Intersections in Las Vegas are busy and often unforgiving. When another driver fails to yield the right of way, a normal day can turn into a serious crash in an instant. Failure-to-yield accidents are common at Strip and Downtown intersections, neighborhood stop signs, and busy arterials across Clark County. These collisions often lead to disputes about who had the right of way and who is really at fault. In many cases, a Las Vegas failure-to-yield accident lawyer can help protect your rights, preserve important evidence, and push back when insurers try to blame you for a crash you did not cause.
Answering the Question: Do You Need a Las Vegas Failure-to-Yield Accident Lawyer?
A failure-to-yield accident usually happens when a driver does not give another road user the right of way when Nevada law requires it. This can occur at stop signs, yield signs, left turns at intersections, crosswalks, or when merging into traffic. In theory, the rules are clear. In practice, Las Vegas traffic is hectic, and it is common for drivers to roll through stop signs, turn left across oncoming traffic, or ignore pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks. When a crash happens, each driver may insist that the other one should have waited.
In Nevada, fault is rarely as simple as “who received the ticket.” Police reports matter, but insurers also look at statements, intersection diagrams, vehicle damage, and sometimes video footage. In many failure-to-yield crashes, insurance companies argue that both drivers share fault, especially when visibility, speed, or traffic signals are in dispute. This can reduce or even erase your recovery if you do not respond with strong evidence. A Las Vegas failure-to-yield accident lawyer can help interpret right-of-way laws, gather scene evidence, seek out camera footage, and work with crash reconstruction professionals when needed.
Because Nevada uses comparative negligence, even a small shift in how fault is assigned can have a large impact on your compensation. An attorney can help make sure that an adjuster, judge, or jury sees more than a quick note on a police report. Legal help is often important when injuries are significant, when there are conflicting stories about the light or stop sign, or when the insurer insists that you share a large portion of blame.
What Is a Failure-to-Yield Accident in Nevada?
In Nevada, drivers must follow right-of-way rules that tell them when to stop, when to proceed, and when to let others go first. A failure-to-yield accident happens when a driver does not respect those rules and enters the roadway when it is not safe or lawful to do so. This includes situations at stop signs and yield signs, left turns across oncoming traffic, entering from side streets or driveways, moving through crosswalks when pedestrians or cyclists have the right of way, or failing to move aside for emergency vehicles and certain school bus situations. When a driver does not yield when required and a collision follows, Nevada law may treat that conduct as negligence.
Why Failure-to-Yield Crashes Are So Common and Dangerous in Las Vegas
Failure-to-yield crashes are common in Las Vegas because the roads are busy, the mix of drivers is diverse, and distractions are everywhere. Locals commute at higher speeds along I 15, US 95, and the 215 Beltway, while tourists navigate rental cars around the Strip and Downtown for the first time. Pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters move through crosswalks near hotels, casinos, and entertainment areas at all hours. Traffic signals, signs, and lane markings can be complex, and impatient drivers sometimes take chances to “beat the light” or squeeze through gaps. When a driver misjudges the right of way in this environment, the result is often a side impact or pedestrian strike that can cause serious injuries.
Nevada Right-of-Way Laws and Common Failure-to-Yield Scenarios
Nevada right-of-way laws are meant to organize traffic so that drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists can move predictably and safely. These rules appear in several statutes, including provisions that address stop and yield signs, intersections, left turns, crosswalks, and emergency vehicles. In simple terms, drivers must stop and yield at posted signs, yield to oncoming traffic when turning left, respect pedestrians in marked and some unmarked crosswalks, and clear the way for emergency vehicles and certain school buses. When drivers ignore these duties, failure-to-yield crashes become much more likely.
At busy Las Vegas intersections, drivers often collide when someone turns left across oncoming traffic without waiting for a safe gap. On neighborhood and arterial streets, rolling stops at stop signs or pulling out from side streets without fully checking for approaching vehicles can lead to T-bone collisions. Crosswalks near casinos, bus stops, and shopping centers can become dangerous when drivers do not slow for pedestrians or try to turn through a crosswalk while someone is still crossing. Failing to move aside or stop for emergency vehicles or school buses can also create sudden, high-risk situations.
Key Nevada Right-of-Way Rules for Intersections, Left Turns and Crosswalks
Important Nevada right-of-way duties include:
- Stop and yield signs: Drivers must come to a complete stop where required and yield to vehicles and pedestrians who already have the right of way before entering the intersection
- Left turns: Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard and wait for a safe opening before turning
- Pedestrian crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully in marked crosswalks and, in many situations, at unmarked crosswalks at intersections
- Emergency vehicles and school buses: Drivers must yield and, when required, stop and remain stopped for authorized emergency vehicles and certain school buses displaying proper signals
These rules are enforced through citations and are used by insurers and courts to analyze who failed to yield and who bears responsibility for a crash.
Typical Failure-to-Yield Crash Patterns on Las Vegas Roads
Common failure-to-yield crash patterns in and around Las Vegas include:
- Left-turn collisions at major intersections on Las Vegas Boulevard, Flamingo, Tropicana, Sahara, and other busy arterials
- Rolling stops at neighborhood stop signs leading to T-bone impacts with vehicles on the through street
- Drivers pulling out from side streets, alleys, or driveways into the path of oncoming traffic on residential or collector roads
- Vehicles turning right on red without fully stopping or checking for crosswalk pedestrians and cyclists
- Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks near resorts, bus stops, and Downtown entertainment areas
- Drivers not yielding to emergency vehicles or stopping for certain school buses, leading to sudden lane changes or rear-end collisions
These patterns appear again and again in police reports and insurance files across Clark County.
Who Is at Fault in a Failure-to-Yield Accident in Las Vegas?
Fault in a failure-to-yield crash is not decided solely by which driver believes they had the right of way or which driver receives a ticket. In Nevada, fault is determined based on all of the available evidence, including right-of-way laws, what the drivers and witnesses say, how the vehicles are damaged, and any diagrams, photos, or video footage. Police reports are important because they often include the officer’s observations, a diagram of the scene, and any citations issued. However, insurers and courts are not bound to accept a citation as the final word on fault.
In many failure-to-yield cases, especially left-turn and pedestrian crashes, insurers argue that both parties share responsibility. For example, an insurer may claim that an oncoming driver was speeding through the intersection or that a pedestrian entered suddenly or outside the crosswalk, even when there is evidence that the other driver clearly failed to yield. Nevada’s comparative negligence law allows insurers to reduce or deny recovery if they can convince a factfinder that you bear a significant share of fault. A Las Vegas failure-to-yield accident lawyer can help collect additional evidence, such as traffic camera footage or nearby security video, to support your account and challenge unfair fault assignments.
How Police, Insurers and Courts Decide Who Failed To Yield
When deciding who failed to yield, police, insurers, and courts often rely on:
- Citations and police reports, including diagrams and officer observations
- Driver, passenger, and independent witness statements about lights, signs, and positions
- Physical evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, and debris location
- Any available video, including dashcams, intersection cameras, or nearby business footage
All of these sources are used together to reconstruct how the crash happened and to determine which driver did not follow Nevada right-of-way rules. This is why preserving evidence and locating witnesses early can make a significant difference.
Special Issues in Left-Turn, Intersection and Pedestrian Right-of-Way Crashes
Left-turn crashes and pedestrian right-of-way cases raise particular challenges. In many left-turn collisions, there is a presumption that the turning driver should have yielded to oncoming traffic. However, if the oncoming vehicle was speeding, ran a red light, or made a sudden lane change, fault can be shared or shifted. Intersection visibility, sun glare, and obstructed views can also complicate the analysis. In pedestrian cases, drivers often claim that the person stepped out suddenly or crossed against the signal, while pedestrians say drivers failed to look or rushed through the crosswalk to “beat” traffic. A careful review of signal timing, crosswalk markings, and surrounding conditions is often necessary to understand what truly happened.
How Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Your Failure-to-Yield Claim
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under NRS 41.141, you can recover damages as long as your share of fault is 50 percent or less, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found 20 percent at fault for the crash, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. If you are found more than 50 percent at fault, you may be barred from recovery. This is why insurers often argue that you contributed to the crash and why it is important to have strong evidence and advocacy in failure-to-yield cases.
Injuries and Compensation After a Failure-to-Yield Collision
Failure-to-yield collisions often involve side impacts, T-bone crashes, and pedestrian or cyclist strikes. These crash types can cause serious and sometimes life-changing injuries because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear, and pedestrians and cyclists have little protection at all. When another driver fails to yield at an intersection or crosswalk, you may face emergency transport, surgery, long rehabilitation, and time away from work.
Compensation in these cases is meant to address both economic and non-economic harm. Economic damages include medical bills, future treatment costs, and lost income. Non-economic damages address pain, suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life. In tragic cases where a failure-to-yield crash leads to a death, Nevada wrongful death law allows certain family members to seek compensation for their losses.
Common Injuries in Side-Impact, T-Bone and Crosswalk Crashes
Common injuries in failure-to-yield crashes can include:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and more severe TBIs
- Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash, disc herniations, and spinal trauma
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to partial or complete paralysis
- Fractures of the ribs, pelvis, arms, legs, hips, and facial bones
- Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding from severe impact
These injuries often occur when one vehicle strikes another in the side, when a vehicle pushes a smaller car into another object, or when a vehicle hits a pedestrian or cyclist. The mechanics of T-bone and crosswalk crashes can lead to sudden, forceful movement and direct impact on vulnerable parts of the body.
What Damages You Can Recover After a Failure-to-Yield Accident in Nevada
Damages you may be able to recover after a failure-to-yield crash in Nevada include:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and medications
- Future medical costs for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive devices
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity when injuries affect your ability to work
- Property damage for repair or replacement of your vehicle and damaged personal items
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress related to the physical and psychological impact of the crash
These damages are proven through medical records, billing statements, employment and income documentation, and testimony from you, your family, and sometimes experts who can explain long-term effects and future needs.
When a Failure-to-Yield Crash Leads to a Wrongful Death Claim
When a driver’s failure-to-yield leads to a fatal collision, families face both emotional devastation and practical burdens. Nevada wrongful death law allows certain surviving family members to bring a claim for losses such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship and guidance. These cases are sensitive and often complex, because they involve both legal analysis and deeply personal grief. A wrongful death claim does not replace what was lost, but it can provide resources to help families move forward and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What To Do After a Failure-to-Yield Accident in Las Vegas
The moments after a failure-to-yield crash are often chaotic and confusing. You may be dealing with pain, shock, and traffic at a busy intersection or crosswalk. Knowing what to do can help protect your health and preserve important evidence. The following steps offer a practical sequence for many intersection and right-of-way crashes in Las Vegas.
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 if anyone appears hurt or if vehicles are blocking traffic or in a dangerous position.
- If it is safe and lawful to do so, move vehicles out of active lanes, turn on hazard lights, and stay a safe distance from traffic and any leaking fluids.
- Accept medical evaluation at the scene and seek prompt care, including emergency or trauma treatment at University Medical Center or Sunrise Hospital for serious injuries.
- Take photos or video of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, traffic signals or stop signs, lane markings, crosswalks, and visible injuries, if your condition and the scene permit.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and obtain names and contact details for any witnesses, along with information about the responding officers and how to obtain the crash report.
- Notify your own insurer about the crash, but be cautious with detailed recorded statements until you understand the full extent of your injuries and have spoken with an attorney if necessary.
- Contact a Las Vegas failure-to-yield accident lawyer as soon as possible so that time-sensitive evidence such as traffic camera footage, nearby surveillance video, and electronic data can be located and preserved.
Immediate Safety, 911 and Medical Steps at the Scene
Safety and medical care come first. After a failure-to-yield collision, focus on getting yourself and others out of immediate danger. Calling 911 ensures that emergency medical services and law enforcement respond to the scene. Let paramedics assess you, even if you believe you are only shaken up, because symptoms from neck, back, and head injuries often develop later. If you are transported to UMC, Sunrise, or another facility, follow all medical advice and attend recommended follow-up appointments.
Documenting the Intersection and Proving the Other Driver Failed To Yield
If your condition allows, documenting the scene can make a significant difference later. Photos showing traffic lights or stop signs, crosswalk markings, lane lines, and where vehicles came to rest can help reconstruct what happened. Capturing the timing and sequence of the light, if possible, and noting any nearby businesses or cameras can help your lawyer locate additional video. Witness names and contact information are also important, especially in disputes about who entered the intersection first or who had the right of way.
Reporting the Crash and Notifying Insurers Without Hurting Your Claim
When officers arrive, provide accurate, factual information without guessing about speed or distances you are unsure of. Ask how to obtain a copy of the crash report once it is ready. Notify your insurer about the crash promptly, but be careful about giving lengthy recorded statements or speculating about fault before you understand your injuries and have had a chance to speak with an attorney. A lawyer can help you respond to insurers in a way that cooperates with policy requirements while protecting your claim.
How a Las Vegas Failure-to-Yield Accident Lawyer at Drummond Law Firm Can Help
A Las Vegas failure-to-yield accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal and insurance issues that follow an intersection or crosswalk crash. These cases often involve disputed right-of-way rules, conflicting stories about signals and signs, and insurers that argue you contributed to the crash. Drummond Law Firm uses a disciplined, evidence-focused approach to help clients build strong claims and push back against unfair fault arguments.
The firm investigates right-of-way violations by reviewing Nevada statutes, obtaining police reports and diagrams, and interviewing witnesses. It seeks out photos and video from dashcams, traffic cameras, nearby businesses, and other sources that can show how the crash occurred. When warranted, Drummond Law Firm consults with accident reconstruction experts to analyze vehicle positions, speeds, and timing. The firm also gathers complete medical records and documentation of lost wages and other damages to present a full picture of how the crash has affected your life.
Drummond Law Firm deals directly with insurance companies, challenging low settlement offers and comparative fault claims that are not supported by the evidence. If insurers refuse to be reasonable, the firm is prepared to file suit in Nevada courts and litigate in Clark County while keeping settlement discussions open. The firm represents both local residents and out-of-state visitors who were hurt at Las Vegas intersections and crosswalks, coordinating remotely when clients return home.
Investigating Right-of-Way Violations and Gathering Evidence for Your Case
In a failure-to-yield case, Drummond Law Firm will typically:
- Review Nevada right-of-way statutes and apply them to your specific intersection or crosswalk
- Obtain police reports, diagrams, and any available 911 or body camera recordings
- Locate and preserve dashcam, traffic camera, or nearby business surveillance footage
- Interview witnesses and, when appropriate, consult accident reconstruction experts
- Collect medical and wage documentation to connect the crash to your injuries and economic losses
This thorough investigation helps build a clear narrative that shows how the other driver failed to yield and why that failure caused your injuries.
Dealing With Insurance Companies and Fault Disputes After a Failure-to-Yield Crash
After a failure-to-yield crash, insurers often argue that both drivers share blame or that your injuries are less serious than they appear. Drummond Law Firm handles communications with adjusters, responds to requests for information, and challenges attempts to use comparative negligence to justify low offers. By presenting organized evidence and legal arguments, the firm works to move the insurer toward a settlement that reflects the true impact of the crash rather than a quick, discounted resolution.
Why Working With a Local Las Vegas Attorney Matters for Intersection and Crosswalk Cases
Local experience matters in intersection and crosswalk cases. Drummond Law Firm is familiar with Las Vegas roads, traffic patterns, and common problem intersections on the Strip, Downtown, and across Clark County. The firm understands how local courts handle these cases and how insurers and defense attorneys often approach right-of-way disputes. For tourists and out-of-state drivers, the firm provides remote support through calls, video meetings, and secure document sharing, so you can continue your recovery at home while your Nevada case moves forward.
Support for Locals and Tourists Hurt in Las Vegas Failure-to-Yield Crashes
Both locals and visitors can be seriously injured when another driver fails to yield at a Las Vegas intersection or crosswalk. Local residents may face long-term treatment, time away from work, and challenges caring for family, while tourists may have to return home and manage medical care in another state. Drummond Law Firm helps both groups by coordinating with medical providers, employers, and insurers, and by handling the Nevada legal process on your behalf. This support allows you to focus on healing while the firm focuses on proving fault and documenting your losses.
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Call the Captain After a Failure-to-Yield Accident in Las Vegas
If you were hurt in a failure-to-yield crash on the Strip, Downtown, in North Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise, or anywhere in Clark County, you do not have to deal with insurers and fault disputes alone. A trial focused Las Vegas injury lawyer can investigate the intersection, gather evidence, challenge unfair comparative negligence arguments, and build your case with the possibility of court in mind.
If you’ve been injured in a failure-to-yield accident, call the Captain today at 702-CAPTAIN or contact us online. Early legal guidance can help protect important evidence, keep critical deadlines on track, and give you a clearer understanding of your options under Nevada law. And remember, our Reduced Fee Guarantee® ensures that Drummond Law Firm will not take more in attorney fees than you receive.

