You can turn right on a red light in Georgia after you come to a complete stop, unless a traffic sign or signal says you cannot. You must yield to other traffic and people in the crosswalk before turning.
If you are recovering from a crash that happened during a right turn on red, our Marietta car accident lawyer will review what each driver did, how the signals were set up, and how the insurance company looks at fault. That review helps you make informed choices as your case moves forward.
What Drivers Need to Know Before Turning Right on Red
At most intersections, drivers may turn right on red after stopping fully at the light. Under Georgia Code § 40-6-21, the turn is only allowed if there is no posted sign banning it. You also need to check for oncoming traffic and people in the crosswalk before you move.
There are times when the turn is not allowed. A sign may clearly say “No Turn on Red.” You cannot roll through the stop or move into a crosswalk where someone is walking. If traffic already has the right of way, you must wait.
Who Has the Right of Way at a Red Light?
Right of way often decides who is at fault after a crash at a red light. A driver turning right on red does not have priority. Drivers going straight through an intersection on a green light have the right of way. People crossing in a marked crosswalk also have the right of way.
A driver turning right on red must wait until the path is clear before moving. If a driver turns without giving others time and space to pass, that decision may lead to fault. Even a small mistake, like easing forward too soon, can play a role in how a claim is handled.
How Fault Is Decided After a Crash in Georgia
After a crash, insurance companies and investigators look closely at what each driver did before the vehicles made contact.
They may review:
- Whether the driver turning right came to a full stop
- Whether a “No Turn on Red” sign was present
- Whether traffic or pedestrians had the right of way
- Police reports and witness statements
- Traffic camera or nearby video footage
Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means more than one driver can share fault. The amount assigned to each driver can affect what damages are available.
These cases can be confusing, especially when people’s accounts of the crash do not match. A careful review of the facts helps sort out what happened and what comes next.
Types of Damages You Can Seek After a Crash
If another driver caused the crash, you may seek damages related to your losses, such as:
- Medical bills and ongoing care
- Lost income and changes in your ability to work
- Physical pain and changes to your daily life
- Repair or replacement for property damage
The details of the crash and the extent of your injuries will shape what damages apply.
Common Injuries After an Intersection Crash
Crashes at red lights often involve side impacts or sudden stops. These can place stress on the body in different ways.
Injuries we see in these claims include:
- Neck and back injuries
- Head injuries, including concussions
- Broken bones
- Shoulder injuries
- Internal injuries
Some injuries show up right away, but others may take a few days or weeks to appear. Medical records help connect these injuries to the crash and show how they affect daily life.
Our Marietta catastrophic injury lawyer will review your injuries and losses and seek a claim for damages on your behalf.
Deadline to File an Injury Lawsuit in Georgia
Many personal injury cases settle outside of court. If we must take your case to trial, we must file your lawsuit by a certain time. Under Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to sue for damages.
If you miss this deadline, you likely will not be able to move forward with your case. We will keep everything on track and file your case on time.
What to Do After an Accident
The steps you take after a crash can affect how your case moves forward:
- Get medical care right away: Our injury lawyer will help you connect your treatment to your case and keep records organized.
- Call the police and get a report: The report may include details about the traffic signal and what each driver said at the scene.
- Take photos and gather details: Pictures of the intersection, signals, and vehicle damage can help show how the crash happened. Our team will use this information to build your case.
- Be careful when you speak to the insurance company: Our attorney will guide you before you give a statement so your words are not used against you.
- Keep track of your recovery: Notes about pain, missed work, and daily challenges help show how the crash has affected your life.
We will manage your case while you heal from the accident.
Had a Crash After a Right Turn on Red? Call Jones & Swanson
Questions about timing, right of way, and driver decisions often come up after a right-turn-on-red crash. A Jones & Swanson personal injury lawyer in Marietta will review the facts, handle conversations with the insurance company, and help you understand your options.
Jones & Swanson brings 50+ years of combined experience to every case and has recovered over $50 million for clients. We are a hometown firm that gives your case the time and attention it deserves. Our team returns calls, responds to emails, and stays engaged throughout your case.
We have the experience, training, and resources to handle serious cases with care. If we must file a lawsuit, we will prepare your case with focus and keep you informed along the way.
You will have an attorney who listens, responds, and works to help you make confident decisions. For a review of your legal options, call us today for a free consultation.
