Due to distracted and hurried drivers, one of the most dangerous places on the road can be intersections. Here’s what to do if you’ve been in a yellow light accident.
Turning On Yellow: What Is A Left Turn On Yellow?
A left turn on a yellow light involves a driver turning left during a yellow traffic signal. Intersection accidents can occur when, instead of waiting for a green light, a driver tries to make a left-hand turn before the light changes to red. In these situations it is important to understand who has the right of way, and who could be at fault if a car accident were to occur.
Factors That Can Make Turning On Yellow Dangerous
When a green light changes to a yellow light, it is meant to warn drivers they should begin to slow down and prepare to come to a complete stop.
Unfortunately, many drivers see it as a signal to increase their speed and to hurry through a traffic light. During the rush to beat the red light, paying attention to oncoming traffic becomes less important to distracted drivers and accidents can occur.
Two types of car accidents that can occur on a yellow light are:
- Left turn accidents which often occur when a driver attempting a left-hand turn fails to give the right of way to oncoming traffic, and can end in a serious accident with an oncoming vehicle.
- Rear-end accidents can occur when a driver slows to a complete stop at a yellow signal or slows to prepare for a right-hand turn, and the driver behind fails to stop causing property damage to the rear-end of the motor vehicle.
Tips For Avoiding Yellow Light Accidents
Driving is a necessary part of life for most people. Although you do not have control over other drivers, yellow light accidents can be avoided by following a few basic tips:
- To avoid an intersection accident, remember to treat yellow signals as a warning that a red light is coming and that you should begin to slow down. By slowing down, you are allowing yourself time to observe your surroundings.
- Remember that if you are the driver turning left during a yellow light, oncoming traffic has the right of way. It is up to you to make sure you can safely make the left turn. You may find that it is safer to wait for a green light.
- If you are going to be making a right-hand turn, you can avoid a car accident by slowing to a complete stop before the crosswalk. This allows space for both pedestrians using the crosswalk, and provides a buffer zone between you and any oncoming cars.
- Keep in mind that you should be treating red lights as if they were stop signs, therefore when a light turns yellow it is giving you time to slow down, not hurry up.
- Obeying the speed limit also allows for adequate time to slow down during a yellow light. Remember to always use caution when driving.
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What To Do If You Are Involved In A Yellow Light Accident
Unfortunately, driving increases your risks of being involved in a car accident. If you are involved in a yellow light accident, there are steps you need to take. You will first need to contact the police. The police need to come and make an official report, regardless of injury. This helps officials determine how the accident occurred, and who is and is not responsible.
It is important to note that if you do sustain a personal injury, you will need to see a doctor.
Medical records assist both your insurance company and your personal injury attorney in filing an accident claim. Next, you will also need to contact your insurance company to get directions on how to proceed.
Generally, your insurance company will need a police report, photographs of the motor vehicles involved, and any medical reports in order to file an accident claim. A car accident lawyer may also offer assistance when dealing with insurance companies.
If you are involved in a serious accident resulting in a personal injury to yourself, you may need legal advice from a personal injury lawyer. It is important to not only choose a law firm that offers free consultations, but is a law firm that you can trust and depend on so you can make an informed decision.
Who Is At Fault In A Yellow Light Accident?
It is of important note, the driver turning left during a yellow light is going to be held responsible for the car accident.
Traffic laws can vary but usually oncoming traffic will have the right of way during a yellow light. A driver turning left on a yellow light has the legal responsibility to make sure they have the proper amount of time and space to safely execute a left-hand turn.
Comparative negligence can be assigned when there is some fault shared by both sides, meaning not all accidents are the same and should be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Then there are no-fault states, like Florida, where fault doesn’t make a difference in how insurance companies process your claim, but can make a big difference when it comes to seeking compensation in court.
Contacting a car accident attorney can help navigate these complicated situations.
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Contact The Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyers
Being involved in a yellow light accident can be traumatic and jarring. We at Florin Roebig understand. During this time, you may need guidance and advice from expert car accident attorneys. If you or someone you know is involved in a car accident, you need a law firm you can trust to get the job done. Florin Roebig are car accident lawyers who have experience on their side. Call toll free today for a free consultation at (800) 226-6581.
