Red Light Accident Lawyer

A red light accident can happen in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most common scenarios:

• Getting rear-ended while stopped: This happens when a driver fails to stop in time and hits another vehicle from behind at a red light.
• A car runs a red light and enters an intersection: Drivers who disregard red lights often cause serious crashes. For example, they typically broadside another vehicle that has the right-of-way, or they get broadside while entering an intersection.
• A driver makes a left turn without yielding: These car accidents happen when a driver makes a left turn at a red light without yielding to oncoming traffic with the right-of-way.

What to do if a traffic light stops working

The most common procedure when a traffic light is not working is to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles must come to a complete stop. The right-of-way should be determined based on the order of arrival. The first vehicle to arrive should be the first to proceed.

Exercise caution when approaching and crossing an intersection. Be extra vigilant and patient, as not all drivers may be familiar with or follow the four-way stop rule. Also, indicate your intentions by using turn signals. This lets other drivers know which way you intend to turn.

The cost of a ticket for running a red light can vary depending on your location and the specific circumstances surrounding the violation.

For example, drivers who run red lights in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma can face fines and/or jail time for a first offense. In Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico, drivers may only face fines of less than $100 and have points added to their driver’s licenses. 

Determining fault in a red light accident

An attorney will gather and review all available evidence related to your crash to prove that you’re not at fault. That includes police reports, witness statements, photographs, and any surveillance footage.

An attorney will also determine fault by assessing state and local traffic laws. They will look for violations, such as running a red light or failing to yield the right-of-way.

In complex cases, an attorney may consult with crash reconstruction experts. These experts can recreate the car accident scene and provide a professional analysis of fault.

Knowing what to do after a red light car accident may seem counterintuitive. But following these steps can help you ensure safety and build a strong claim:

• First, make sure you and others are safe and out of harm's way.
• Immediately assess if anyone is injured and in need of medical help. Call 911 if necessary.
• Call the police to report the car accident and wait for them to arrive.
• Exchange names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information with the other parties involved.
• Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions.
• Obtain contact information from any witnesses who can provide statements about the crash.
• Seek medical attention promptly, even for a seemingly minor injury.
• Keep records of medical treatment, prescriptions, and recovery progress.
• Report the car accident to your insurance company. Avoid admitting fault or assigning blame.
• Speak to an experienced car accident lawyer who can guide you on the next steps to take.

Someone ran a red light and hit me. How can a red light accident lawyer help? 

If you were hit by a driver who ran a red light, it’s important to get an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. They will use the evidence that they gather to build and support your case. Plus, they will handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies and file a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary.

If the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses to settle, an attorney will be prepared to go to trial and fight for a verdict in the courtroom. Here, they’ll present evidence and a compelling argument before a judge and jury. They may also call on witnesses and crash reconstruction experts to testify.

Insurance payouts for a car accident at a red light may vary. They typically depend on the severity of your injury, medical rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage. If you experienced pain and suffering because of your car accident, you may be eligible for non-economic damages.

Only an experienced attorney can determine the true value of your claim and how much money you’re eligible for.

What if I was partially at fault for a red light car accident?

If you live in a state that uses the comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you’re at fault for a car accident at a red light.

Some states use the pure comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages, even if you’re mostly at fault. However, it reduces your compensation by the percentage of fault you contributed. For example, if you’re found 80% at fault, you would only be able to recover 20% of your damages.

Other states use the modified comparative negligence rule with fault allocation thresholds of 50% or 51%. If you’re over 50% or 51% at fault for a crash, then you can’t recover damages from the other party’s insurance company. However, if the amount of fault you contribute is less than the threshold, you can recover damages. Your damages would be reduced by the amount of fault you contributed.

Few states use the contributory negligence rule bars you from recovering damages if you’re even 1% at fault for a crash. The only states that follow this rule are Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia.

If you or a loved one was injured in a red light accident, don’t let the insurance companies dictate the outcome of your case. Get a skilled Law.com Premier Attorney in your corner who will fight for you every step of the way.

Our verified attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay for legal representation upfront. They will only take a percentage of your settlement or verdict if they win your case. To get started, contact an attorney in your area and schedule a free legal consultation.