Flashing Yellow Light Intersection Collision Liability

In a flashing yellow light intersection collision, the driver with the light has the right-of-way, provided that they turn with appropriate time and space. This means that they can be free of liability in the crash. However, if they turn and the light turns red, they may be responsible for the damages.

Given the complexities of flashing yellow light intersection collisions, it is crucial to understand the laws governing yellow signal lights and the factors that affect liability in such a complicated situation.

What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean at an Intersection?

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, a flashing yellow traffic signal indicates a cautionary warning to proceed with care. It advises drivers to slow down and remain vigilant without coming to a complete stop.

As such, drivers should reduce their speed and be ready to stop if needed, mainly if there is oncoming traffic or people crossing the crossroads. Unlike a red light, which forces vehicles to stop completely, a flashing yellow light only alerts drivers to the need for increased awareness and cautious intersection maneuvering as the signal may soon turn red.

What Does the California Law Say About Flashing Yellow Light in Intersections?

Under California Vehicle Code 21452, when drivers encounter a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal, they are being cautioned that the corresponding green signal is ending, or a red indication will promptly follow.

This means drivers do not necessarily need to stop at a yellow signal. Instead, they should take caution when turning, determine if they have enough time and space to do so, and yield to oncoming traffic if there is any.

On the other hand, California Vehicle Code Section 21453 mandates drivers to stop at the designated line when “encountering a steady circular red signal” unless they are already within the intersection. As such, this law requires stopping at a red light, except if you are already within the intersection.

Can a Driver Cross During a Flashing Yellow Light?

In California, drivers can generally drive or cross during a flashing yellow light. Remember that a yellow signal means the driver must only proceed with caution and not stop entirely. However, if they misjudge the time remaining and cross when a yellow signal turns red, it may be a different case. In such a situation, you are now violating CVC 21453—running a red light.

Moreover, legal penalties for running a red light include:

Fines between $35 and $100, depending upon the nature of the violation.
Additional penalties and fees that can increase the total amount owed by the driver. For instance, the total cost can approach $500 after accounting for county fines.
One point to the driver’s license record.
Compensation if you injure or damage another individual due to the violation.

What to Do When Encountering a Yellow Light at an Intersection

Taking caution when encountering a yellow light in an intersection is crucial, as it may lead to crashes. These are some tips to avoid flashing yellow light intersection collisions:

Evaluate the situation: Before making any decisions, assess the traffic, your speed, and the distance to the intersection.
Slow down: As you approach a yellow light, start lowering your speed so that you can stop if necessary.
Examine your surroundings: Before choosing whether to stop or continue, scan the area for other cars, pedestrians, and possible dangers.
Be ready to stop: Make sure you can stop safely before approaching the intersection. It could be wiser to go cautiously. Sometimes, abrupt stopping puts you at risk of a rear-end collision or if you are too close to the intersection to stop safely.
Use caution: If you decide to cross the crossing, do so slowly and be ready to stop for any incoming vehicles or pedestrians.
Avoid speeding: Refrain from accelerating to beat the light. This is against traffic laws and might raise the risk of accidents.
Remain focused: Observe how the traffic lights are changing and be ready to adjust your course of action accordingly.

Can I File a Claim for a Flashing Yellow Light Intersection Collision?

Generally, injured victims are eligible to file a claim to receive compensation for the damages. However, you can only do so if the crash results from another driver’s negligence. You may also need sufficient evidence to prove the cause of the car accident.

You can demonstrate a driver’s negligence through the following elements:

The driver is responsible for ensuring that everyone on the road is safe.
They failed to fulfill this duty.
The breach resulted in an accident.

Who Is Liable?

In a flashing yellow light intersection collision, it may be challenging to prove who the liable party is as several factors may come into play.

The Driver with the Yellow Light

Suppose the driver with the yellow light enters the intersection when it is unsafe or fails to give the right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians already at the intersection. In that case, they may be held legally responsible for the collision.

For instance, if a driver miscalculated the time left and entered the intersection after the yellow light had turned red, causing a collision with another vehicle, they may be liable for the accident.

While drivers with yellow lights can still proceed, they must do so while considering the environment and possible dangers. They are responsible if they neglect any apparent risk and cross or turn during a yellow light, causing a crash.

Another Driver or Road User

The opposing driver or road user may be held accountable for the accident if they enter the intersection even if they have a red light and collide with the vehicle with the yellow light.

For example, you were turning carefully with a yellow light when another vehicle in the opposite direction suddenly darted in front of you, causing a collision. The other driver may be held accountable for the crash in this situation.

With the intricacies of a flashing yellow light intersection collision, it can be challenging to determine who the liable party is in the given circumstances. It is recommended that you contact the best car accident lawyer in California who understands such complexities and how to navigate them.

Lawyer’s Tip: If you share liability in a car accident, you may still file a claim in California. However, you will likely receive a reduced settlement depending on how much you contributed to the collision.

How the Best California Car Accident Lawyer California Can Maximize Your Payout

If you had a yellow light and another driver hit you, proving you innocent of the collision could be challenging. What happens if you have no evidence to prove that you were going on a yellow light and the insurance provider insists you ran a red light?

In such an instance, California’s best car accident lawyer can build your claim by gathering proof and proving liability. They will also undertake the following tasks to advocate for your case:

Evaluating the specific details of your case to devise an appropriate strategy.
Gathering crucial evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and relevant documentation.
Ensuring all legal procedures and paperwork are accurately executed to avoid detrimental mistakes.
Communicating with the opposing driver’s insurance company to protect your interests and secure fair compensation.
Negotiating with insurance companies to achieve a settlement that adequately compensates you for injuries and damages.
Safeguarding your legal rights throughout the entire legal process, including defending against tactics employed by insurance companies to minimize payouts.

Hiring a personal injury attorney is crucial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve after a flashing light intersection collision. They can navigate complex legal procedures, handle legal aspects, and work to maximize your recovery while upholding your rights.

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker boasts highly skilled personal injury attorneys with extensive experience handling auto accident claims throughout Southern California. If you are injured in a car accident, our expertise and track record in traffic crash claims demonstrate our commitment to protecting our client’s rights.

For a complimentary consultation to determine the best legal path for your situation, contact us at 800-333-0000 or schedule a free consultation.

What Our Clients Say About Us

While many personal injury attorneys can handle your case and build a legal defense, our dedication to advocating diligently on your behalf distinguishes us. We go above and beyond to ensure that our personal injury lawyers are fully prepared to create a strong claim, as proven by our pleased prior clients.

“When everyone else turned me down, LHP took my case. I owe everything to TODD HARRISON! He fought hard for me, always keeping my best interest at heart. Never did I feel alone in my fight! It took three years back and forth. He stood by my side! WE WON! MY name is Edward Martinez, and LHP & TODD HARRISON fought for me! I highly recommend TODD HARRISON. He will fight till the end! Thanks, Todd, many blessings, my friend.” -Edward M.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accidents may be upsetting and complicated, leaving everyone involved with questions about their rights, obligations, and legal alternatives. Understanding the aftermath of an accident is critical for safeguarding your rights and getting proper compensation, regardless of whether you are the driver, passenger, or pedestrian.

If you have further questions, we answered some of the most often-asked concerns about road accidents.

Works Cited

“Section 21452 – Steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal, Cal. Veh. Code § 21452.” Casetext, Accessed 25 April 2024.

“Section 21453 – Steady circular red signal; steady red arrow signal, Cal. Veh. Code § 21453.” Casetext. Accessed 25 April 2024.

“Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road – California DMV.” California DMV. Accessed 25 April 2024.