As is true of most major cities, you cannot go very far on a Charleston, South Carolina, road without seeing a traffic light. It’s easy to assume that all drivers know what each color on these lights means, yet, as any red and yellow light accident lawyer will tell you, plenty of accidents happen because drivers simply fail to adhere to what the light implies.
At the Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm, our Charleston car accident lawyer knows that many of the accidents that occur at traffic lights are the result of negligence. In South Carolina, careless motorists who ignore traffic lights and signals can face several legal consequences, including being held liable for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other harm victims suffer.
Contact us today at (843) 278-2222 to schedule a free consultation with a Charleston red and yellow light accident lawyer.
How Ty Robinson Law Firm Can Help After a Red And Yellow Light Accident in Charleston, SC
Although South Carolina is an at-fault car accident state, that does not mean obtaining compensation following a red or yellow light crash is automatically guaranteed. Enlisting the assistance of an experienced attorney can make the claims process smoother and improve your chances of quickly recovering the full value of your claim.
In particular, our Charleston car accident lawyer will do the following for you:
- Offer a free, no-obligation case review to discuss your claim and its potential
- File the initial paperwork, gather and submit evidence, and appeal any wrongful insurance denials
- Act as your representative and protect your interests in settlement negotiations and other conversations with adjusters and attorneys
- Represent you in any necessary court proceedings
Resolving complex car accident claims, including those that arise after red and yellow light wrecks, can take time. However, having a skilled advocate by your side will leave you free to focus on your physical recovery after an injury crash and potentially shorten the time your claim will take to process.
Contact us today to meet with our Charleston red and yellow light accident lawyer.
What to Do at Yellow and Red Lights
Understanding how red and yellow traffic lights work is essential for safe driving and accident prevention, especially in busy areas like Charleston.
Red Lights
A red traffic light in Charleston, just as it is anywhere throughout the country, is a signal for you to bring your vehicle to a complete stop until the light turns green (or you otherwise have the right of way).
If the light is flashing red, you must still bring your vehicle to a stop and only proceed once you have the right of way and your path forward is clear.
Yellow Lights
Yellow lights are meant to indicate caution. When you see a solid yellow traffic light, it means the light is about to turn red. If you are already at an intersection, you should clear it as quickly and safely as possible. If you have not yet entered the intersection, a yellow light is your signal to slow down and prepare to stop.
Flashing yellow lights tell you to exercise caution as you proceed. While you do not need to bring your car to a stop, you should still slow down and check for other traffic that may have the right of way before you. If you encounter any car or truck that does, stop and wait for them to clear the area before continuing on your way.
Inattentiveness or reckless rushing is at issue in many cases involving red and yellow light crashes. Running a red light is a traffic violation that is most often punished by a fine. Points may also be added to your license.
Types of Accidents at Traffic Lights in South Carolina
Most traffic lights are placed at intersections to control the flow of traffic traveling in various directions.
However, given these placements and the behavior of drivers around them, two of the most common types of accidents seen at traffic lights are as follows:
Rear-End Crashes
Drivers who follow other vehicles too closely may cause a rear-end crash if they proceed forward while the car ahead of them slows down for a yellow light. Similarly, motorists who unreasonably slam on their brakes in the face of a yellow or red light might inadvertently cause a trailing vehicle to crash into them. In severe cases, multi-car pile-ups may occur.
Side-Impact Accidents
A side-impact crash, also known as a “T-bone” collision, occurs when one car crashes into another at or near a 90-degree angle. These wrecks typically happen when one driver ignores a red light and proceeds through an intersection without having the right of way. Other traffic that does have the right of way can then be struck by that careless driver.
Contact Our Charleston Red and Yellow Light Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Determining who is to blame for your red and yellow light accident can be more difficult than it seems. Not only must you identify the negligent person, but you must also be prepared to prove their fault with evidence.
Ty Robinson Law Firm is here to explain the claims process and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary case consultation.
