I’m seeking advice regarding my liability after a recent collision where another vehicle ran a red light.
The incident occurred the other night while I was driving through an intersection in the rightmost lane. I collided with a car that either turned left or possibly went straight through the light against the red signal. My light was clearly green, not only for my lane but also for the vehicles turning left in the same direction. In fact, I believe their light was turning yellow as I entered the intersection, meaning it had definitely not turned green for the car that ran the red light.
I’m concerned that my insurance might argue that I should have been able to avoid the collision since I was in the rightmost lane. However, there were vehicles in the two adjacent lanes that were a few car lengths behind, so switching lanes to evade the other car would likely have resulted in another collision. I’m anxious about whether the adjuster will see this as at least partially my fault because I couldn’t avoid the accident. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, and I apologize for the long message.
It sounds like you’ve been through a stressful situation, and it’s understandable to have concerns about liability after a collision like this. In California, you generally have the right of way when you’re proceeding straight through an intersection with a green light, and it sounds like the other driver was clearly at fault for running a red light.
When it comes to liability, insurance adjusters typically consider a variety of factors, including the traffic signals, the behavior of the drivers, and the specific circumstances of the accident. Given that you were traveling straight with a green light, it’s likely that the other driver would be primarily at fault.
However, it’s true that insurance adjusters might analyze whether there was any way you could have avoided the collision. Since you mentioned that changing lanes wasn’t an option due to the cars beside you, that context will help your case. You may want to gather any evidence you can, such as photos of the scene, witness statements, or a police report, if one was made.
If you’re worried about how your insurance claim will be handled, it might also be worth speaking with a legal professional who specializes in auto accidents. They can provide specific guidance based on the details of your case and help you navigate the insurance process. Remember to stay calm and provide clear information about the series of events to your insurance adjuster. Good luck!