caused accident
11-02-10 | 12:31 PM
#26
Senior Moment
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Atlanta, GA
Bikes: Fuji Absolute 4.0
both cars were not driving safely for conditions. period.
you are never supposed to enter the 'box' unless you have clear path no matter who has right of way. being dead right does not get you off the hook?
you are never supposed to enter the 'box' unless you have clear path no matter who has right of way. being dead right does not get you off the hook?
11-02-10 | 01:51 PM
#27
Arizona Dessert
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: AZ
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
The same situation could happen with a pedestrian walking in a crosswalk. A left-turning driver facing a circular green is watching oncoming traffic, sees a gap in the oncoming lane, accelerates, and then hits the brakes when he notices a pedestrian in the crosswalk. Or hits the pedestrian. The driver's error in this case is not confirming that both the travel lane and the crosswalk to be crossed will be clear of traffic..
11-02-10 | 02:02 PM
#28
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
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From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
Oh, really? Yeah, the one involved in the accident was basically screwed, with no escape route. I'd put the blame on the left crosser for not clearing the intersection in a timely manner, honestly.
11-03-10 | 05:06 AM
#29
Giftless Amateur
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: MD / metro DC
Bikes: Cross-Check/Nexus commuter. Several others for various forms of play.
Also the person who hit the left turner has some culpability because you shouldn't be driving faster than you can control your vehicle (basic speed law in every state) and if the turner stopped in the lane it was her responsibility not to hit him if he had right of way.
Just another guess from inferred facts, but it doesn't appear like that's penalized here.
11-03-10 | 07:27 AM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Orlando, FL
Bikes: Trek SU100, Surly Cross Check
Uh, not necessarily. If the left-turner was already in the intersection ( delayed because of cars ahead of him, for example ) as the light turned red, most state would allow him to complete the turn on red without penalty.
The OP doesn't say, but if that's the case, it could very well be a situation of shared responsibility. The OP should have noted that the car was in that position, and not proceeded across the intersection until the car was all the way through. Having the green light does not absolve you of the responsibility of ensuring you're not contributing to a dangerous situation.
Edit: Found this on the web:
"the Oct-98 printed edition of the Illinois Driver's Manual "Rules Of The Road" says: "If you enter an intersection when the light is green, you may finish your turn even though the light turns red" (Chapter Three: Traffic Laws - Right-Of-Way)."
That being the case, the OP may very well be legally responsible for contributing to the accident if the car was already in the intersection.
The OP doesn't say, but if that's the case, it could very well be a situation of shared responsibility. The OP should have noted that the car was in that position, and not proceeded across the intersection until the car was all the way through. Having the green light does not absolve you of the responsibility of ensuring you're not contributing to a dangerous situation.
Edit: Found this on the web:
"the Oct-98 printed edition of the Illinois Driver's Manual "Rules Of The Road" says: "If you enter an intersection when the light is green, you may finish your turn even though the light turns red" (Chapter Three: Traffic Laws - Right-Of-Way)."
That being the case, the OP may very well be legally responsible for contributing to the accident if the car was already in the intersection.
