JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | January 20, 2026 | Car Accidents
When a lighted intersection isn’t functioning properly, the lights for one set of lanes typically begin flashing red, and the adjacent set of lights typically begin flashing yellow. Knowing what to do at these intersections can help you avoid a car accident.
Here’s a breakdown of what a flashing red light and flashing yellow light mean at an intersection, according to California traffic laws.
What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean?
A flashing red light means that you are supposed to come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. You must check all directions and ensure that it is safe to proceed. Treat a flashing red light just like a stop sign. If there is a stop bar at the intersection, stop behind it.
If the lights in all directions are flashing red, drivers are supposed to proceed in the order in which they arrived. However, drivers who are in a rush may skip you, so be wary of vehicles darting into the intersection, even if it was your turn.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean?
At an intersection, a flashing yellow light means to slow down and be attentive. While you legally do not have to stop at a flashing yellow light, you need to proceed with caution, especially if there are cars in front of you. Failing to pay attention to the vehicles in front of you could lead to a rear-end crash.
Remember, other drivers may not know what to do if they are coming from the other lanes. This means that drivers who are facing a flashing red light may not come to a complete stop. Slowing down when approaching a flashing yellow light gives you an opportunity to observe what other drivers are doing and react accordingly.
What if Other Drivers Ignore Flashing Lights?
Unfortunately, distracted driving is a common problem throughout the United States, including in places like Tarzana, CA. Individuals who are not paying attention may proceed into an intersection without making sure that it is safe to do so.
For example, inattentive drivers approaching a flashing red light may enter the intersection without coming to a complete stop, endangering drivers who have a flashing yellow light.
If an accident occurs, the driver who violates the right of way will most likely be at fault, unless other involved drivers also demonstrated negligence. However, the goal is to avoid an accident altogether, meaning you must use your attentiveness and defensive driving skills when passing through an intersection with flashing red or yellow lights.
Who Is Liable for a Crash at an Intersection With Flashing Lights?
Typically, the person who violated the right-of-way will be liable.
For example, if a person has a flashing red light governing their lane of travel and they proceed into the intersection without stopping, they would be liable if they caused a crash. However, other drivers can contribute as well by driving too fast for conditions, being distracted, or otherwise violating California traffic laws.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning an injured person can still recover for their injuries even if they are partially at fault. However, the amount of compensation they receive will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
What to Do After a Crash
If you or a loved one is injured in a crash at an intersection with flashing lights, your priorities should include the following:
- Getting to a safe location
- Seeking medical treatment
- Reporting the accident to law enforcement
- Exercising your rights to pursue compensation, if applicable
Use the tips above to reduce your risk of being involved in a crash at a malfunctioning intersection and enforce your rights if you are hurt due to another’s negligence.
Contact the Tarzana Car Accident Lawyers at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Tarzana car accident attorneys will pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
