Meyers & Flowers can help you hold them liable for all of your damages. Our personal injury lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $6 billion for clients across the state in that time.
Call (630) 232-6333 today to schedule a free consultation. With our contingency fee structure, we only get paid if we win compensation for you.