Anyone who uses public roads, including motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, should know and follow all traffic laws to avoid getting ticketed or causing an accident. One crucial rule is yielding the right of way, a concept that ensures smooth traffic flow and prevents collisions. Failing to yield the right of way in Texas can lead to numerous potential punishments and legal consequences. Here’s what you need to know about failure to yield laws and the impact of violating them under certain circumstances.
What are Failure-to-Yield Laws?
Failing to yield the right of way means not allowing another road user to go first when the law requires you to do so. Common scenarios include:
- Not yielding to oncoming traffic when making a left turn
- Not yielding at a yield sign when turning right
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or bicyclists at a crosswalk
Penalties for Failure to Yield
Failing to yield in Texas may result in the following punishments:
- Fines and tickets: A basic failure-to-yield ticket may cost $150 to $200, depending on the county and the circumstances. In addition, Texas imposes a state traffic fine of $50 on top of the local fines.
- Points on your license: Accumulating points on your driving record leads to higher insurance premiums. If too many points accumulate, your driver’s license may be suspended.
- Insurance impact: Insurance companies view failure to yield violations unfavorably. A conviction often leads to higher premiums, as this behavior is considered high risk.
- Criminal charges and increased penalties: If failure to yield results in an accident with serious bodily injury or death, the penalties are much higher. The liable party could face fines up to $4,000, and in cases involving fatalities, felony charges may apply.
- Legal liability: In accidents caused by failure to yield, the driver might be held liable for any medical expenses, property damage, and other costs incurred by the victims. In cases involving serious injury or death, civil lawsuits may be filed.
How to Avoid a Failure to Yield Violation
Staying informed and vigilant can help motorists avoid a failure to yield violation:
- Understand right-of-way rules: Every driver should be familiar with the Texas Transportation Code and local traffic laws.
- Stay alert: Motorists should pay attention to their surroundings and anticipate other drivers’ actions.
- Exercise caution: When in doubt, yield to other drivers or pedestrians. Safety should always come first.
Contact Nava Law Group
If you have been injured by someone who failed to yield the right of way, you could be entitled to compensation. Nava Law Group can help you fight for your rights, with over 150 years of combined legal experience to back us up. Our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for over 40,000 injury victims and their families, and we would be honored to help you next. Contact our car accident attorneys at 713.661.9900 to schedule a free consultation at one of our personal injury law offices in Houston, McAllen, or Corpus Christi, TX.
