Usually, red light runners are liable for the injuries and damages resulting from intersection accidents. But all drivers, even those who have a green light, must still look and stop if they spot an oncoming car.
All motor vehicle operators are legally obligated to take extra care to avoid harm to other road users. They must always check for any traffic before crossing an intersection, regardless of whether they have the right-of-way. Bicyclists and pedestrians also have the same legal duty or care. So if they cross or try to cross the intersection without looking around, they could share liability for an accident.
In some crashes involving red light running, establishing fault can be immensely difficult, particularly in the absence of any witnesses or red-light cameras. Both drivers may attempt to blame each other for the crash if they insist, they had the green light when the crash occurred. Consequently, the insurance providers will challenge the other driver’s claims without proper evidence to determine fault. In such situations, both drivers may be assigned a percentage of fault for the accident.
The Dangers of Running a Red Light
A report by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) revealed these shocking facts about the dangers of red light running:
- Running red lights or other traffic control signals or devices are the top causes of urban traffic accidents.
- In urban intersections, a driver runs a red light approximately every 20 minutes.
- Around half of the individuals killed in red light running crashes are not the violators. They are other motorists, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
- Approximately 1,000 injuries and seven deadly crashes occur daily at signalized intersections in the U.S.
Red light runners also don’t realize that even at low speeds, side-impact or T-bone collisions can be fatal. Because the side portion of the vehicle has relatively thin protection, a significant amount of force will be transferred to the victim, resulting in serious to potentially fatal injuries, such as:
- Compound fractures, especially of the legs, arms, and ribs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
There’s also an increased risk of debris, such as objects inside the vehicle or broken glass, penetrating the skin and damaging an artery, which raises the risk of an injured victim bleeding out.
Discuss Your Case With a Top Boynton Beach Car Accident Attorney
All motorists owe each other a legal duty of care, even if they’re at a green, red, or yellow light. This is why car accidents involving red light violators often escalate into more complex cases. If you have suffered injuries and related damages because another driver did not stop at a red light and hit your car, you may have a strong case for recovering compensation for the at-fault driver.
Reach out to the skilled Boynton Beach car accident attorneys of Demand The Limits to better understand your situation. You can set up your complimentary case evaluation by calling our office at 561-600-3555 or sending us a message online.
