What to Do at an Intersection with Flashing Lights 

May 23, 2025 | Sagi Shaked | Car Accidents

Intersections can be confusing, especially when traffic lights aren’t working normally. If you’re driving a large truck, the stakes are even higher. Knowing how to handle flashing red and yellow lights at intersections is important for preventing serious accidents.

In this blog, we’ll go over what flashing lights mean, how drivers should respond, and why understanding these rules matters in car accidents.

What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean?

A flashing red light at an intersection is the same as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, look both ways, and make sure it’s safe before going through.

This rule applies to everyone, but it’s especially important for car drivers in busy areas. Rushing through a flashing red light can lead to a serious crash. In car accident claims, failing to stop at a flashing red light is often used as proof that a driver was negligent.

If an accident happens at one of these intersections, investigators may review surveillance footage, traffic signal data, or witness statements to figure out what happened.

What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean?

A flashing yellow light means you should slow down and be careful. You don’t have to stop, but you do have to yield if another vehicle is already in the intersection.

If a driver speeds through a flashing yellow light and causes a crash, they may still be found at fault, even if the light wasn’t red. Insurance companies and investigators will want to know if the driver acted responsibly and paid attention to their surroundings.

How Flashing Lights Contribute to Car Accidents

Car accidents at intersections with flashing lights usually happen because:

• A driver fails to stop at a flashing red light
• A driver speeds through a flashing yellow light without yielding
• Someone misjudges the speed or distance of another car
• A driver is distracted or confused by the signal

These crashes can cause serious injuries, especially when cars collide at high speeds or hit pedestrians or cyclists. That’s why flashing light crashes are often followed by detailed investigations and insurance claims.

What to Do After a Car Accident at a Flashing Light Intersection

If you’re involved in a crash at an intersection with flashing lights, here are the steps to take:

1. Call 911 to report the accident
2. Get medical help, even if your injuries seem small
3. Take photos of the cars, the intersection, and the flashing signal
4. Collect names and contact info from witnesses
5. Talk to a car accident lawyer who understands local traffic laws

These steps can protect your rights and help support a legal claim. You can also check legal blogs and practice area pages for more tips about what to do after a car accident.

Why Flashing Light Rules Matter After a Crash

Flashing lights at intersections are more than just warnings—they require specific actions. Drivers must stop, yield, or slow down depending on the signal. When these rules aren’t followed, the results can be serious.

Understanding what flashing red and yellow lights mean isn’t just important for your safety—it could also make or break your case if you’re in a crash. If you’ve been injured in a car accident at an intersection with flashing lights, talk to a personal injury lawyer to find out your legal options

Contact the Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers for more help

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191

Open 24 hours