Speak With a Phoenix Failure-to-Yield Accident Lawyer Today
Failure-to-yield accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries at Phoenix intersections, crosswalks, and highway on-ramps. When a driver ignores right-of-way rules—whether turning left, merging, or entering a roadway—the result is often a sudden, high-impact collision. These cases frequently involve disputed fault, and insurance companies are quick to minimize responsibility. If you or a loved one has been injured in a failure-to-yield crash, working with an experienced Phoenix failure-to-yield accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to failure-to-yield accident victims throughout Phoenix. Our legal team is ready to investigate your crash and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Want to speak to someone about your case ? Call 800-615-6595
What Does “Failure to Yield” Mean Under Arizona Law?
Arizona traffic laws require drivers to yield the right of way in numerous situations, including:
- Left turns across oncoming traffic
- Entering or crossing an intersection
- Merging onto highways
- Yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Yielding to cyclists where required
- Yielding to emergency vehicles
When a driver violates these rules and causes a crash, they may be held legally responsible for resulting injuries.
Why Failure-to-Yield Accidents Are So Dangerous
Failure-to-yield crashes often happen at intersections or during merges—places where vehicles cross paths at speed.
These accidents are especially dangerous because:
- Side-impact (T-bone) collisions are common
- Drivers and passengers have little time to react
- Occupants are struck where vehicles offer less protection
- Pedestrians and cyclists are frequently involved
- Multi-vehicle chain reactions may occur
Phoenix’s wide roads and fast-moving traffic magnify the force and severity of these collisions.
Common Types of Failure-to-Yield Accidents in Phoenix
Failure-to-yield crashes take many forms, including:
- Left-turn collisions at intersections
- Right-turn-on-red pedestrian accidents
- Merge and lane-change crashes
- Roundabout collisions
- On-ramp and off-ramp crashes
- Parking lot accidents
Each type presents unique challenges when proving fault and liability.
Common Causes of Failure-to-Yield Crashes
Most failure-to-yield accidents are preventable and caused by negligence. Common causes include:
Distracted Driving
Texting, phone use, or inattention prevents drivers from noticing oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
Misjudging Speed or Distance
Drivers often underestimate how quickly another vehicle is approaching.
Impatience and Aggressive Driving
Rushing through traffic or forcing a turn leads to dangerous decisions.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drugs significantly impair judgment and reaction time.
Poor Visibility
Sun glare, nighttime conditions, or obstructed views can contribute—but do not excuse—failure to yield.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Failure-to-Yield Accidents
Because these crashes often involve side impacts or pedestrians, injuries are frequently severe.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Broken ribs and internal organ damage
- Pelvic and lower extremity fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death injuries
Victims may require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Determining Fault in a Failure-to-Yield Accident
Fault in failure-to-yield cases is often disputed. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault may be shared among parties.
Liability may depend on:
- Traffic signals and signage
- Right-of-way rules at the location
- Vehicle speeds
- Driver attentiveness
- Visibility conditions
- Roadway design or signal timing
Insurance companies often attempt to shift partial blame to injured victims, making legal representation critical.
Evidence Used to Prove a Failure-to-Yield Claim
Strong evidence is essential to establishing negligence. This may include:
- Police accident reports and citations
- Traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Dashcam videos
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Event data recorder (“black box”) information
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Preserving this evidence quickly can significantly strengthen your claim.
When Government Entities May Be Liable
Some failure-to-yield accidents are caused or worsened by roadway issues, such as:
- Inadequate signage or markings
- Poorly timed traffic signals
- Obstructed sightlines
- Confusing intersection design
Claims involving government entities require strict notice deadlines and specialized legal procedures.
Compensation Available to Failure-to-Yield Accident Victims
If your injuries were caused by another driver’s failure to yield, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Ongoing medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In severe cases, future medical and life-care costs may be included.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Failure-to-Yield Claims
Insurance companies frequently challenge these cases by:
- Disputing right-of-way
- Arguing shared fault
- Questioning vehicle speed
- Minimizing injury severity
Without legal representation, victims may accept settlements far below the true value of their claims.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Failure-to-Yield Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand how complex failure-to-yield accident cases can be. Our legal team conducts thorough investigations and builds strong, evidence-based claims.
We focus on:
- Preserving traffic, video, and vehicle data
- Identifying all negligent parties
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Accurately calculating damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Failure-to-Yield Accidents
Most personal injury claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities may require earlier notice.
Acting quickly helps protect evidence and your right to recovery.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Failure-to-Yield Accident in Phoenix
If you or a loved one has been injured in a failure-to-yield accident, do not let insurance companies shift blame or undervalue your injuries.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix failure-to-yield accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Sources
- Arizona Department of Transportation – Right-of-Way Laws and Safety
https://azdot.gov - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Intersection Crash Data
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Intersection and Yield Research
https://www.iihs.org
