Imagine you are driving through a familiar intersection near 104th Avenue or the residential streets near Don Anema Memorial Skatepark. You have the right-of-way, but another driver ignores a stop sign or makes a hasty left turn directly into your path. The impact is jarring, and in seconds, your day turns into a nightmare of pain, confusion, and mounting anxiety.
These incidents are unfortunately common. Dealing with the aftermath of failure-to-yield car accidents in Northglenn requires legal guidance from an experienced car accident attorney to prevent insurance companies and the at-fault driver from taking advantage of you.
Understanding Right-of-Way Laws
Right-of-way laws are designed to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently, yet people sometimes ignore them. When drivers violate traffic laws and fail to yield in Northglenn, dangerous car collisions may occur. Common scenarios where these accidents happen include:
- Merging: Drivers entering a highway must yield to vehicles already traveling in the lane
- Pedestrian crosswalks: Vehicles must always yield to pedestrians who are lawfully within a crosswalk
- Left turns: Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a dedicated green arrow
- Emergency vehicles: All traffic must yield to police, fire, and ambulance vehicles with their lights or sirens active
- Stop signs and red lights: Continuing through a stop sign or turning right on a red light without checking for cross traffic is a frequent cause of crashes
It is important to remember that having the right-of-way does not excuse a driver from trying to avoid an accident. However, if you were adhering to the rules and another driver suddenly drove into your path, they are likely liable for the resulting damages. Establishing this liability often requires a deep understanding of local traffic statutes.
Proving Fault and Liability
One of the biggest challenges in these cases is that the at-fault driver often claims they had the right-of-way. They might argue that you were speeding or the light had changed, trying to shift the blame onto you. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means you cannot recover damages if you are 50% or more at fault. Therefore, constructing a solid case is essential when dealing with liability in a Northglenn failure-to-yield car crash.
We utilize various forms of evidence to prove that the other driver was negligent. This often begins with the police report, which may indicate if the other driver was cited for a traffic violation. However, a citation is not the only proof we look for. We may also source footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses, interview eyewitnesses who saw the other driver run a stop sign or turn unsafely, and analyze vehicle damage patterns.
What Damages May Be Available?
When we represent you after a Northglenn failure-to-yield car accident, our goal is to secure full compensation for the losses you sustained due to your injuries. Your claim should cover both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Property damage: We help ensure you get the fair market value for your vehicle repairs or replacement
- Medical expenses: These include ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical needs
- Lost wages: If you cannot work while you recover, you are entitled to reimbursement for lost income
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress that the trauma of the accident caused
Insurance adjusters will often try to offer a quick, low settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries. You must not sign anything or agree to a recorded statement without consulting us first. We offer one-on-one guidance and assess the total impact of the accident on your life to ensure any settlement offer is fair and sufficient for your long-term recovery needs.
Contact Our Northglenn Attorneys About a Failure-To-Yield Car Crash
You generally have three years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit, but waiting can be detrimental to your case. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and witnesses move away. By acting quickly, you allow us to preserve vital information and start building a strategy immediately.
We specialize in handling failure-to-yield car accidents in Northglenn and are dedicated to fighting for the justice you deserve. Contact Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., today and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you get your life back to normal.
