Why Failure-to-Yield Accidents Are So Dangerous
Every intersection in South Dakota requires a quick judgment call — who has the right of way. When a driver misjudges that moment, the results can be catastrophic.
According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, failure to yield is a top contributor to serious and fatal crashes each year. In Sioux Falls, where busy intersections like 41st Street & Louise Avenue or Minnesota Avenue & 33rd Street see heavy daily traffic, even a brief lapse can cause devastating side-impact or T-bone collisions.
Failing to yield can occur when drivers:
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Turn left across oncoming traffic
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Enter an intersection from a stop sign or side road
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Merge without checking blind spots
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Ignore flashing yield or right-turn signals
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Fail to stop for pedestrians or cyclists in a crosswalk
Under South Dakota’s negligence rules, you may still recover compensation if your fault is only slight in comparison to the negligence of the defendant. Our Sioux Falls car accident lawyers work to prove the other driver’s negligence and maximize your recovery.
Common Scenarios Where Drivers Fail to Yield in Sioux Falls
1. Left-Turn Collisions:
One of the most frequent causes of intersection crashes happens when a driver misjudges an oncoming car’s speed while turning left at intersections like 41st and Western Ave.
2. Stop-Sign or Red-Light Violations:
At four-way stops or lights, confusion about right-of-way often leads to simultaneous movement — and impact.
3. Highway Merges:
On I-29, I-90, or Highway 42, drivers entering at high speeds sometimes fail to yield properly to faster-moving traffic, leading to rear-end or sideswipe crashes.
4. Rural Crossroads:
South Dakota’s rural highways lack signals or clear sightlines, making it easy for drivers to misjudge distances when crossing or turning onto main roads.
Understanding Right-of-Way Laws in South Dakota
Under South Dakota Codified Law § 32-26-19, drivers must yield to any vehicle already in the intersection or approaching closely enough to pose an immediate hazard.
Failing to yield is a form of negligence — meaning the at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for injuries and property damage caused by their carelessness.
Victims of failure-to-yield accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical bills and rehabilitation
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Lost wages and reduced earning potential
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Pain and suffering
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Property damage
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Wrongful death damages (for surviving families)
Why These Crashes Cause Severe Injuries
Unlike rear-end collisions, side-impact (“T-bone”) crashes transfer massive force directly to the vehicle’s passenger area. This often results in:
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Fractured ribs and hips
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Neck and back injuries
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Internal bleeding
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Permanent disability
When combined with speed or heavy traffic, intersection crashes can change lives in an instant.
Proving Fault in a Failure-to-Yield Accident
Insurance companies often dispute fault in intersection collisions, especially when both drivers entered simultaneously. A Sioux Falls car accident lawyer can help establish who was negligent by:
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Reviewing dash-cam or traffic-light footage
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Interviewing witnesses and police officers
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Examining vehicle black-box (EDR) data
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Reconstructing the crash with expert analysis
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Identifying road-design or signal-timing issues
Quick investigation is key — traffic-camera data is often overwritten within days.
What to Do After a Failure-to-Yield Crash in Sioux Falls
- Call 911 and request law enforcement at the scene.
- Get medical attention immediately, even for minor pain.
- Exchange information with the other driver but avoid admitting fault.
- Document the scene — take wide and close-up photos of the intersection, damage, and traffic lights.
- Contact Northern Plains Justice before speaking with any insurance adjuster.
We’ll protect your rights and handle all communications so insurers can’t twist your words or minimize your injuries.
How Northern Plains Justice Can Help
Our Sioux Falls injury attorneys handle intersection-related crash claims throughout Minnehaha, Lincoln, and surrounding counties. We know how to uncover the evidence that proves liability in complex failure-to-yield cases.
What we offer:
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Free consultations and no-fee-unless-we-win representation
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Deep local knowledge of Sioux Falls intersections and traffic flow
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Negotiation and litigation experience against major insurance carriers
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Compassionate guidance through every step of recovery
Related Reading:
Sioux Falls Car Accident Lawyer
Truck Accident Lawyer in Sioux Falls
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if both drivers claim the other failed to yield?
A lawyer will gather independent evidence — such as camera footage, skid-mark analysis, and witness testimony — to determine fault.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under South Dakota’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault.
Do rural right-of-way rules differ from city intersections?
Yes. Rural roads often rely on signage or implied right-of-way, making visibility and distance judgment crucial factors in determining liability.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Most car-accident injury claims in South Dakota must be filed within three years of the crash.
Get Legal Help After a Failure-to-Yield Accident
If you or a loved one were injured because another driver failed to yield in Sioux Falls or anywhere in South Dakota, contact Northern Plains Justice today.
Call (605) 306-4100 or reach us online for a free case consultation.
We’ll explain your options, gather the evidence you need, and fight to hold negligent drivers accountable.
