Running a red light can happen mindlessly or intentionally. Regardless, it has consequences that can lead to serious injury or even death. While we can’t put a stop to red light running accidents, we can help you navigate the aftermath. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash, you need the representation of an experienced attorney who will advocate on your behalf.
Our skilled attorneys believe proper compensation is your right and will do everything in their power to help you get the full restitution you deserve.
Repercussions of Running a Red Light
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2020, 928 people were killed in crashes involving running a red light, and approximately 116,000 people were injured. Many of us may have experienced accidentally running a red light as the light changes, and these troubling numbers should serve as a reminder that this can be an extremely dangerous mistake to make. When running a red light, you run the risk of:
- Damage to your vehicle
- A ticket and violation on your driving record
- Higher insurance costs
- Lengthy hospital stays and expensive medical bills
- Legal consequences if you injure or kill someone
With more cars on the road than ever, we rely on traffic lights to maintain order and keep us safe, and it only takes a millisecond to cause a mistake that may result in injury or fatality. If you have been in a car accident as a result of failure to stop at a red light, you should talk with a Fort Worth red light accident lawyer to discuss your options.
How Crashes Involving Running a Red Light Occur
There are a variety of factors that can cause a driver to run a red light. The main contributing factors are:
- Driver behavior
- Intersection design and operation
- Vehicle characteristics
- Weather
The most significant contributing factor to red light running is driver behavior. In order to make it through the intersection on yellow, drivers may accelerate and speed through but misjudge the time of the signal change. Also, a motorist’s inattentiveness can be a contributing cause. A driver may be distracted by their phone, unable to realize the change in light, and therefore fail to stop.
Another contributing factor to red light violations is the poor design of many intersections. The configuration of some intersections may be confusing or not allow for adequate stopping time.
The type of vehicle can also contribute to red light running. For instance, trucks carrying heavy loads require more time to slow down and stop. Truck drivers may forget this matter and disregard traffic signals, causing a red light running accident. If you’ve been involved in one of these crashes, it’s best to reach out to a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer.
Lastly, poor weather conditions can affect driving conditions and make stopping more difficult for motorists. Rain or snow can cause visibility to be compromised, which can lead to running a red light and causing an accident.
Regardless of which factors may have contributed to a crash caused by running a red light, the consequences can be severe. Reach out to a Fort Worth car accident attorney today.
Types of Red Light Running Accidents
If you or a family member have suffered a car crash, you can work with a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer at Patterson Law Group to ensure you get fair compensation. These are some of the common types of red light running accidents:
- T-Bone Collision: This occurs when the front end of a vehicle hits the side of another vehicle at an intersection
- Rear End Collision: When a vehicle crashes into the one in front of it, this is a rear-end collision.
- Left Turn Accident: This type of crash occurs when a driver turns left with a red signal arrow or red light at an intersection.
These types of accidents can lead to serious injury. Injuries sustained in car accidents can range from broken bones to head trauma and even death in some cases. The cost of medical bills can quickly add up, resulting in a substantial financial burden for victims and their families. In some cases, they may also be unable to work due to the nature of their injuries. This further adds to the strain on their financial resources. It’s critical victims of such accidents seek legal representation from a red light accident lawyer with experience handling these kinds of cases.
Patterson Law Group Is Here to Help
A red light accident in Fort Worth can unfortunately result in major injury and death. Even crashes that result in minor injuries can have long-term repercussions. If you are injured by someone running a red light and causing an accident, you have the right to pursue compensation from those who are responsible. At Patterson Law Group, our attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of claims. Don’t wait–contact Patterson Law Group today to learn more about your legal rights and options. All initial consultations with our compassionate, experienced attorneys are completely free of charge.
