Can a Driver Be Liable for an Auto Accident When Speeding Through a Yellow Light?
When approaching an intersection, many drivers see a yellow traffic light as a signal to speed up rather than slow down. Unfortunately, attempting to beat a red light can lead to serious car accidents, particularly when other vehicles are turning or entering the intersection. If you were injured in a collision involving a driver who accelerated through a yellow light, you may wonder whether that driver can be held responsible.
Under Washington law, a driver who speeds through a yellow light may be liable for an accident, even if the light had not yet turned red.
Is It Illegal to Drive Through a Yellow Light in Washington?
Contrary to what some drivers believe, entering an intersection while the traffic light is yellow is not automatically illegal. Under Washington law, a steady yellow light warns drivers that the green signal is ending and a red signal will follow.
However, a yellow light does not give drivers permission to speed or drive recklessly. Motorists must still obey posted speed limits, maintain control of their vehicles and exercise reasonable care when approaching intersections.
A driver who accelerates aggressively to beat a red light may violate traffic laws or otherwise act negligently, depending on the circumstances.
When Is a Driver Negligent for Speeding Through a Yellow Light?
In Washington personal injury cases, negligence generally involves failing to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. Even when a driver technically enters an intersection before the light turns red, their actions may constitute negligence.
For example, a driver may be responsible, or negligent, for a yellow-light accident if they:
- Exceed the posted speed limit while approaching the intersection,
- Accelerate dangerously to avoid stopping at a red light,
- Fail to maintain a proper lookout for pedestrians or other vehicles,
- Drive too fast for weather, traffic or road conditions, or
- Enter an intersection when it is unsafe to proceed.
The key question is whether the driver’s conduct was unreasonable and contributed to causing the collision.
What If Another Driver Was Making a Left Turn?
Yellow-light accidents frequently involve vehicles making left turns. A driver waiting to turn left may believe an approaching vehicle will slow down as the light changes. Instead, the approaching motorist accelerates through the intersection, causing a collision.
Determining liability in these situations can be complicated.
Washington law generally requires drivers turning left to yield to oncoming vehicles that are within the intersection or close enough to present an immediate hazard. However, an approaching driver’s excessive speed may also contribute to the accident.
Depending on the circumstances, both drivers could share responsibility.
Can You Recover Compensation If You Were Partially at Fault?
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means an injured person may recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for causing an accident.
For example, if a driver turning left is found 30% responsible for a collision and the speeding driver is 70% responsible, the turning driver’s recoverable damages would generally be reduced by 30%.
Compensation in a Washington car accident claim may include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
How Can You Prove a Driver Was Speeding Through a Yellow Light?
Establishing fault often requires more than the drivers’ conflicting accounts. Traffic camera footage, dashcam recordings, witness statements, vehicle damage, and accident reconstruction evidence may help establish how fast a vehicle was traveling and when it entered the intersection.
A police report may also contain important information about the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Speak With a Seattle Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured by a driver who sped through a yellow light, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. A Seattle car accident attorney can investigate the collision, evaluate the available evidence and help determine who should be held responsible for your injuries.
Understanding your legal rights is an important first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.
* Main image at top by Magnific