The Virginia Code says that a green light indicates that traffic shall move in the direction of the signal and remain in motion as long as the green signal is given.
However, such traffic must lawfully yield to other vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection. Furthermore, the Virginia Supreme Court has written that a green light is not an unqualified command for a driver to proceed in the direction indicated under any circumstances.
Instead, the green light is only a command to proceed with reasonable care.
Our personal injury lawyers in Virginia Beach say that the duty of a driver facing a green light at an intersection to proceed with reasonable care means that the driver must maintain a reasonable lookout and otherwise exercise ordinary care to avoid a collision.
Among other things, a driver passing through an intersection under a green light must look in all directions for vehicles, persons, and conditions that would affect his or her driving, see what a reasonable person would see, and react as a reasonable person would act to avoid a collision.
That means if another vehicle passes through the intersection under a red light, the car’s driver entering the intersection under a green light must take ordinary care to avoid a collision with the vehicle proceeding under the red light.
If a person is injured in a car accident involving a vehicle that passed through the intersection under a red light, striking the injured person’s vehicle as it entered the intersection under a green light, the injured person could be barred from recovery if the court determines that the injured person did not look for approaching vehicles before proceeding into the intersection.
Even though the driver of the car that entered the intersection under the red light acted negligently, the injured person’s failure to look for approaching traffic before entering the intersection may constitute contributory negligence, meaning the injured person could not recover for his or her injuries sustained in the car accident.
Questions regarding the duties of drivers at an intersection and contributory negligence are specific to the facts of the individual personal injury case, and we encourage you to consult our personal injury lawyers.
We can assess whether the injured person satisfied his or her duties to maintain a proper lookout and to exercise ordinary care to avoid a collision. Our lawyers can also determine whether there is a legitimate basis for a defendant in the potential personal injury lawsuit to make a contributory negligence defense.
In cases where a contributory negligence defense may be applicable, our lawyers can assess whether there are any exceptions to the contributory negligence doctrine that may apply, such as the last clear chance doctrine, proximate causation, etc.
Schedule a Consultation With Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC
At Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC, we are here to help navigate the complexities of post-accident procedures and legal matters. Our experienced team ensures you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys handle injury claims ranging from bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and car accidents to drunk driving accidents and wrongful death claims.
Give us a call and let our experience work for you. We have been helping the people of Virginia since 1955 and are ready to help you. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
If you need a Personal Injury Attorney in Virginia Beach, contact us at (757) 486-2700.
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# Laws for greenlights and intersections