Category: Accidents

Numerous accidents involving multiple vehicles occur because of a driver’s failure to yield the right of way. Yield signs are commonly found at potentially dangerous locations, such as highway merge ramps and roundabouts. When accidents involving a yield sign occur, it is always the fault of the driver who failed to obey the sign. It is important for you to know when you are responsible for yielding right of way in order to avoid dangerous and costly accidents.

If you or someone you love has been injured or suffered loss of property in an accident caused by another driver’s failure to yield, you have the right to seek financial compensation. Contact the knowledgeable Wausau car accident attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. by calling 800-242-2874 to learn more about your legal rights in this situation.

Obeying All Traffic Signs

Traffic signs exist to direct the flow of traffic and to eliminate confusion about who possesses the right of way at any given intersection or point along the roadway. It is against the law to ignore or disobey traffic signs. Some of the most common (and commonly ignored) signs are:

The yield sign. This triangular sign warns a driver to stop to give other vehicles the right of way. If no other cars are near, the driver may proceed. Flashing yellow lights often accompany a yield sign and are to be treated as a yield sign when they are seen.

The red light. The driver must stop completely until the light turns green in order to give other drivers the right of way. Drivers frequently run red lights, resulting in many preventable accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year.

The stop sign. This octagonal sign orders the driver to make a complete stop, check for any oncoming traffic, and then proceed at the appropriate time. Unfortunately, four-way stops often confuse drivers or frustrate impatient drivers and accidents occur due to the failure to observe protocol.

Semi-trailer trucks are unique vehicles that require special consideration whenever you approach them on the road. Because of their large size and heavy weight, with some weighing as much as 40 times the average car, it is important to behave cautiously whenever you are driving near a semi-trailer truck. One of the primary hazards of driving near a large truck is getting caught in the truck’s “no-zone.” The no-zone is the large blind spot area around the truck where the driver cannot see you.

Avoiding the No-Zone

Knowing a truck’s blind spots can help you avoid the no-zone and reduce your risk of a serious truck accident. Semi-trailer trucks possess blind spots on all sides of the vehicle, some of which are in areas that a driver may not predict. When driving near a semi-trailer truck, be sure to avoid these no-zones:

• Directly behind the trailer truck
• The left side of the truck from the cab to about halfway down the trailer
• The right side of the truck from the cab to the back of the trailer
• Directly in front of the truck

While truck drivers have large mirrors to help them spot nearby traffic, these do not cover all areas around a truck. Tailgating or riding directly alongside a truck could prevent you from being seen and could cause an accident if the truck driver attempts to change lanes or slams on the brakes without noticing your presence. Likewise, cutting directly in front of a truck could startle the driver or prevent him or her from seeing you, creating an accident risk.

Although experts say that 30% of Americans will be involved in some type of alcohol-related car accident at some point in their lives, most people who have never been in such an accident can’t conceptualize what it would be like. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving accident you are probably well aware of the amount of suffering that they can lead to. You may be wondering how to get the help that you need to move on with your life, or you might be worrying that your loved one will never have a “normal” life again.

Here are some tips that might help if you’re struggling with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident:

Know that you aren’t alone. People who have been through such an ordeal experience a surge of concern and help from friends, but after the initial influx of sympathy is gone ,the victims are still struggling. However, there are community organizations, drunk driving victims’ support groups, pastors, and counselors in your area who you can turn to if you need additional help.

Focus on getting the fullest recovery possible. There may be many things vying for your time and attention as you try to get back to your usual schedule. Don’t sacrifice your health during this important period of recovery.

Hire a trusted attorney. Working with a lawyer who has successfully handled other drunk driving lawsuits can allow you to get the resources you need to get better. You can let someone else – who has more experience – do the negotiating with insurance companies, doctors, and the person responsible for your injuries.