Traffic signals are critical for Brookhaven roads. Without traffic lights, drivers would not have the structure to prevent accidents. But some drivers choose to disobey traffic signals—and their actions cause an accident.
If you were hurt in such an accident, our Brookhaven car accident lawyers can help. At John Foy & Associates, we know what it takes to win cases. Our team has been helping accident victims for over 20 years.
Contact us today to discuss your legal options. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Traffic Signal Laws in Brookhaven
Georgia drivers must obey the instructions of official traffic-control devices (Georgia Code §40-6-20). Violating this law is a misdemeanor offense.
Here is how drivers should respond to traffic signals (according to Georgia Code §40-6-21).
Green Lights
Drivers can drive straight through a green light. They can also turn left or right unless a sign prevents turning. Turning drivers should yield to approaching traffic.
Drivers must stop for a pedestrian to cross if:
- The pedestrian is within a crosswalk.
- The pedestrian is crossing when the green traffic light turns on.
- The pedestrian is approaching or within one lane of the half of the roadway when the light goes on.
Green Arrows
Drivers can enter an intersection only in the direction the arrow is pointing. Drivers should also yield to other traffic using the intersection lawfully.
Drivers must stop and let pedestrians cross according to the above conditions.
Yellow Lights or Arrows
Yellow lights warn drivers that:
- The green light has ended, and
- The light is about to turn red.
Drivers should know that they cannot enter an intersection once the light turns red. A yellow light is a signal to slow down.
Red Lights
Drivers should stop at a red light until the light turns green. Drivers can only turn right on a red light after stopping first and yielding to pedestrians. However, right turns are not allowed if a sign prohibits them.
Red Arrows
Drivers with a red arrow signal cannot enter an intersection in the arrow’s direction. They must stop and wait until the signal changes to green.
There are many ways a driver might fail to obey traffic signals. Motorists might ignore a signal if they are in a hurry or distracted. No matter the reason, disregarding a traffic sign is negligent behavior.
Our car accident lawyers will investigate how your accident happened. We’ll determine how the other driver disobeyed traffic laws before the crash. If the driver’s actions caused your accident, they are responsible for the costs.
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How Ignoring Traffic Signals Leads to Accidents
Brookhaven drivers should follow all traffic laws to keep each other safe. Sadly, not all motorists obey the rules. Some will intentionally ignore signals without regard for other drivers.
Examples of disobeying traffic signals include:
- Texting while driving and running a red light
- Driving under the influence and failing to see a red light
- Running through a yellow light even though the driver knows it will turn red first
- Turning right at a red light even when it’s not allowed
- Turning on a red arrow
- Failing to yield to oncoming traffic on a yellow arrow
- Blazing through a red or flashing red light
All of the above situations can cause severe accidents. Tragically, many accidents and deaths have happened because someone ignored traffic signals. If another driver caused your crash in this way, you can seek compensation.
You might be eligible for a full financial recovery. Our lawyers can help you file a personal injury claim against the other driver. If you were not at fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for the driver’s negligent behavior.
Disregarding a traffic signal is also a “prima-facie” evidence of a law violation. Prima-facie means the evidence is enough to show fault unless proved otherwise. If the other driver ignored a traffic signal before your accident, this evidence can help your case.
The Consequences of Failing to Obey Traffic Signals
Disobeying traffic signals has many consequences. When an intersection contains signals, they are there for a reason. Brookhaven uses traffic signals to prevent injuries and fatal accidents.
When a driver ignores signals, they put everyone at risk. We have seen terrible injuries from these types of accidents, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Severe burns
When someone runs a red light, they are typically going very fast. High-speed accidents tend to cause very severe injuries and damages. Head-on and T-bone collisions are common with failure to obey traffic sign accidents.
These types of accidents affect both motorists and pedestrians. If a pedestrian is involved, the injuries are often fatal. No matter how you’ve suffered from the accident, you have rights.
Contact John Foy & Associates to learn your options today. Our lawyers are not afraid to do what it takes to win your case. We fight tirelessly for our clients. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
What a Brookhaven Car Accident Lawyer does for You
An accident can leave you with medical costs, lost wages, and more. Thankfully, an experienced lawyer will help you seek compensation. Here are some ways an attorney can help:
- Investigating the details of your accident
- Determining how the other driver’s actions contributed to your crash
- Reviewing the police report
- Interviewing witnesses
- Gathering evidence from the scene
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Calculating your full accident damages
- Building a substantial insurance claim
- Dealing with the insurance company for you
- Negotiating for the compensation you deserve
Talk to a Brookhaven Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
If a failure to obey traffic signals caused your accident, contact John Foy & Associates today. We have been helping accident victims for 20-plus years. When you call, we’ll discuss your crash and your options.
Our attorneys approach each case with knowledge and compassion. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win you compensation. There is no risk to you when working with us.
To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form