Navigating intersections can be one of the most confusing and contentious parts of driving, especially when yellow lights are involved. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 40% of all car accidents occur at intersections, often due to confusion over traffic signals or right of way. When two cars enter an intersection during a yellow light – one proceeding straight and the other making a turn – and they collide, determining fault can quickly turn into a legal gray area.
If you’ve been in this situation, or you’re simply curious about what happens in these scenarios, this blog will explain the factors that influence liability, how Washington state laws may apply, and what to expect when assessing fault.
Understanding the Yellow Light
A yellow light is often misunderstood. While many see it as an invitation to speed up, the purpose of a yellow light is to warn drivers that the light is about to turn red. According to Washington state traffic laws (RCW 46.61.055, where RCW stands for Revised Code of Washington):
-
Drivers may proceed through a yellow light if they cannot safely stop before the intersection.
-
Drivers must exercise caution when entering an intersection during a yellow light.
-
Turning vehicles (left-turning cars specifically) must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a protected green arrow.
This creates an important dynamic at intersections: drivers turning left are generally required to yield to vehicles going straight, even during a yellow light.
How Liability Is Determined in Washington State
When two cars collide in this situation, liability typically depends on a few key factors under Washington law:
-
Who Had the Right of Way?
-
Washington law (RCW 46.61.185) clearly states that drivers making a left turn must yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles that are approaching in a manner constituting an immediate hazard.
-
If the light was yellow, the left-turning driver must still wait for a clear gap in oncoming traffic to complete the turn safely.
-
-
The Status of the Light at the Time of the Collision
-
Did the light turn red while either car was in the intersection? If the left-turning vehicle entered the intersection on a yellow but completed the turn after the light turned red, liability may shift.
-
If the straight-going vehicle ran a red light, they could be at fault.
-
-
Speed of the Vehicles
-
Under RCW 46.61.400, drivers must adhere to posted speed limits and travel at a safe speed for conditions. If the vehicle going straight was speeding to “beat” the yellow light, this could influence liability. Speeding may be seen as a contributing factor to the accident.
-
-
Driver Actions and Visibility
-
Were the drivers paying attention to the traffic signal, other vehicles, or pedestrians?
-
Could the left-turning driver reasonably see and assess the speed of the oncoming car?
-
-
Evidence of Comparative Fault
-
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule (RCW 4.22.005). If both drivers share fault, liability will be apportioned based on their percentage of fault.
-
Real-Life Scenarios in Washington State
Let’s explore a couple of examples:
-
Scenario A: The Left-Turning Driver Is at Fault
-
Driver A is making a left turn as Driver B goes straight through a yellow light. Driver A misjudges the speed and distance of Driver B and turns too soon, causing a collision.
-
Under RCW 46.61.185, Driver A is likely at fault for failing to yield to oncoming traffic.
-
-
Scenario B: The Straight-Moving Driver Is at Fault
-
Driver A is making a left turn on a yellow light, but Driver B accelerates to beat the light and enters the intersection at an excessive speed. Driver B hits Driver A mid-turn.
-
Here, Driver B’s speeding (RCW 46.61.400) could make them fully or partially at fault for causing the accident.
-
-
Scenario C: Shared Fault
-
Both drivers enter the intersection on a yellow light. The left-turning driver proceeds without ensuring a clear path, while the straight-moving driver speeds up to avoid stopping. Both contribute to the accident.
-
Under Washington’s comparative negligence laws, both parties could share liability based on their percentage of fault.
-
Evidence That Can Help Determine Fault
If you are involved in this type of accident, gathering evidence will be key in determining liability:
-
Traffic Camera Footage: Many intersections in Washington are equipped with cameras that can show the exact timing of the collision relative to the light.
-
Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from people who saw the accident can clarify who entered the intersection first and at what speed.
-
Skid Marks and Vehicle Damage: Physical evidence can help determine vehicle speeds and points of impact.
-
Police Report: Law enforcement will document the accident scene and may provide an initial assessment of fault.
Washington’s Comparative Negligence Law
Under Washington state’s pure comparative negligence system: For example, imagine a driver making a left turn is found 70% at fault for failing to yield, while the straight-moving driver is 30% at fault for speeding through a yellow light. If the straight-moving driver’s damages are $10,000, they would recover $7,000 (70% of the fault is deducted). This system allows each driver to recover compensation proportional to their level of fault.
-
Each driver’s fault is assigned as a percentage (e.g., 60% vs. 40%).
-
Your compensation for damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 40% at fault and incurred $10,000 in damages, you would only receive $6,000.
-
Even if you are primarily at fault (e.g., 90%), you can still recover 10% of your damages.
Steps to Take After a Yellow Light Collision
If you find yourself in this situation, take these steps:
-
Ensure Safety: Move to a safe area if possible and check for injuries.
-
Call the Police: A police report will help document the accident.
-
Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and traffic signals.
-
Speak to Witnesses: Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
-
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident as soon as possible.
-
Consult a Lawyer: If there is a dispute over liability or significant damages, a personal injury attorney familiar with Washington state laws can help you navigate the legal process.
Final Thoughts
Collisions involving yellow lights and turning vehicles in Washington state often come down to timing, right of way, and driver behavior. While the left-turning driver is frequently found at fault, exceptions can occur, especially if the straight-moving vehicle was speeding or disregarded the changing signal.
If you’ve been involved in an accident like this, don’t leave fault up to interpretation. Clear evidence, a strong understanding of Washington state traffic laws, and sound legal guidance can make all the difference in ensuring a fair outcome.
