Failure to Yield Leaves Motorcyclist Dead on First Colonial Rd

One man was killed during a failure-to-yield motorcycle accident in Virginia Beach on Monday, May 22nd. The collision took place at about 6:30 p.m. in front of Virginia Beach General Hospital. A spokesperson from the Virginia Beach Police Department reported that 69-year-old Francis Saunders was driving a motorcycle northbound along First Colonial Road when he was struck by the driver of an SUV who failed to yield the right-of-way as it exited a nearby parking lot. 

How do I know if I have a valid failure-to-yield accident case?

Saunders sustained serious injuries during the impact. He was taken to a local medical facility where he was pronounced dead. Police have not said whether or not the driver of the SUV was injured.  

This accident is still under investigation by the VBPD’s traffic safety unit.  

If you were injured or lost someone you love in a failure-to-yield accident, contact a Virginia personal injury attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp right away so we can begin our investigation and get started on filing your injury claim.

What is a Failure-to-Yield Accident?

A failure-to-yield accident occurs when one driver does not concede the right away to the driver who legally has it. In a failure-to-yield accident, the victim is usually the driver who should have been given the right of way, but whose rights were disregarded. These accidents can be especially dangerous, particularly if a driver fails to yield when attempting to pull out into a roadway on which other vehicles are traveling at a higher rate of speed.

In fact, the Virginia legislature has acknowledged the potential damage that failure-to-yield accidents can cause in the Code of Virginia Section 46.2-863, which states that a driver who fails to obey a yield sign when entering a roadway with oncoming traffic, has committed reckless driving. 

Common Failure-to-Yield Accidents

Even on streets with low speed limits, a driver’s failure to yield could have severe repercussions. Some common causes of failure-to-yield accidents in Virginia are: 

  • Failing to yield to oncoming traffic when attempting to make a lefthand turn
  • Failing to pull off to the side of the road when an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance, police vehicle, or fire engine is trying to get by 
  • Failing to come to a full and complete stop at a red light or stop sign

If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced Virginia car accident lawyer who can thoroughly analyze your accident. One of the rudimentary determinations that a failure-to-yield accident attorney will make is whether you shared in any degree of fault for the crash. Virginia follows the laws of contributory negligence, so if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you will not be eligible to pursue an injury claim against the other driver.

Do You Need a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer?

If you sustained serious injuries or a member of your family was killed due to another driver’s failure to yield, a skilled Virginia car accident lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected. You are entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is crucial that you have an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney on your side.  

Reach out to a Virginia car accident lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation of your potential injury claim by calling (833) 997-1774 or by filling out our online form. 

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