When drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, pedestrians often pay the price. A simple decision to roll through a stop sign or ignore a crosswalk can cause life-changing injuries. California law sets clear rules for when drivers must yield to pedestrians, but not everyone follows them. If you or someone you love was hit by a driver who didn’t yield, we want to help you understand your rights and options. At Ardalan & Associates, we handle these cases frequently—and we’re here to support you through every step.
When Drivers Fail to Yield: What It Means
Failure to yield happens when a driver doesn’t stop or slow down to give the right-of-way to another person, like a pedestrian, who has legal priority in a particular situation. This kind of behavior is more common than many people realize.
Some of the most frequent failure-to-yield scenarios include:
- A driver turning right on red without checking the crosswalk
- A car failing to stop at a marked crosswalk
- A driver ignoring a pedestrian walk signal at an intersection
- Vehicles pulling out of driveways or parking lots without looking
These split-second decisions can lead to serious accidents. Many times, the driver simply wasn’t paying attention or assumed the pedestrian would stop. Unfortunately, that kind of assumption can lead to tragedy.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian Under California Law
In California, pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks and at intersections, whether or not there’s a signal. That doesn’t mean pedestrians can always cross anywhere, but drivers are still required to use reasonable care—especially when someone is on foot.
When a driver hits a pedestrian because they didn’t yield, it’s often considered negligence. And when someone is negligent, they can be held legally responsible for the harm they caused. If you’re not sure whether the driver in your case broke the law, we’ll help you figure that out. We’ll listen to your story, review the facts, and explain how the law applies to your situation.
Common Injuries Caused by Failure to Yield Accidents
Pedestrians don’t have the protection of a car around them, so when a vehicle hits someone walking, the injuries can be severe—even at low speeds.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head and brain trauma
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Back, neck, or spinal cord injuries
Many people also deal with emotional trauma after an accident. Recovery can take weeks, months, or even longer. Medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain all add up—and it’s not fair for you to shoulder those burdens alone.
How We Help You Prove Fault in a Failure to Yield Accident
Proving that a driver failed to yield isn’t always straightforward. That’s where we come in. At Ardalan & Associates, we build a strong case using:
- Police and crash reports
- Traffic or security camera footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Diagrams or reconstructions of the accident scene
We also move quickly. Evidence doesn’t last forever—footage gets erased, memories fade, and records get lost. The sooner we can begin, the better chance we have to uncover key details.
If the driver’s insurance company tries to shift blame onto you, we push back. Pedestrians are often unfairly blamed, but we won’t let that happen without a fight.
What You Can Recover in a Pedestrian Injury Claim
When a driver causes harm by failing to yield, they may be responsible for more than just your immediate medical bills. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Physical therapy or ongoing treatment
We work hard to make sure insurance companies don’t lowball you. Your recovery matters, and you deserve to be treated with fairness and respect.’
Contact Our Experienced Thousand Oaks Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
You shouldn’t have to carry the weight of someone else’s bad decision. If a driver failed to yield and caused your injury, contact us. We’ll review your case at no cost, answer your questions, and help you figure out the next step. At Ardalan & Associates, we care about holding careless drivers accountable—and we’re ready to fight for you.