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Accidents happen every day, and when you live in an area as vibrant and popular as New Jersey you may find yourself involved in one sooner or later. While this can be a relatively minor occurrence for many, sometimes it can result in a much more serious collision and can leave one party contacting a New Jersey personal injury attorney to help them pick up the pieces of their life.
A common type of accident, particularly with our trademark jughandles, is yellow light accidents. This is where one party is given a yellow light and either cannot or does not stop for the traffic traveling in the other direction, and a collision occurs.
What Does NJ Law Say About Yellow Lights
New Jersey traffic statutes are relatively specific when it comes to how a driver should behave when approaching an intersection and encountering a yellow light. The driver is to stop if they are more than 50 feet from entering the intersection, assuming a speed of 20mph. This essentially means that the driver encountering the yellow light must stop unless it would be dangerous to do so.
What is the Penalty for Failing to Stop?
Since New Jersey utilizes a point system for driving offenses, failing to stop for a traffic control device will add two points to the driver’s license. While there is no disciplinary action for just two points, the points aren’t easily removed, so they will add up. Just 6 points in 3 years will mean a fine of at least $150, and at 12 points the license is suspended.
Potential Results of a Yellow Light Accident
Since the result of a yellow light accident is often a direct impact to either the driver or passenger side, they can have devastating effects on the victims. The injuries that result from a yellow light accident can include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Breaks & fractures
- Amputations
- Injuries to the skull and spine
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
In addition to all of the potential physical injuries, and the treatments, surgeries, and procedures needed to fully recover from them, there are the psychological injuries. Being in any serious traumatic event can cause lasting effects on the victim, including nightmares, flashbacks, and ongoing emotional instability. Without diagnosis and treatment, these symptoms can begin to seriously impact and disrupt the victim’s daily life.
If You Have Been in a Yellow Light Accident
While it is possible to recover compensation for damages that result from a yellow light accident, there are time limits involved, and if you or someone you know has been injured in a yellow light accident it’s crucial that you reach out for help immediately. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney you will be able to build the strongest case for compensation, and you will gain an experienced negotiator for dealing with the insurance adjuster as well. Contact our office today for a free consultation, we offer a free consultation.