As in most other states, unless a traffic sign says otherwise, you can turn right at a red light in Indiana. However, before you turn, you must confirm that you can do so safely and yield to any pedestrians in crosswalks or other motorists that have the right of way. If a driver illegally turns right on red and causes a crash, they could be liable for the harm they cause.
An experienced and dedicated car accident lawyer at Truitt Law Offices can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial harm after a crash caused by a driver who turned right at a red light. Consider the following information and get in touch with us to discuss the specific facts and issues in your case in a free consultation.
What Are Key Rules for a Right Turn on Red in Indiana?
Under Indiana law, after coming to a complete stop, “vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal[…] may cautiously enter the intersection to[…] make a right turn,” except when a sign specifically prohibits the driver from doing so. So, you can legally make a right turn on a red as long as you do the following:
- Bring your vehicle to a complete stop
- Visually confirm that there is no sign saying “No Turn on Red”
- Yield to any pedestrians in crosswalks on a right turn
- Yield to any traffic proceeding through the intersection on a green light
Who Has the Right of Way at an Intersection?
In Indiana, traffic proceeding through a light-controlled intersection on green always has the right of way, as do pedestrians crossing at marked crosswalks. If you’re stopped at a red light in Indiana, you must do the following:
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Yield to traffic, including bicyclists
- Check both directions before turning
Does a Driver Have to Turn Right on Red If the Law Allows It?
While Indiana law allows drivers to turn right on a red light under certain conditions, it does not require them to do so. In other words, you are legally allowed to wait for a green light before you make your turn, regardless of what anyone behind you at the light honking their horn at you thinks.
What Are Common Right-on-Red Mistakes That Lead to Accidents?
Far too often, drivers make mistakes when handling a right-turn on red, leading to collisions. Common examples include the following:
- Making a “Rolling Stop” Instead of Coming to a Complete Stop as Required – A rolling stop involves slowing down and then making the right-hand turn without ever actually stopping the vehicle as required under Indiana traffic law. This reduces the time available to scan for hazards. Furthermore, oncoming drivers with the right of way may not anticipate this behavior.
- Failing to Check for Pedestrians in Crosswalks – Drivers often focus on finding a gap in traffic approaching from the left and overlook pedestrians entering or already in the crosswalk. As a result, right-turn-on-red crashes frequently involve pedestrians who are lawfully crossing the street.
- Misjudging the Speed of Oncoming Traffic – A driver may incorrectly assume there is enough time to complete the turn before an approaching vehicle reaches the intersection. When oncoming traffic is traveling faster than expected, the turn can result in a dangerous side-impact or angle collision.
What Are Different Types of Right-on-Red Crashes?
Common types of right-on-red crashes include the following:
- T-Bone Crashes – These accidents are likely to occur when a driver enters an intersection without yielding to oncoming traffic that has a green light. These side-impact collisions are often severe because the struck vehicle has limited protection along its side panels and doors.
- Rear-End Crashes – A driver who stops unexpectedly before making a right turn on red may be struck from behind by a following vehicle that is not at a safe distance. Rear-end crashes can also occur when drivers hesitate or abruptly brake after noticing a pedestrian, cyclist, or approaching vehicle.
- Pedestrian Collisions – Drivers often focus attention on vehicle traffic and fail to notice people crossing with the signal. Even at slow speeds, these crashes can cause serious injuries because pedestrians have no protection from the force of impact.
- Right-on-Red Bicycle Accidents – Just as they may not notice pedestrians in crosswalks, drivers scanning for motor vehicles can overlook cyclists traveling through an intersection or crossing a driveway. As with pedestrian accidents, the cyclist usually gets the worst of it.
How Do You Determine Who Is at Fault in a Right-on-Red Accident?
As with practically every traffic accident involving at least two people, the party who failed to yield the right of way when required to do so is typically at fault for a collision. The turning driver is responsible for yielding to other traffic, including cyclists, and pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks.
To establish who should have yielded, investigators will look at the following:
- Traffic signals at the intersection and whether they were operating as intended
- Statements from eyewitnesses who saw the accident take place
- Footage from nearby traffic, security, or dashboard cameras
- Photos of the accident scene
- Vehicle inspections
- Physical debris and skid marks
They may also work with accident reconstruction experts who can use this evidence to recreate the accident as it likely occurred.
How Can an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer Help Me with My Accident Claim?
Hurt in a right-turn-on-red accident in Indiana? Then turn to the team at Truitt Law Offices for help with your car accident claim. We have more than 40 years of legal experience and focus exclusively on personal injury cases. Our lawyers have been recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and named to the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 list.
While you rest and recover from your ordeal, our car accident attorneys can do the following:
- Investigate the accident to determine who had the right of way and failed to yield
- Identify any other parties who might be at fault, such as government entities that failed to repair malfunctioning signals
- Calculate the fair value of your case so that we pursue every cent you’re owed
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial by litigating a car accident lawsuit if the at-fault parties won’t settle
- Offer a contingency fee agreement, meaning you will pay no legal fees unless we successfully resolve your matter
Our commitment to results has made a real difference in the lives of our clients, including $600,000 for a man who was injured when a school bus driver failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with the car he was riding in as a passenger.
Here’s what another client, Brad McClish, had to say about his experience with us:
“I called several different lawyers and none of them would even take my case because the police report said the accident was my fault. Truitt listened to me and never doubted me. He fought and won my case in less than a year and got me the max amount he could get. If I’m ever in another accident I will be using Truitt Law Office.”
Contact an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer Today
Ready to get the help you need from a legal team that has a track record of obtaining maximum results for its clients? Then contact Truitt Law Offices today for your free, no-obligation consultation with a car accident lawyer in Indiana who will be committed to pursuing the maximum amount for you.
