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 car accident attorney 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?
It turns out that you can make a left turn on red in Virginia, but only if: (1) the red traffic signal is a circular red; (2) you are currently stopped on a one-way street; and (3) you are about to turn left onto another one-way street. Under these circumstances, Virginia Code § 46.2-836 expressly permits a left turn on steady red on a one-way after you have brought your vehicle to a complete stop. The code specifically permits a left on red if the traffic light is a circular red, as opposed to a red, turn-only arrow. In the latter case, you would need to obey the red and only turn once the light changes to a green arrow.
In Virginia, the legal left turn on red can be distilled down to the image below.
Figure 1. Depicting a legal left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
Figure 1 above shows a white car that is currently stopped at the intersection of two one-way streets. There is no sign forbidding vehicles at that traffic light to turn left on red. Note that the traffic signal is an ordinary circular red, and not a red arrow signal. This is the only situation in which Virginia law permits the white-colored car to make the left turn while the stop light ahead of it is red. Contrast this with the figures below:
Figure 2. Depicting a left turn from a two-way street onto a one-way street.
Figure 2 above shows a white car that is currently stopped on a two-lane street and about to turn left onto a one-way street. This is not allowed in Virginia because the white car would be pulling in front of oncoming traffic from the opposing lane.
Figure 3. Depicting the intersection of two, two-lane streets.
In Figure 3, shown above, a white car is stopped at a red light governing the intersection of two two-lane streets. It is illegal for the white car to make a left turn while the light is red, because it risks pulling out in front of oncoming traffic and across adjacent traffic. This situation is the highest-risk of the three, and Virginia law is explicit about forbidding left turns on red at these types of intersections.
Keep in mind that no driver is ever required to make a left on red, nor a right on red. Adhering to traffic signs that either state in plain language “No Turn on Red” or forbid it via a symbol is important when you are at an intersection. Even if turning on red is permitted, remember that it is perfectly legal, and oftentimes safest, to wait until the light turns green and you can proceed safely. While following the law is key, safety is paramount.
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 online or at 866-388-1307 to discuss your legal options and seek fair compensation.
