A yellow traffic light means that you should get ready to stop—but if you stop completely at a yellow light and end up in a car accident, the process of figuring out liability can feel overwhelming and complicated.
What Does New Jersey Law Require at a Yellow Light?
New Jersey law mandates that drivers stop at a yellow light before entering the intersection or crosswalk—unless your car is so close to the stop line (defined as within 50 feet at 20 mph) that you cannot stop safely. This rule helps keep everyone on the road safe from sudden, unsafe stops.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Yellow Light Accident?
If you get into a car accident after stopping at a yellow light, prioritize your safety and that of others. Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible and check for injuries.
Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, and insurance.
Take photos of the vehicles, intersection, traffic lights, and any visible damage. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information.
How Is Fault Determined in a Yellow Light Rear-End Collision?
New Jersey uses a system called “modified comparative negligence.” Usually, in a rear-end crash, the law places the blame on the driver behind for failing to keep a safe distance. However, if you stopped suddenly or in an unsafe way—beyond what a reasonable driver would do within that 50-foot rule—you might share some of the blame.
What Role Does New Jersey’s No-Fault/PIP System Play?
New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, which means your insurance (which every driver in the state must have) covers medical bills no matter who caused the accident. By law, the minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage you can purchase is $15,000 per person per accident, though you can opt for coverage up to $250,000. This coverage includes doctor visits, hospital stays, lost wages, and assistance with daily tasks. However, you can only pursue compensation for damages related to pain and suffering if your injuries meet the legal threshold for seriousness.
What Evidence Is Used to Decide Fault?
Physical evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and crash reconstructions, plays a crucial role in fault determination, as do police reports and traffic citations. The court will also consider any testimony from eyewitnesses and the drivers involved, as well as data about the timing and duration of the yellow light.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Yellow Light Accident?
A lawyer can assist by collecting and reviewing evidence, including expert crash reconstructions. They also handle your insurance claims and related paperwork to ease the process, explain how the comparative fault system might work in your case, and stand up for you during negotiations or in court.
If you get into a car accident at a yellow light, trust the Hazlet car accident lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova, LLC to provide you with the legal assistance that you need. Our firm has secured significant settlements for our clients, including multiple cases with $1.2 million awards and others worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. We work on cases related to car accidents, personal injury, Workers’ Compensation, and more—and we can help you too.
Get Help After Your Collision With the Hazlet Car Accident Lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova, LLC
Call the Hazlet car accident lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova, LLC today at 732-705-3363 or submit our online form to schedule a free consultation. With office locations in Hazlet and Highland Park, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Ocean County, Sussex County, Neptune, Middlesex County, and Pennsylvania.