When you're driving in Massachusetts, understanding the right-of-way rules isn’t just about safety—it’s about responsibility. One of the most common causes of preventable crashes across the state is failure to yield. Whether it happens at an intersection, crosswalk, or highway on-ramp, these violations often lead to serious injuries and complex legal disputes over fault.
This legal guide will walk you through how Massachusetts driving laws define failure to yield, how those rules apply in car accident claims, and what to expect if you’re pursuing compensation after being hit by a driver who didn’t follow the law. Knowing your rights could make a major difference in how your case is resolved.
What Is Considered a Failure to Yield in Massachusetts?
Failure to yield happens when a driver doesn’t give the legal right of way to another road user, whether it’s a motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian. Examples include:
- Blowing through a yield sign
- Turning left in front of oncoming traffic
- Merging into traffic without waiting for a safe opening
- Failing to stop for people in a crosswalk
Any of these actions can violate Massachusetts traffic laws and become the central issue in a car accident claim.
Understanding Right-of-Way Laws in Massachusetts
Massachusetts statutes—including General Laws Chapters 89 and 90—spell out who has the right of way in different traffic scenarios. A few key provisions include:
- Yield signs require drivers to slow down and yield to traffic already in the intersection.
- Pedestrians have priority in marked crosswalks, and drivers must stop regardless of traffic signals.
- Vehicles turning left must yield to oncoming cars going straight through the intersection.
When drivers ignore these rules, they may be ticketed—and if they cause a crash, that violation may be used to establish fault in a personal injury claim.
How Fault Is Determined in a Failure to Yield Crash
Massachusetts uses a modified comparative negligence standard to assign fault in car accident cases. That means:
- You can recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
- Your financial recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Let’s say you’re awarded $60,000, but the insurance company or court finds you 25% at fault. Your final payout would be $45,000.
When a driver fails to yield and causes a crash, their actions may make them primarily or entirely at fault. Still, proving that fault usually requires a combination of:
- Police reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness accounts
- Vehicle damage analysis
That’s where working with a knowledgeable Massachusetts car accident lawyer can be incredibly helpful.
Types of Accidents Often Linked to Failure to Yield
Certain types of collisions are more likely to involve a failure to yield, such as:
- Side-impact or T-bone accidents at intersections
- Pedestrian injuries in urban crosswalks
- Rear-end collisions during unsafe merging
- Left-turn crashes during high-traffic conditions
Injuries in these cases often range from whiplash and soft-tissue damage to broken bones and concussions. A seasoned car accident attorney can help ensure your injuries are documented and your damages fully assessed.
What to Do After a Massachusetts Failure to Yield Accident
If you believe another driver’s failure to yield caused your injuries, take these steps:
- Call 911 and ensure the accident is officially reported.
- Document the scene with photos of vehicle positions, traffic signs, and skid marks.
- Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver.
- Seek immediate medical attention and keep records of all treatment.
- Contact a car accident attorney who understands Massachusetts driving laws.
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years. That might sound like plenty of time, but early legal action helps preserve evidence and strengthen your car accident claim.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Failure to Yield Claims
Even in cases that seem straightforward, insurance companies may try to shift blame to reduce their payout. A Massachusetts car accident attorney can:
- Collect and interpret traffic data, medical records, and other key documents
- Communicate directly with insurers so you don’t have to
- Build a persuasive case for full compensation
- Take your claim to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
Not all law firms are experienced with failure to yield claims. Make sure your legal team understands both Massachusetts traffic laws and how to apply them in car accident litigation.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
Being injured in a failure to yield accident can change your life in an instant—but you don’t have to navigate the recovery process alone. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we work closely with car accident victims across Massachusetts to help them get the answers, support, and compensation they deserve.
From the moment you call, we begin building your case, gathering evidence, and fighting to hold negligent drivers accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation with a trusted Massachusetts car accident attorney.