You typically have the right of way if you have a yellow light signal. So, in a California crash, if going during a yellow light does not contribute to the collision, you are not liable for the damages. However, if you proceed and the light turns red, the liability may shift to you.
In this article, you will learn about liability in a California crash when a driver runs a yellow light and how to protect your rights in such cases.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Light at an Intersection Mean?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles states that a flashing yellow light at an intersection signals to move cautiously. It suggests that vehicles reduce speed instead of completely stopping and exercise caution.
As such, drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary, especially if oncoming traffic or pedestrians are crossing the intersection. In contrast to a red light that compels all moving cars to stop, a flashing yellow light warns drivers to be extra vigilant and cautious when navigating intersections because the signal may soon turn red.
Is It Illegal to Run a Yellow Light in California?
Running a yellow light in California is not inherently illegal. However, drivers must use caution and judgment when passing a yellow light. If it’s safe to stop, drivers should do so.
According to California Vehicle Code 21452, when drivers see a constant or flashing yellow light at the intersection, they should be aware that the associated green signal is about to stop or a red indication will appear shortly after. As such, drivers should be cautious when turning, make sure they have appropriate time and space and yield to any oncoming vehicles.
Hence, if you are far from the intersection and the yellow light is on, you must assess if you have enough time to turn. If not, you must slowly stop and wait for the next signal.
If stopping will result in a rear-end accident or you are already too close to the intersection, you may need to go through the yellow light. It is critical to emphasize safety before proceeding and prevent risky driving behaviors resulting in car crashes.
Can Drivers and Pedestrians Cross in an Intersection With a Yellow Light?
In California, drivers can typically proceed through or cross intersections when encountering a flashing yellow light. Remember that a yellow signal indicates caution and doesn’t require a complete stop.
However, suppose a driver mistakenly crosses when the yellow light turns red. In that case, they may have violated the law as California Vehicle Code 21453 requires drivers to stop at the marked line when encountering a solid circular red signal unless they have already entered the intersection.
Moreover, while pedestrians can generally cross during a yellow light in California, they must exercise caution and ensure they can safely complete their crossing before the light turns red. If vehicles are passing, avoid crossing.
Remember that California Vehicle Code 21950 prohibits pedestrians from abruptly stepping off a curb or any safe location and entering the path of a vehicle that poses an immediate danger. They should not unduly halt or impede traffic flow while crossing a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Can I File a Claim for a Flashing Yellow Light Intersection Collision?
Individuals injured in accidents can typically pursue compensation for damages, but only if the collision stems from another driver’s negligence. In such a case, you must have evidence to demonstrate the driver’s negligence to have the right to file a claim for compensation.
A driver’s negligence can be justified by these factors:
- The driver’s obligation was to ensure road safety.
- They failed to meet this responsibility.
- This failure led to an accident.
- The accident caused injuries and other harm.
Note that you must have sufficient evidence to demonstrate negligence, such as:
- Photos of the accident scene, including the damages sustained, the surroundings where the accident occurred, and others
- CCTV or surveillance footage
- Witness testimonies
- Police reports
Am I Liable for a California Crash for Running a Yellow Light?
While drivers with yellow lights have the right-of-way, they can still act negligently and cause an accident. In such a case, they may be liable for the crash. However, this is not always the case. Depending on several circumstances, the following parties may be responsible for the damages in an accident involving a car running a yellow light.
The Driver Who Ran the Yellow Light
While drivers can drive during a yellow light, they must do so carefully. They must slowly stop and wait for the next signal if risks are apparent. If a car running a yellow light hits you due to their negligence, they can be liable for the damages.
For example, a driver mischecked the signal and thought they still had a yellow light. Unfortunately, they approached the intersection after the yellow light had turned red and collided with another car. In this case, the driver running a yellow light may be liable for the crash.
Remember that drivers with yellow lights must consider the surrounding area and any potential hazards. If they disregard any obvious danger and turn or cross at a yellow signal, resulting in an accident, they are accountable.
The Other Driver
Generally, vehicles with a yellow light have the right-of-way in the intersection. So, if a driver enters an intersection while driving on a red light and collides with a vehicle on a yellow light, they could be legally responsible for the accident.
For instance, you might be cautiously turning at a yellow light when a car suddenly darts in front of you from the other direction, resulting in a collision. In this case, the other driver might be liable for the crash.
It can be challenging to prove liability for a California crash caused by running a yellow light, especially if several factors are involved. Did the driver intentionally speed to beat the yellow light, causing the crash? Were they aware that they had limited time to cross? Did another road user dart into traffic before the light turned red? These are some questions you need to answer when determining liability.
The best car accident lawyer, with extensive knowledge, experience, and resources, can examine the facts of the case, collect the necessary evidence, and prove liability to win your claim.
Lawyer’s Tip: Car accident lawyers may collaborate with accident reconstruction experts who can examine physical evidence, skid marks, and other factors to recreate the events leading up to the collision. This reconstruction can help assess the timing of the yellow light and whether you have enough time to enter the intersection safely.
What Damages Can I Seek Claim?
The compensation awarded for damages resulting from the accident depends on various factors, including the severity of injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.
When determining the settlement amount, it’s essential to consider all losses incurred, both tangible and intangible.
Economic damages encompass financial losses supported by receipts and documented evidence. This may consist of:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage costs
- Lost wages
- Future income loss
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Conversely, non-economic damages pertain to intangible losses such as:
- pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Diminished quality of life
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Moreover, punitive damages may be awarded by the court in cases of extreme recklessness, intentional misconduct, or malice on the part of the at-fault driver.
While quantifying economic damages relies on documented evidence, evaluating non-monetary losses requires the expertise of a personal injury attorney. The best car accident lawyer can assess these intangible losses, maximize compensation, and determine eligibility for punitive damages.
How Can California Car Accident Lawyers Help Me?
Running a yellow light is generally allowed in California. Unfortunately, when a car strikes another in an intersection, it can result in significant impact, causing a catastrophic accident. What happens if the driver with the yellow light acts negligently and you fail to secure evidence to prove this due to our injuries?
The best car accident lawyer can strengthen your claim by collecting evidence and establishing liability. They’ll also perform the following tasks to support your case:
- Assessing the specifics of your situation to devise a tailored and effective strategy.
- Gathering essential evidence like medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
- Ensuring all legal procedures and paperwork are accurately handled to avoid errors.
- Negotiating with insurers to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for injuries and damages.
- Protecting your legal rights throughout the entire process, including countering tactics used by insurers to minimize payouts.
Jacoby and Meyers: The Best Car Accident Lawyer
At Jacoby & Meyers, we are unwavering in our commitment to helping accident victims obtain the justice they rightfully deserve. Additionally, we are dedicated to supporting our communities by ensuring access to essential medical care for those affected by accidents. Our legal team has streamlined a thorough process to ensure you understand your legal rights and receive the justice you deserve.
Our dedicated team of legal professionals provides exemplary service by:
- Maintaining transparent and open communication throughout every stage of your case.
- Skillfully negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation on your behalf.
- Assisting in coordinating appropriate medical treatments as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Addressing any additional concerns related to your accident to alleviate your worries.
- Protecting your legal rights by establishing liability, assessing the extent of damages, and vigorously advocating for your claim.
We offer a free consultation where you can receive legal advice from top-notch California car accident lawyers. To explore your legal options, contact us at 800-500-0000.
Jacoby & Meyers. Because You Deserve Justice.
Hear From Our Past Clients
While many legal firms make similar claims, we stand out by offering substantial legal assistance to our clients. We have invited our past clients to share their positive experiences with our legal service to demonstrate this.
“Tania was the best case handler I’ve ever worked with. She was quick, attentive, and informative, and made me feel like I was a part of the process. She updated me every week with new details. I am proud to say Jacoby and Meyers were my attorneys!” Raul Y.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have further questions regarding auto accident claims? We got you! Here are some frequently asked questions from injured auto accident victims that may help explain some aspects of your case.
- How to Take Photos in a Car Accident Scene
- How Do I Include Lost Wages in My Personal Injury Claim?
- What Are the Hit-and-Run Laws in California?
- What is the Average Settlement for a Spinal Cord Injury from a Car Accident?
- Can I File a Claim for an Accident Caused by Detached Tires?
Works Cited
“Section 21452 – Steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal, Cal. Veh. Code § 21452.” Casetext, https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-vehicle-code/division-11-rules-of-the-road/chapter-2-traffic-signs-signals-and-markings/article-3-offenses-relating-to-traffic-devices/section-21452-steady-circular-yellow-or-yellow-arrow-signal? Accessed 7 May 2024.
“Section 21453 – Steady circular red signal; steady red arrow signal, Cal. Veh. Code § 21453.” Casetext, https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-vehicle-code/division-11-rules-of-the-road/chapter-2-traffic-signs-signals-and-markings/article-3-offenses-relating-to-traffic-devices/section-21453-steady-circular-red-signal-steady-red-arrow-signal. Accessed 7 May 2024.
“Section 21950 – Yielding right-of-way to pedestrian in crosswalk; no stop absent immediate danger, Cal. Veh. Code § 21950.” Casetext, https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-vehicle-code/division-11-rules-of-the-road/chapter-5-pedestrians-rights-and-duties/section-21950-yielding-right-of-way-to-pedestrian-in-crosswalk-no-stop-absent-immediate-danger. Accessed 7 May 2024.
“Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road – California DMV.” California DMV, https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road/. Accessed 7 May 2024.
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