If you’ve ever found yourself sitting at a red light, wondering “can I make a left turn on red?” you’re not alone. Many Virginia drivers are familiar with “right on red,” but “left on red” is a different story. The answer is yes, you can turn left on red, but only under very specific circumstances.
Unfortunately, the confusion surrounding left turns on red doesn’t just stop at the light. Misunderstanding or ignoring traffic laws often leads to car accidents, leaving drivers with unexpected injuries, costly medical bills, and stressful insurance disputes.
Whether it’s a driver failing to stop properly or turning when they shouldn’t, these mistakes can trigger a chain reaction that affects every aspect of life. If a negligent driver turned left in front of you or a close family member, a abogado de accidentes automovilísticos can answer your questions, inform you of your legal options, and guide you through the process of obtaining compensation.
When can I turn left on red?
Resulta que puede girar a la izquierda en rojo en Virginia, pero solo si: (1) el semáforo en rojo es rojo circular; (2) actualmente se encuentra detenido en una calle de sentido único; y (3) está a punto de girar a la izquierda en otra calle de sentido único. Bajo estas circunstancias, Código de Virginia § 46.2-836 permite expresamente girar a la izquierda en luz roja fija en un solo sentido después de haber detenido por completo el vehículo. El código permite específicamente girar a la izquierda en rojo si el semáforo es rojo circular, a diferencia de una flecha roja de solo girar. En este último caso, deberá obedecer la luz roja y solo girar una vez que la luz cambie a una flecha verde.
En Virginia, el giro a la izquierda legal en rojo se puede resumir en la imagen de abajo.
Figura 1. Representación de un giro a la izquierda legal en rojo desde una calle de un solo sentido hacia otra calle de un solo sentido.
La Figura 1 arriba muestra un automóvil blanco que actualmente está detenido en la intersección de dos calles de un solo sentido. No hay ninguna señal que prohíba a los vehículos en ese semáforo girar a la izquierda en rojo. Tenga en cuenta que el semáforo es un rojo circular ordinario y no una señal de flecha roja. Esta es la única situación en la que la ley de Virginia permite que el automóvil de color blanco gire a la izquierda mientras el semáforo de delante está en rojo. Compare esto con las figuras siguientes:
Figura 2. Representación de un giro a la izquierda desde una calle de dos sentidos a una calle de un solo sentido.
La Figura 2 anterior muestra un automóvil blanco que actualmente está detenido en una calle de dos carriles y está a punto de girar a la izquierda en una calle de un solo sentido. Esto no está permitido en Virginia porque el automóvil blanco se estacionaría frente al tráfico que viene del carril opuesto.
Figura 3. Representación de la intersección de dos calles de dos carriles.
En la Figura 3, que se muestra arriba, un automóvil blanco se detiene en un semáforo en rojo que rige la intersección de dos calles de dos carriles. Es ilegal que el automóvil blanco dé vuelta a la izquierda mientras el semáforo está en rojo, porque corre el riesgo de salir frente al tráfico que se aproxima y al otro lado del tráfico adyacente. Esta situación es el de mayor riesgo de los tres, y la ley de Virginia es explícita acerca de prohibir los giros a la izquierda en rojo en este tipo de intersecciones.
Tenga en cuenta que no se requiere que ningún conductor gire a la izquierda en rojo, ni a la derecha en rojo. Es importante adherirse a las señales de tráfico que digan en lenguaje sencillo "No girar en rojo" o que lo prohíban mediante un símbolo cuando se encuentre en una intersección. Incluso si se permite encender la luz roja, recuerde que es perfectamente legal, y muchas veces lo más seguro, esperar hasta que el semáforo se ponga verde y pueda continuar con seguridad. Si bien seguir la ley es clave, la seguridad es primordial.
What happens when a driver runs a red light?
When someone runs a red light, the consequences can be serious. These accidents often happen without warning, making it impossible for other drivers to react quickly. Common outcomes of these collisions include severe injuries, vehicle damage, and a ripple effect of complications that can take months to resolve.
Here’s what victims of red-light accidents often face after the crash:
- Sudden medical expenses for emergency room visits, physical therapy, or follow-up care
- Lost wages if injuries make returning to work impossible or delayed
- Prolonged disputes with insurance companies over repair costs or liability
- Emotional trauma, especially following high-impact crashes or those involving loved ones
Recovering from a red-light accident involves managing claims, paperwork, and financial recovery, best handled with professional support.
Exploring your legal options early can clarify the path toward recovering compensation. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the process of recovering compensation.
What compensation can I recover if injured in a red light accident?
When someone fails to follow traffic laws, the consequences can fall unfairly on victims like you. If a driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses.
Drivers or passengers in these crashes may not realize everything they’re able to pursue in terms of damages, which might include the following:
- Medical bills for injuries, including immediate care and any long-term treatments
- Vehicle repair costs, especially when damage is extensive or hidden problems arise later
- Non-economic losses, such as pain, suffering, or the inability to enjoy daily life fully
Being informed about your rights helps you take action, whether filing an insurance claim or pursuing further legal options for compensation. Addressing these damages through the proper channels ensures you don’t carry the financial burden of someone else’s mistake.
If unsure how to handle your case, speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you better understand the process and what’s possible for your recovery.
What injuries do red-light accidents cause?
Even seemingly minor red-light accidents can leave lasting effects on your health, finances, and peace of mind. The pain from injuries doesn’t show up until days after the crash, and hidden damage to your vehicle could surface months later.
Typical challenges victims face include the following:
- Lingering soft tissue injuries such as back pain or whiplash
- The need for additional repairs to a car that seemed fixed but wasn’t
- Unexpected expenses requiring time, energy, and money you may not have
Clear, thorough communication with your lawyer puts you in the best position to manage disputes and move forward with confidence. Sharing key details such as medical visits, car repairs, and police reports provides your attorney helps them address roadblocks effectively to build a strong case.
How can a car accident lawyer help my case?
Facing the aftermath of a red-light accident can feel like an uphill climb. Beyond recovering from injuries, you may need to prove who was at fault, challenge denied claims, or ensure upcoming medical bills are covered.
Legal representation alleviates some of that burden and helps level the playing field with insurance companies. Here’s how personal injury lawyers assist clients in these situations:
- Organizing and presenting evidence like intersection footage or police reports to prove liability
- Handling all interactions with insurers to prevent unfair claim denials or low ball offers
- Calculating the full extent of damages you may be owed, including medical bills, lost income, and repair costs
While lawyers manage the finer details, you can focus on what truly matters—healing and moving forward with your life. Having their support doesn’t just protect your case; it gives you the time you need to recover properly.
Allen & Allen | Experienced car accident lawyers ready to fight for your rights
Every red-light accident brings its own challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re dealing with medical injuries, ongoing vehicle problems, or insurance issues, there’s help available.
Contact an Allen & Allen car accident lawyer en línea o en 866-388-1307 to discuss your legal options and seek fair compensation.
