Yellow Light Accidents at Intersections

Yellow light accidents at intersections can include various scenarios. The most common ones include:

• T-bone (side-impact) collisions: These accidents occur when a driver accelerates to beat the yellow light and collides with a vehicle entering the intersection from another direction.
• Left-turn accidents: A driver attempting to make a left turn at an intersection on a yellow light may collide with an oncoming vehicle that is proceeding straight through the intersection.
• Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions often occur when a driver stops or slows down at a yellow light and is struck by a tailgating vehicle. 
• Intersection gridlock: In heavy traffic, drivers may block the intersection when the light turns yellow, causing congestion and potential collisions as vehicles try to maneuver around the area.
• Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians attempting to cross the street may be caught in the middle of the intersection when the light changes to yellow. 
• Multi-vehicle pileups: In high-traffic areas, a driver's decision to accelerate or stop at a yellow light can lead to a chain reaction of accidents involving multiple vehicles.
• Blinking yellow light accidents: Some accidents occur due to driver confusion about how to proceed when faced with a blinking yellow light.

When approaching a yellow traffic light, drivers should exercise caution. Here are things that drivers should never do at yellow lights:

• Never speed up: Drivers should be prepared to safely stop when a yellow light turns red.
• Never slam on the brakes: While it's important to stop if you can do so safely, slamming on the brakes abruptly can create a hazard, especially if there's a vehicle following closely behind.
• Never block the intersection: Drivers should never enter intersections if they can’t safely clear them. Blocking an intersection can impede the flow of cross traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
• Never assume others will stop: Don't assume that other drivers will follow the rules or stop for a yellow light.
• Never follow the vehicle in front blindly: Just because the vehicle in front proceeds through the yellow light doesn't mean it's safe for the following driver to do the same.

What to do at a blinking yellow light?

Drivers should always proceed through blinking yellow lights with caution. This signal indicates that drivers should slow down and be prepared to yield the right of way of other vehicles. Yielding is particularly important when there is oncoming traffic with a green light or pedestrians crossing an intersection.

Determining fault for yellow light accidents at intersections depends on specific circumstances and state traffic laws. Here are some factors to consider:

• Driver's intent and actions: The driver's intent and actions when the traffic light turned yellow play a significant role in determining fault. If a driver entered the intersection while the light was still yellow, they are typically not at fault. However, if a driver entered the intersection after the light turned red, they may be at fault.
• Right of way: A driver who enters the intersection on a green or yellow light has the right of way over a driver entering on a red light. A driver running a red light is usually at fault for causing the accident.
• Intersection clearing: If a driver entered the intersection on a yellow light but caused a collision because they failed to clear the intersection reasonably and safely, they may be considered at fault.
• Shared fault: In some cases, fault may be shared between multiple parties if both drivers contributed to the crash. For example, if one driver entered on a red light, but the other was speeding and could have avoided the collision by exercising reasonable care, fault may be shared.

When filing a car accident claim, you'll need to gather specific documents and information to support your case. The documentation you should have includes:

• The car accident report from law enforcement.
• Date, time, and location of the crash.
• Contact information and insurance information for the other drivers involved.
• Contact details of any witnesses.
• Pictures and videos of the crash scene.
• Medical records and diagnoses.
• Medical receipts and appointment logs. 
• Repair estimates and receipts for vehicle damage.
• Your car insurance policy details, including your policy number.
• Documentation of any lost income due to missed work.
• Receipts for towing and storage services for your vehicle, if applicable.

If another driver caused a car accident running a yellow light, a Law.com Premier Attorney can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Our attorneys know how to handle cases involving yellow light accidents at intersections. They will present the facts and fight to recover every dollar owed to you in damages.

If you can’t afford an attorney, no problem. Premier Attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only take a certain percentage of your settlement when you’re fully compensated. To learn more, contact an attorney near you and set up a free consultation.