What Does Yielding the Right of Way Mean?

Yielding the right of way is a basic road rule that helps prevent car accidents. However, confusion about when and how to yield is a leading cause of collisions, especially at intersections and during lane merges. Failing to yield the right of way is not only a traffic infraction, but it may also lead to serious liability in personal injury claims. 

What Is the Right of Way in Seattle, Washington?

Many drivers wonder what yield means. Yielding the “right of way” refers to the legal right to proceed before someone else on the road in a certain situation. Yielding the right of way means allowing another vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian to go first.  Washington law outlines various situations where drivers must yield the right of way. Violating these rules can lead to citations or legal liability in a personal injury lawsuit.

Common Situations Requiring You To Yield the Right of Way in Washington

Understanding when to yield is critical to preventing accidents and complying with Washington’s traffic laws. Some of the most common right-of-way situations in Washington law include:

• Four-way stops: When multiple drivers arrive at a four-way stop, the vehicle that arrives first has the right of way, according to RCW 46.61.180(2). If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
• Left turns: Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles that are going straight or turning right, as well as to pedestrians who are crossing in an intersection or crosswalk. Left-turning drivers must ensure it is safe and clear before proceeding, even if facing a green light, according to RCW 46.61.185. 
• Highway merges: Drivers entering a highway or freeway must yield to traffic already on the road. They must match the flow of traffic and wait for a safe gap before merging, according to RCW 46.61.205.
• Lane changes: When changing lanes, a driver must yield to vehicles already occupying the target lane, according to RCW 46.61.140. 
• Pedestrian crosswalks: Washington law strongly protects the rights of pedestrians. Drivers must stop and yield the right of way to any pedestrian in a crosswalk or at any intersection and remain stopped until the pedestrian has safely crossed the roadway, according to RCW 46.61.235.
• Emergency vehicles: Drivers are required to yield and pull over to the right-hand edge of the road when approached by an emergency vehicle using sirens and/or flashing lights. This includes ambulances, fire trucks, and law enforcement vehicles, according to RCW 46.61.210.

Refusing to yield when required is dangerous and can lead to legal liability if it causes an accident.

Legal Consequences of Failing To Yield in Seattle, Washington

Failing to yield the right of way is a traffic infraction in Washington State, punishable by fines and points on your driving record. However, the consequences can be far more serious if a crash occurs.  A driver who fails to yield and causes a collision may be found negligent and financially liable for damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning fault can be shared between parties. If you are injured by someone who failed to yield, your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault. 

Proving Liability in a Failure-to-Yield Accident

To pursue a personal injury claim after a failure-to-yield accident, you must prove that:

1. The other driver had a legal duty to yield the right of way.
2. They breached that duty by failing to yield.
3. Their failure directly caused the accident and your injuries.
4. You suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses or lost income.

Evidence that may help prove your case includes:

• Police reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Accident scene photos
• Expert accident reconstruction reports

An experienced car accident attorney can help gather this evidence, establish liability, and negotiate a potential settlement.

Injured by a Driver Who Failed to Yield? A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a failure-to-yield accident in Seattle, Washington, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact a car accident attorney today for a free consultation to get started with your case.

Contact an Experienced Seattle Car Accident Attorney For Help With Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7