Close to one-half of all traffic injuries in the U.S. occur at intersections. These traffic meeting points can be difficult to navigate on the best of days because not every driver may know who has the right-of-way at any given time. They can be deadly if there are confusing conditions that drivers aren’t accustomed to, such as flashing traffic lights.
Learn more about what to do when you see flashing lights at an intersection.
What Do Flashing Traffic Lights Mean?
Flashing lights at intersections can signify various things, depending on the color and whether they have arrows. The most common example is a flashing red light.
Flashing red lights require you to make a complete stop at the intersection, similar to what you would do with a stop sign or normal red light. You must then give the right-of-way to the other vehicles around you, as local traffic laws require. It’s not necessary to wait for the light to change — as long as you come to a complete stop and proceed with caution, you can continue.
Yellow flashing lights typically indicate that drivers should proceed with caution, reduce their speed, and be prepared to stop if necessary. You aren’t required to stop if you see these lights, but you should exercise caution and reduce your speed to avoid a car accident.
Flashing red lights with arrows warn that you’re not allowed to make a turn at that time and must wait for the light to change. A flashing yellow arrow conveys that you can turn if it’s safe to do so but must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Causes Of Intersection Accidents And Who Might Be Liable
Intersection accidents can range from rear-end collisions to head-on crashes and can be quite serious, especially when they occur at high speeds. But just what causes these mishaps?
Common Causes Of Intersection Accidents
Distracted driving is one of the most frequent culprits of these crashes. Drivers may be looking down at their phones, conversing with passengers, or adjusting the cabin controls, drawing their eyes away from the road. As a result, they might not notice the flashing lights warning them to stop, slow down, or exercise caution.
Speeding can also lead to intersection crashes. A driver who’s going too fast won’t be able to stop in time if a light changes suddenly. This makes accidents much more likely and could also mean a more severe collision because of the force exerted on impact.
Drowsy driving is another major concern. Drowsy drivers can have impaired reflexes and coordination issues that prevent them from responding to hazards promptly or appropriately.
Inexperienced driving can also be a factor in these accidents. If a driver lacks a sufficient understanding of right-of-way or general traffic laws, they may try to proceed through the intersection when it’s not their turn to do so.
Establishing Liability
Since driver error is exceedingly common in intersection accidents, it’s important to demonstrate that the other party was negligent. If they were distracted, speeding, or doing anything else that harmed other road users, they could be liable for any resulting injuries or losses.
To establish liability, you must prove that the other party owed you a duty of care and that they breached this duty. You must then demonstrate how the breach caused your injuries.
Rely On Experienced Legal Representation
If you’ve been involved in an intersection accident in Nevada, it’s highly recommended that you consult an experienced car accident lawyer. With the right legal professional assisting you, it may be possible to recover your losses and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, or the surrounding Nevada area and need legal help, contact our Las Vegas car accident attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We have three locations in Nevada for your convenience, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson. We’re proud to serve Clark County and the surrounding areas.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 964-1806
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 800-3455
About the Author
Alex De Castroverde earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and is licensed to practice in Nevada. He is a dedicated trial lawyer who assists clients across Las Vegas in a wide range of legal matters, with a focus on personal injury. Alex has successfully represented clients in cases involving car accidents, catastrophic injuries, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and more. Click here to learn more about the outstanding case results Alex has achieved for his clients.
