Nevada Right-of-Way Laws

Attorney
Attorney

Lawmakers designed Nevada right-of-way laws to protect citizens from harm. Ignoring the rules of the road can have devastating consequences, especially in a busy city like Las Vegas. Whether you were hurt while driving your car, riding your bike, or crossing the street as a pedestrian, you could be entitled to compensation if someone else’s failure to yield the right-of-way injured you.

The Nevada personal injury lawyers at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys have extensive experience helping people hurt in right-of-way accidents throughout Las Vegas and Clark County. Coping with serious injuries, medical bills, and lost income is hard enough without fighting an insurance company for legal compensation. Let our attorneys help. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

Failure-to-Yield Accidents: What Makes Them So Serious?

Two factors make failure-to-yield accidents in Nevada particularly dangerous. The first is that failure-to-yield collisions often involve vehicles traveling at high speeds. A driver who fails to stop at a red light could easily strike another road user traveling through the intersection, causing catastrophic harm.

The other factor making failure-to-yield accidents so hazardous is they typically occur in highly congested areas. If a driver entering a highway tries to force their way into dense traffic when they should yield to oncoming cars, they could cause a chain-reaction crash.

An Overview of Nevada Right-of-Way Laws

Nevada’s right-of-way laws are outlined in the Nevada Revised Statutes:

NRS 484b.257 – Failure to Yield

This is the main rule for a driver’s right of way in Nevada. It requires drivers to slow down or stop when approaching a yield or stop sign. Drivers should stop at the marked line. If there is no line, motorists must yield before crosswalks or at the nearest point in the intersection which gives them a clear view of oncoming traffic. Drivers at a yield or stop sign must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles in the intersection or close enough that trying to enter the intersection would create a safety hazard.

NRS 484b.260 – Entering from a Private Way

Anyone attempting to merge into existing traffic from a driveway or other private road must yield the right of way to any approaching vehicles.

NRS 484b.263 – Entering or Leaving a Highway

Any driver entering or exiting a highway must yield the right of way to approaching vehicles until it is safe to enter the road with reasonable safety.

NRS 484b.267 – Emergency Vehicles

This law requires all drivers to yield the right of way to approaching emergency vehicles. Drivers should move as far as possible to the right edge of the road, stop, and stay there until the emergency vehicle passes. Drivers approaching an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road must either slow down or move into another lane to avoid hitting anyone.

NRS 484b.270 – Bicyclists

Drivers must exercise due care when approaching bicyclists on the road. When passing a cyclist, motorists should either move into an adjacent lane or make sure to give riders at least three feet of space if there is only one traffic lane.

An experienced right-of-way accident lawyer can determine which laws apply to your case and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.

Providing Proof and Proving Fault in a Right-of-Way Accident

Proving fault in a right-of-way accident in Nevada can be difficult because these collisions often happen quickly and at high speeds. The other driver might dispute which of you had the right-of-way, complicating your legal case.

To obtain compensation for your injuries, you must prove that you had the right of way at the time of the crash and that the other driver failed to obey the rules of the road. Attorneys collect compelling evidence to prove these types of cases, including:

  • Your medical records
  • The police accident report
  • Eyewitness accounts
  • Footage from surveillance or traffic cameras
  • Your version of the crash
  • The other driver’s cell phone records
  • Accident reconstruction analyses
  • Expert testimony

Collecting the strongest evidence possible is essential to building your case for the compensation you deserve. Some proof, such as cell phone data, is difficult for private individuals to obtain. An experienced attorney can subpoena vital records to substantiate your claim.

How to Avoid an Accident if You are a Driver

The best way to avoid a failure-to-yield accident is to know and obey the rules of the road. Here are some tips:

  • Always follow posted speed limits.
  • Never drive after drinking alcohol.
  • Avoid distracted driving.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Slow down well before you reach a crosswalk or intersection.
  • Turn on your headlights in low-visibility conditions.
  • Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially when making left turns.

How to Avoid an Accident if You are a Pedestrian

Walking along the road is risky, so it’s vital to do your part to prevent a pedestrian accident.  Steps you can take to avoid being hit by a car include:

  • Always cross the street at marked crosswalks or intersections.
  • Follow traffic signals indicating when you can cross the road.
  • Wear bright clothing to make yourself more visible.
  • Never assume other drivers can see you just because you see them.
  • Stay on the sidewalk whenever possible.
  • Do not walk while distracted.

What to Do After an Accident

What you do after a car accident can significantly impact the outcome of a future personal injury claim. After a right-of-way accident, you should:

  • Call 911 to report the accident and bring emergency medical personnel to the scene.
  • Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, vehicle registration number, and insurance information.
  • Document the scene by taking pictures with your phone, looking for eyewitnesses, and checking the area for traffic or surveillance cameras.
  • Always take the ambulance ride if paramedics recommend it. See a doctor right away, even if you feel fine.
  • Keep your medical records and receipts.
  • Do not provide a statement to the insurance company without contacting a lawyer first.

Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney in Nevada Today

Failure-to-yield collisions are frustrating because they are almost always preventable. If you suffered injuries in a crash due to a negligent driver, a Las Vegas car accident lawyer from THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can explain your rights and pursue compensation for you. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.