Driving & Driving Test Tips: Collision investigation., light signals, collision investigation

Question
Hello Sir,
          I met with an accident last night (01/31/06). This is what happened, I was waiting in the left most lane on a signal to make a left turn. There were not too many cars and i drive a stick shift. My signal turned green and there was a car waiting to let me make a left turn as it has a yield signal. I made my turn and i almost got into the lane when another car came and just banged right into my car. My car turned a full 180 degrees after the hit. I looked at the signal just before she hit me and it was turning yellow for me. She hit on the rear tire and the rear door on passenger side. I was in pain and could not talk to anyone. The cop came in right immediately and i went to the ER to get a checkup. but i overheard the lady say she had the signal. I am trying to figure out how i can defend myself. My being in the first gear should prove that i stopped completely and was just making a turn also the fact that a car was waiting at the yield signal means that her signal is red. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much Sir.

Answer
If this is an intesection collision controlled by standard tri light signals, I would have to say that you were at fault, in that, if the light was green or yellow for you then it would also be green or yellow for opposing traffic.

The fact that one lane of traffic let you pass in front of them does not mean that the other lane has yeilded the right of way, and you have to make sure the second lane is clear of approaching traffic before proceeding.

The information you sent states that opposing traffic had a yield signal.  I have never heard of such a signal, but if there is a "yield signal" for opposing traffic, then opposing traffic must yield the right of way until it is safe to proceed, and the other vehicle would be at fault.

If you don't mind, please send me a clearer description of this "yield signal" that you mentioned, and include what city and state where this signal is used.  I can contact law enforcement from that area to confirm how it works.