Whenever a dangerous car accident takes place at an intersection in Ontario, one of the drivers who was involved could be held liable if he or she ran a yellow light. The yellow light or a flashing hand is meant to warn approaching drivers to slow down and stop because the light about to turn red. In fact, it is against the law in the province, as well as in British Columbia, for a motorist to drive through a yellow light, unless a safety issue prevents a motorist from stopping.
On behalf of Joseph Caprara of CBLAW posted in Car Accidents on Friday, January 30, 2015.
Whenever a car accident takes place at an intersection in Ontario, one of the drivers who was involved could be held liable if he or she ran a yellow light. The yellow light or a flashing hand is meant to warn approaching drivers to slow down and stop because the light about to turn red. In fact, it is against the law in the province, as well as in British Columbia, for a motorist to drive through a yellow light, unless a safety issue prevents a motorist from stopping.
One instance that may prevent a motorist from stopping at a yellow light is if the motorist, who has a semi truck following behind, believes that applying his or her vehicle’s brakes at the intersection’s yellow light will cause the truck to rear-end his or her vehicle. However, motorists should do so with caution because driving through a yellow light at an intersection can be very risky.
Technically, motorists should not enter an intersection unless they can clear it. In Ontario, a motorist who enters an intersection prior to the light turning yellow, but who stops midway to make a turn is still not considered to have a right of way. Such motorists are in a dangerous position.
A careless or negligent motorist who causes a fatal accident may be held responsible for damages. According to Ontario’s Family Law Act, those damages could include the loss of household income, burial and funeral expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses. Family members may also be compensated for travelling expenses, including accommodation expenses incurred while their loved one was receiving treatment at hospital before passing away. Surviving family members may also be awarded noneconomic damages such as loss of companionship, guidance and care. Household services and counselling expenses relating to the loss may also be included in the award.