According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than half of all car accident injuries and fatalities happen at or close to intersections, and many occur when yellow lights are on.
Typically, the driver who did not have the right-of-way is at fault for a yellow light accident. However, these cases are not always clear-cut because it is legal to drive through yellow lights. Drivers who turn on yellow lights are responsible for ensuring they have enough time and room to turn safely, and the following distance still applies.
The positions of the vehicles after a crash can show who had the right-of-way, but there may be other evidence. If there was a traffic camera at the intersection, it may have recorded what happened.
How Do Yellow Light Accidents Happen?
Rear-end wrecks often happen at intersections because one driver slows to a stop at a yellow light, but the driver in the vehicle in the car behind it does not stop in time. Another common scenario is when a driver trying to turn left at a yellow light does not give the right-of-way to an oncoming vehicle; the light turns red, and the driver is in the middle of the intersection and must turn.
How Can You Avoid a Yellow Light Accident?
A yellow light is a warning that the light is changing; it is not a signal to speed up. The best way to avoid an intersection accident is to slow down, even when the light is green. Those who drive too fast will need more time to slow down and stop when the light changes to yellow and then red.
If you have time to make a right turn at a yellow light, you might be unable to when pedestrians and cyclists are crossing simultaneously. They should always be given the right-of-way, even when trying to turn on a yellow light. Oncoming traffic also has the right-of-way at a yellow light, so even when you are eager to make that turn in time, be patient.
Alexandria Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Represent Clients Injured in Yellow Light Accidents
If you were injured in a yellow light accident, you can get legal advice from our skilled Alexandria car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. We can fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call 202-331-1963 or complete our online form today to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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