When Drivers Fail to Yield: A Common Cause of Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists have the same right to the road as motor vehicles. Yet far too often, drivers overlook or ignore this fact—especially when it comes to yielding. Failing to yield is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents, and it can result in serious, even life-threatening, injuries for cyclists.
What Does “Failure to Yield” Mean?
Failure to yield occurs when a driver fails to give another road user the legal right-of-way to proceed. In bicycle accidents, this often happens when:
- A car turns left in front of an oncoming cyclist,
- A vehicle pulls out of a driveway or parking lot into the path of a bike,
- A driver runs a stop sign or red light, cutting off a cyclist already in the intersection, or
- A motorist merges or changes lanes without checking for bikes in the bike lane.
In all of these scenarios, the cyclist may have had the legal right-of-way, but the driver’s failure to yield creates a dangerous—and often avoidable—collision.
Why Failure to Yield Is So Dangerous for Cyclists
Bicyclists are vulnerable. Unlike car occupants, cyclists have no steel frame, airbags, or seatbelts to protect them. When a vehicle fails to yield and hits a cyclist, even at low speeds, the cyclist is often thrown from the bike and may suffer broken bones, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash and lacerations, and internal bleeding.
These injuries can lead to long recovery times, permanent disability, or worse.
Proving Fault in a Failure to Yield Bike Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident caused by a driver’s failure to yield, you may be entitled to compensation. But to secure payment, you will need to prove that the driver was at fault.
Common pieces of evidence that can help prove fault include:
- Police reports,
- Eyewitness statements,
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage,
- Photos from the scene, and
- Expert accident reconstruction.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather this evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
What Cyclists Can Do After an Accident
If you were hit by a driver who failed to yield, you should take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and seek medical help.
- Get the driver’s info – Name, license, insurance, and plate number.
- Document the scene – Take pictures of your injuries, the bike, the vehicle, and the surroundings.
- Talk to witnesses – Get names and contact info.
- Do not admit fault – Even if you are unsure, wait for a full investigation.
- Contact a lawyer – Protect your rights and explore your legal options.
Legal Rights for Injured Cyclists
Drivers who fail to yield may be liable for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the driver’s behavior was especially reckless.
Cyclists have every right to pursue justice after a crash—and holding negligent drivers accountable can help make the roads safer for everyone.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.
* Main image at top by freepik