Drivers typically know what to do at red and green traffic lights; even when the light’s flashing, they’re still aware of basic traffic laws. However, yellow lights can cause some confusion depending on where it is.
Do you barrel on through the intersection hoping for the best, or come to a complete stop? What about when a traffic accident occurs? Who’s the at-fault party in a traffic light accident? This can affect your compensation. To help you navigate Illinois law, you’ll need some legal advice for traffic light accidents.
An Overview of Illinois Traffic Light Laws
Okay, if you’ve been through driver’s education classes there’s a good chance the course at least touched on Illinois traffic light laws. When the light is green, this means you have the right of way and can proceed without stopping through the intersection. The same also applies if the green light is flashing. In most instances, a flashing green light indicates an issue with the traffic signal.
If you do come upon a flashing green light, even though it’s signaling you have the right of way, it’s often still a good idea to proceed with caution. The light may also be flashing green for oncoming traffic and this can result in an accident if no one is coming to a complete stop. Figuring out who’s the at-fault driver in this situation can be a nightmare since everyone is ‘going on green’.
Red lights mean to come to a complete stop—there aren’t any exceptions. If you barrel through a red light and a traffic accident occurs, you’re the at-fault driver. As the driver responsible for the accident, you must cover the other involved parties’ damages. Even the best traffic accident attorney will find it difficult to shift the blame.
The same applies to flashing red lights. A flashing red light isn’t suggesting you come to a complete stop, it’s still the law. However, it can also be a little confusing knowing when it’s your turn to proceed through the intersection. When a red light is flashing, you follow the same laws as a four-way stop sign. The first driver to arrive at the intersection has the right of way. In other words, everyone takes turns.
While most drivers are familiar with red and green traffic light laws, yellow traffic lights can be confusing. You’re probably aware that a yellow traffic light means yield, but for whom and for how long? If you yield to everyone at an intersection, you’re going to be stuck for quite a while.
Illinois traffic law allows drivers to proceed cautiously through an intersection with a flashing yellow light. However, you’re legally required to yield to oncoming traffic, and this also applies when you’re turning. If you’re turning across the intersection, drivers traveling straight through have the right of way. You must wait until all traffic has passed before proceeding through the intersection on a solid or flashing yellow light.
The best advice for yellow lights is to treat them like a flashing red light. Come to a stop and check for oncoming traffic before proceeding.
Common Causes of Traffic Light Accidents
Whether you live in Illinois or another state, traffic light laws are pretty much the same. which is helpful if you frequently find yourself driving in another state. You don’t need to spend time learning a new set of traffic laws.
Even though traffic laws are in place to help keep everyone on the road safe, accidents still happen especially at intersections. So what are some of the common causes of traffic light accidents? These causes aren’t surprising and you may have even witnessed this behavior as you’re driving around.
Speeding Through a Yellow Light
Traffic lights have a sequence and this rarely changes; the light turns green, then yellow, and then red. Think of a yellow traffic light as a warning. The light is getting ready to switch to red. Drivers often see a yellow light as a warning that they need to speed up to avoid getting stuck at a red light.
Even though this behavior is understandable. After all, no one likes getting stuck at a red light, it’s also potentially dangerous. Yellow lights typically only last for a few seconds before turning red, which means oncoming traffic has a green light and these drivers may not notice you flying through the intersection. Now you’re involved in a traffic accident and there’s a good chance you’re the at-fault driver.
Ignoring a Red Light on Right Turns
Turning right at a red light is illegal in Illinois. However, there are exceptions. If there’s a sign indicating right turns on red are allowed, go ahead but proceed with caution. You will still need to come to a complete stop.
This doesn’t mean rolling through the red light, since this can result in a traffic ticket and fines can be expensive. Your insurance rates may also increase. Your insurer may view you as an at-risk driver and this typically means higher monthly premiums.
Turning Left Without a Green Light
Not every intersection has a green light for left turns. If you make a left turn without a green light, you may be at risk of causing a traffic accident. When the light’s red, come to a complete stop.
Check for any oncoming traffic and then make the turn when the road’s clear. So, yes you can make a left turn without a green light but you don’t have the right of way.
Failing to Apply Your Brakes In Time
You’d think it’s impossible to miss a traffic light turning red, but it happens. Drivers may be distracted and not notice the red light in time to apply their brakes. Other drivers may be speeding and simply can’t stop in time. Unfortunately, this usually turns into a rear-end collision.
Regardless of what causes the rear-end collision at a red traffic light, the driver colliding into the front vehicle is typically the one responsible for the accident.
Talk to An Attorney About Your Traffic Light Accident Case
Being involved in a traffic light accident directly underscores the necessity of consulting with an experienced accident attorney, regardless of your role in the incident.
Protecting your legal rights is paramount, and this holds true even if you are deemed the at-fault driver. The complexities of traffic light laws, which apply to situations beyond the straightforward scenarios of red and green lights, can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
An attorney's expertise is invaluable in navigating these complexities, offering you the best chance to mitigate potential repercussions and ensuring that your rights are upheld throughout the legal process. Engaging a legal professional provides clarity and direction, helping you to understand and effectively address the intricacies of your situation.
