What Does a Blinking Yellow Light Mean on a California Road?
If you were hurt in an accident involving a blinking yellow light in California, you might be wondering who had the right of way. Most drivers in California are familiar with only three types of traffic lights – red, yellow, and green. However, there may be other types of lights, and these lights often confuse motorists.
If you are recovering from injuries after an intersection crash, it makes sense to contact an established auto accident law firm in Upland. Choose Moga Law Firm and discuss your situation alongside experienced auto accident lawyers. Scott Moga has helped numerous injured plaintiffs turning them into satisfied clients since establishing his law firm in the 90s, and he graduated from La Verne College of Law with honors. In addition, this Inland Empire auto accident attorney received American Jurisprudence awards in recognition of his achievements in the study of personal injury law.
What Does a Blinking Yellow Light Mean?
In simple terms, a blinking yellow light means that you should proceed with caution. It also means that the other vehicles have the right of way. If you are approaching a flashing yellow in the Inland Empire, it is a good idea to slow down. That being said, it is important to note that a flashing yellow is not the same as a solid red light. In other words, you do not need to come to a complete stop when approaching a flashing yellow light – and this is made clear by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Similar lights include a flashing yellow arrow and a flashing red. A flashing yellow means that you can turn, but you must yield to all other vehicles while doing so. A flashing red functions like a stop sign, requiring you to come to a complete stop before scanning the intersection and proceeding with caution.
Can I Still Pursue Compensation After a Flashing Yellow Crash?
If you got into an accident in an intersection with a flashing yellow light, your first step should be to determine who had the right of way. This is not always an easy process, and an accident attorney may be able to help. If you had the right of way, you should be able to pursue compensation with relative ease.
If you did not have the right of way, it may still be possible to pursue compensation. California uses a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means you can sue even if you partially contributed to your own injuries. However, you would need to show that someone else was also partially responsible, and your compensation would be reduced based on your own level of fault.
Contact an Established Auto Accident Law Firm in Upland
The California auto accident attorneys at Moga Law Firm are here to help. With our assistance, you can strive for justice and compensation – even if you are not sure who had the right of way in your accident. A blinking yellow can cause considerable confusion, but you cannot let this uncertainty stop you from pursuing the compensation you deserve. Call 909-931-2444 to speak with an auto accident lawyer today.
Scot Thomas Moga, a dedicated attorney in San Bernardino & Riverside Counties who represents clients in the many types of personal injury, workers’ compensation and estate planning cases.
