When you encounter an intersection that has flashing lights, it is critical to know what steps to take to ensure you are protected and able to move through the intersection safely. Flashing lights can indicate caution or that the traditional lights in the area are not working the way they are supposed to operate. In all cases, stop, look in every direction, and only proceed when it is safe to do so. If an accident does occur, a North Charleston car accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help navigate your case.
What to Do at Flashing Lights
There are two types of red lights that occur on South Carolina roadways, according to the Code of Laws – Title 56. Standard red lights are those that require you to stop fully and wait for them to turn green before you can move. A flashing red light means you need to stop fully, and then you can move.
Once you stop fully at a flashing light, you can look in both directions and then decide if it is safe to move forward. The flashing lights at an intersection do not stop flashing, but you are able to go as soon as you know there is no traffic in either direction. You should not continue unless it is safe to do so.
If there are other people traveling through the intersection, they have the right of way because they entered the intersection or approached the flashing lights first. Wait for them to move through the intersection before you do so. This ensures that you move through the area safely.
Flashing Yellow Lights in South Carolina
Another type of flashing light used on South Carolina roads is yellow and has a different meeting. It can be a solid yellow light, which is a standard light. If it is a solid light, one that is not flashing, that means the light is about to turn red, and you should stop if you can do so.
A flashing yellow light means that you do not have to stop, but you should prepare to stop. You should reduce your speed significantly and only move forward if it is safe to do so through the intersection. You do not have to stop, but you should move carefully through the light.
If someone is moving through the intersection at that time, stop for them and wait until they are through until you continue on your way. Yellow flashing lights do not mean you should speed up and run through the intersection but instead should slow down, and stop if someone else is in the intersection before you. Not doing so could put you and others at risk.
Determining Fault at an Intersection with Flashing Lights
When it comes to accidents that occur in intersections with flashing lights, it can be difficult to determine which party is at fault. If you are in this type of accident, stop, call the police, and provide the police with any information about what occurred. Filing a police report can be a critical step in protecting your right to compensation in these cases.
Fault is dependent on the facts of the case, including what evidence is present. For example, if you had the right of way and the other driver entered the intersection, they could be responsible. Often, these decisions are difficult because they require the police to believe one person over the other.
If you are in an accident like this, and you are unsure what legal rights you have to compensation, do not admit fault but call your South Carolina car accident attorney instead. Doing so will help you protect your right to compensation.
Common Accidents Resulting from Failure to Obey Flashing Lights
Any time there are flashing lights, you should slow down and be cautious moving through the intersection. However, you cannot always rely on the other driver to do the same. There are various types of accidents that often result from traffic signal violations like flashing lights, including:
- Failure to yield accidents
- Right on red accidents
- Left-turn accidents
- T-bone or side-impact car accidents
- Right on red accidents
There are many reasons why this type of accident can occur, including that the other driver did not know how to proceed through the flashing lights or that the other driver was distracted, driving recklessly, or intoxicated. Traffic signals that are flashing are a clear indication that you should slow down and proceed carefully. If another driver does not – even if you do – and they cause an accident with you, they could be held responsible.
Proving Your Case in a Flashing Light Signal Accident
In situations involving a flashing light like this, it can be very challenging to prove that you had the right of way, but police officers will document the scene thoroughly and gather a good deal of information from witnesses. They then base the decision of fault on that information. If it is not accurate, they may rule against you.
If you know you were innocent in the situation or did not deserve full blame for the accident, let our car accident attorneys help you. We provide comprehensive legal support and guidance to help our clients make the best decisions about their claims. We will work hard to gather evidence to support your case, including witness statements, photos of the area, injury reports, medical records for the other driver, and accident reconstructionist support when beneficial.
Through these steps, we will build a case that shows that the other driver was at fault and, therefore, should pay compensation for the losses they caused to you. This could include medical bills, lost time at work, damage to your care, and pain and suffering losses. Do not settle your case with the insurance company until you have all of the facts in the case and a plan for moving forward.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Car Accident Attorney Now
As a trusted, experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer, you can depend on Shelly Leeke Law Firm to help you navigate the law and your rights in cases like this. If you do not win your case you do not pay for our legal services. Call us, 24/7, today for a free consultation.
