In California, an intersection is one of the most confusing and misunderstood places on the road. In order to combat this confusion, many intersections employ traffic lights and other signage that’s meant to both ease this confusion and make sure that everyone–from drivers to pedestrians–is kept safe.

Sometimes, though, even the lights and signs that are in place can add to this confusion. This is especially true when one light is blinking red and another is blinking yellow. While every driver has the responsibility of educating themselves on what these lights mean, not everyone is able to avoid an accident.

Experienced California Car Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help

Maison Law is here to help people that have been injured in intersection accidents because of someone else’s mistake or malfunctioning traffic lights. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers in California understands the state’s safety laws and can help you recover, both physically and financially.

What Does a Blinking Light Mean at a California Intersection?

Because so many intersections in California use traffic lights to control the flow of traffic, California law takes a direct approach when it comes to what certain lights mean. According to Section 21457 of the California Vehicle Code:

A blinking red light – You treat a flashing red light the same as a stop sign or light. You must stop at a marked line if there is one. If there is no marked line, stop before entering the crosswalk closest to the intersection. If there’s no crosswalk either, stop where you can see approaching traffic on the intersecting road, and only after stopping, you can proceed following the rules for a stop sign.
A blinking yellow light – A blinking yellow light at an intersection means drivers should be careful. They should slow down and be ready to stop if needed. It’s not a complete stop like a red light, but a warning to proceed with caution. Drivers should use the blinking yellow light as an alert to watch for other vehicles and pedestrians. They must yield the right-of-way to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians in the intersection.

Again, it’s important for every driver to follow these guidelines to make sure everyone stays safe. However, lowering the risk of intersection accidents can be helped by paying attention to your surroundings, and being careful when you approach intersections. Also, remember to watch out for pedestrians while driving through intersections because they are another major concern for accidents.

What Causes Intersection Accidents in California?

Even with traffic lights, accidents at intersections in California happen because of various reasons. Intersections are usually very crowded, which makes it more likely for accidents to occur. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why accidents happen at intersections:

Not following lights – Some drivers try to go through the red light, or they don’t notice the signal, which can cause them to crash into other vehicles or pedestrians.
Failure to yield – Drivers not giving the right of way to others can lead to accidents.
Speeding – Driving too fast through intersections can be dangerous because it doesn’t give drivers enough time to react to other vehicles or pedestrians.
Distracted driving – Some drivers are not paying attention to the road because they are using their phones or talking to passengers, leading to accidents.
Driving under the influence – When people drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs, their judgment and reaction times are impaired, making accidents more likely.
Poor visibility – Some intersections have bad lighting or obstacles that make it hard for drivers to see other vehicles or pedestrians.

Types of Intersection Accidents

Not only are there numerous causes of intersection accidents in California, but many different types of accidents that can happen to you or a loved one. Usually, they include:

Rear-end accidents – These occur when one vehicle hits the back of another vehicle that’s stopped or slowing down to make a turn.
T-bone accidents – These happen when a vehicle hits the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. This often occurs because a driver runs a red light or doesn’t yield to oncoming traffic.
Head-on accidents – These are very serious accidents where two vehicles collide front to front at an intersection. They often occur because of distracted or impaired driving, or when someone drives the wrong way on a one-way street.
Sideswipe accidents – These occur when two vehicles going in the same direction collide at an intersection, usually when one is trying to change lanes.
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents – These happen when drivers don’t give the right of way to pedestrians or cyclists at crosswalks and intersections, causing severe injuries or even fatalities.

If an accident occurs, the most important thing is your health and safety. Make sure you and your passengers are safe and move to a secure place. Check everyone for injuries, and once you’ve done that, then you can start thinking about what to do next.

Liability in California Intersection Accidents and Your Legal Options

If you’re in an intersection accident in San Francisco, you might wonder who is responsible. In California, it’s based on negligence, which has four parts:

The driver has a duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws.
The driver failed in this duty.
The unsafe driving directly caused the accident and injuries.
The accident resulted in injuries and damages.

If the accident happened because the other driver didn’t follow the blinking lights properly, determining liability is usually straightforward: the driver who failed to follow the lights acted negligently and would probably be responsible for any injuries or damages.

However, California law also considers “comparative negligence.” This means that your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault in the accident. For example, if you are found to be 10% responsible for the accident, your damages will be reduced by the same percentage.

Legal Options

If you’re involved in an intersection accident in California, you have the legal option to seek compensation for the harm caused by the responsible party. This can be done by filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit, or both.

Filing an insurance claim – First, you contact the responsible party’s insurance company and submit a claim. They will investigate the accident and offer a settlement. It’s important to know that the insurance company will try to pay as little as possible. Our experienced team can help you build a strong case and negotiate for a fair settlement.
Filing a lawsuit – If the insurance settlement is not satisfactory, the next step is to file a personal injury lawsuit. Our team will handle the legal process, starting by filing the lawsuit in civil court. Both sides will exchange evidence during the discovery process. If the case doesn’t settle through mediation, it will go to trial, where a judge and jury will decide the final settlement amount. The lawsuit aims to recover various damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
- Wrongful death expenses
- Punitive damages, in certain cases

It’s essential to understand that the process of filing a lawsuit in a California car accident may vary depending on your case’s details. However, with our team’s support, we can assess your case’s strengths and guide you through the process.

Get the Help You Need From Maison Law

If you’ve been involved in an intersection accident in California, act quickly and seek legal help. It can be overwhelming to deal with the aftermath, but having experienced pedestrian accident lawyers by your side is crucial to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.

At Maison Law, we have a strong track record of successfully representing clients in these types of claims. We will work hard to investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case for you. Don’t wait to take the first step in your recovery. Contact us today to set up your free, no-obligation consultation.

Blinking Yellow and Red Lights at Intersections in California