How often do you turn right-on-red? In California, most drivers do it on a regular basis. Otherwise it is clearly marked otherwise, a right-on-red is presumptively lawful in our state. With that being said, any motorist making a right-on-red has a legal duty to stop their vehicle and yield to anyone who is crossing the road. Unfortunately, these turns can sometimes lead to bad accidents. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we advocate for the rights and interests of car crash victims. Here, our Stockton auto accident attorney provides a guide to right-on-red crash claims in California.
Know the Law: Right-on-Red Permitted in California (Unless Marked Otherwise)
First and foremost, it is important to clarify that a right-on-red is a presumptively legal driving maneuver in California. To make a lawful right-on-red, a motorist must comply with the requirements of California Vehicle Code § 21453(b). Here are the three key points that all drivers in California should know about the statewide right-on-red laws:
- You must make a complete stop before making a right turn at a red traffic light;
- You are responsible for ensuring that the road you are turning onto is clear; and
- You cannot make a right on red if there are signs explicitly prohibiting the maneuver.
Most Right-on-Red Crashes are Pedestrian Collisions/Bicycle Collisions
Right-on-red maneuvers are legal and they are common in California. However, that is not to say that they are also completed safely. Unfortunately, right turns at red lights are too often associated with pedestrian collisions and bicycle collisions. These accidents typically occur because drivers may focus more on the traffic from the left and neglect to adequately check for pedestrians and cyclists to their right who may be crossing legally. The limited visibility of these smaller, less noticeable road users can also contribute to such incidents.
Every Serious Right-on-Red Accident Requires a Thorough Investigation
California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident jurisdiction. The party—whether driver, truck company, pedestrian/cyclist, or government entity—who negligence caused a crash can be held liable for the resulting damages. Every right-on-red collision in San Joaquin County should be carefully investigated by an experienced Stockton auto accident attorney. Here are the most common reasons why accidents happen when drivers are turning right on red in California:
- Rushing Through the Turn (Failure to Yield): One of the main causes of right-on-red accidents is drivers rushing through the turn without yielding. It is a big problem. In far too many cases, drivers hurry to make the right turn at red lights—and fail to fully stop and properly assess oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists who have the right of way. The haste can lead to misjudging the safe gap needed to turn. It could cause a serious crash.
- Distracted Driving—Especially Cell Phones: Distracted driving is dangerous driving. It can cause bad accidents in busy urban settings, especially near intersections. Texting and driving is especially dangerous. When drivers use their phones, whether texting, calling, or browsing, their attention diverts from the road. The distraction is especially hazardous during right-on-red situations where the driver’s full attention is required to monitor multiple directions for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
- Poorly Designed Traffic Light or Intersection: Accidents during right-on-red situations can also stem from poorly designed traffic lights or poorly designed intersections. For example, if the traffic signals are not clearly visible or the intersection layout does not allow easy viewing of all necessary angles, drivers may find it challenging to make safe decisions. Beyond that, the lack of proper signage indicating right-on-red permissions or restrictions can further complicate the situation.
- Unsafe Practices By a Pedestrian or Bicyclist: While drivers are often at fault in right-on-red collisions, unsafe practices by pedestrians or bicyclists can also contribute to these incidents. Some of the most common examples include jaywalking, crossing against the signal, or bicyclists suddenly entering the crosswalk from the sidewalk in a dangerous manner. Remember, a motorist is not automatically liable for a crash—even if they made a right turn at a red light.
We Help Injured Victims Seek the Maximum Financial Compensation
Hurt in a right-on-red crash in Stockton? Whether you were injured as a pedestrian, cyclist, or occupant of a vehicle, it is imperative that you are able to secure the financial compensation that you need to pay your bills and support your loved ones. In California, you have the right to seek financial relief for both economic losses and non-economic damages through a car accident injury claim. With that being said, you are likely to run into problems from the insurance company. They want to pay out less. Our Stockton car accident lawyers can help. Through a right-on-red accident claim, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Loss of wages;
- Diminished earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death damages.
How the Stockton Car Crash Lawyers at Redkey Gordon Law Corp Can Help
Car accident claims are complicated. Dealing with the insurance company after a serious collision is not easy. Insurers do not put the rights and interests of people first. That is true whether you are a policyholder, car accident victim, injured pedestrian, or injured cyclist. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we have what it takes to hold the big insurance companies to account. With more than $25 million recovered for injured victims, we encourage you to review our history of case results to learn more.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a Car Accident Attorney in Stockton, CA
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton auto accident lawyers are skilled, experienced, and justice-first advocates for victims and families. Hurt in a right-on-red collision? We are more than ready to help you navigate the claims process. Contact us today for your free consultation. Our firm handles car accident cases in Stockton and throughout the surrounding communities, including in San Joaquin County, Sacramento County, Fresno County, Stanislaus County, and Amador County.