Article: Failure to Yield Right of Way
Arizona Motorcycle Lawyers for Failure to Yield Right of Way
The number one cause of car-motorcycle accidents is failure on the part of the car driver to yield right of way to the motorcyclist. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), failure to yield right of way on the part of the driver is responsible for as much as two-thirds of all car-motorcycle accidents.
Many motorists violate motorcyclists’ right of way because they are inattentive and do not see the motorcycle in time. Other drivers do not realize that motorcyclists obey the same rules of the road as other motorists, and their right of way must be respected just like any other driver.
If you have been involved in a car-motorcycle accident in which the other driver failed to obey right of way in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale or elsewhere in Maricopa County, the other driver is responsible for your damages, including damage to your bike, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You should consult with an Arizona motorcycle attorney to review your case.
Types of Right of Way
There are several situations in which a driver is required to yield right of way to another motorist. As mentioned earlier, motorcyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as other motor vehicles, and therefore have the same right of way as cars. In addition, even though motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars, drivers are responsible for checking closely for oncoming motorcycles that they need to yield to.
Situations in which a car is required to yield right of way to a motorcycle include:
- 3-Way and 4-Way Stop Signs
When two or more vehicles are stopped at a 3 or 4-way stop sign, the vehicle on that arrived first has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left has the right of way.
- T Intersections
At T intersections, in which one street dead ends, the vehicles on the through street have the right of way and vehicles on the dead end street must yield.
- Left Turns
Vehicles making left turns must always yield to oncoming traffic.
- Driveways
Cars pulling out of driveways must yield to all oncoming cars, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. The driver should stop before the sidewalk to check for oncoming cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
- Right Turn on Red
When making a right turn on a red light, a driver must yield right of way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk. The car should stay behind the crosswalk until there is no oncoming traffic or pedestrians and it is safe to fully complete the turn.
Contact an Arizona Motorcycle Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car-motorcycle accident in which the other driver failed to yield right of way in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale or elsewhere in Maricopa County, you should seek medical attention immediately, and it is recommended that you contact an experienced Arizona motorcycle attorney to discuss your case. For more information on motorcycle accidents in Arizona, please visit http://www.azmotorcycleaccidentlawyer.com/
