What to Do at an Intersection With Flashing Lights
Even if you’ve spent years behind the wheel on Colorado roads, drivers are still sometimes unsure what to do when stop lights are flashing either red or yellow. If this confusion results in a car accident, it’s important to know what to do afterward to show who’s at fault so you can secure compensation. It is also helpful to know what to do at an intersection with flashing lights.
What Flashing Traffic Signals Mean at Intersections
Left-turn signals may flash yellow to indicate you can make a left turn when oncoming traffic is clear, but the most confusing situation is when the red stop and yellow caution lights are flashing. This usually indicates that the normal signal commands are malfunctioning. Much like four-way stops, drivers may be unfamiliar with or have simply forgotten the rules of the road for handling these situations.
According to the Colorado Driver Handbook, you should treat flashing red lights the same as a stop sign, coming to a complete halt before proceeding through the intersection. With flashing yellow lights, you should proceed with caution and watch for drivers in oncoming lanes or perpendicular to you who may be crossing the intersection.
What to Do if the Lights Are Off or Malfunctioning
If the lights are completely dark, treat the intersection like a four-way stop:
- You must yield the right-of-way to the driver who reached the intersection first.
- If you and a driver opposite you arrive at the same time, you must yield the right-of-way if you are turning left and they are going straight.
- If you arrive at the same time as a driver going perpendicular to you, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.
Every driver has a primary duty to avoid causing a crash. When you are hurt in an accident at an intersection with flashing lights or malfunctioning control systems, it’s important to know how to gather evidence and prepare your claim. While you can do some of this yourself, it’s useful to partner with an experienced car accident lawyer who can guide you through the process.
Factors That Can Make an Intersection With Flashing Lights More Dangerous
There are other conditions that could lead to a crash when the traffic signals are flashing, such as:
- Heavy rain and snow can make it harder to see what other drivers intend to do.
- Drivers could forget to use their turn signals to indicate their intentions.
- Drivers could disobey the flashing red lights and fail to yield the right-of-way.
- Drivers behind you could expect you to keep moving instead of stopping or rear-ending your vehicle.
- Drivers could be distracted by their cell phones, passengers, or other causes, leading them to cause a crash.
If you were involved in a crash at an intersection with flashing lights, it is crucial to consult a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What to Do if You’re in a Crash at an Intersection With Flashing Lights
Follow these steps to protect your health and claim:
- Call 911: Get police and medical assistance for everyone involved.
- Exchange details: Under Colorado Title 42. Vehicles and Traffic § 42-4-1601, you must exchange your contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of your injuries and vehicle damage, as well as the road and weather conditions.
- Ask witnesses for their contact info: Your car accident attorney can interview them.
- Get follow-up medical care: See your doctor within 72 hours.
You should also schedule a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your claim.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help if You’re Injured in an Intersection Crash
An attorney can work to file your insurance claim and demonstrate who is at fault. They strive to maximize the compensation you can receive from all potential sources, so arrange your free case review with a car accident lawyer today.
Contact our Denver Car Accident Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers in Denver. Call us at (720) 613 9706
For more information, please contact the Denver car accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, proudly serving all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
