Stop on Red: What You Need to Know About Red-Light Accidents

This week, Aug. 6 – 12, the National Coalition for Safer Roads encourages all motorists to stop on red to help save lives and make our roads a safer place.

At Gordon & Partners, our seasoned auto accident attorneys in West Palm Beach we are committed to helping you recover the maximum compensation you deserve for injuries caused by drivers who run red lights. Contact us to schedule a free consultation if you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident. We do not charge attorneys’ fees unless you get compensation.

The Dangers of Running a Red Light

The consequences of running a red light are often fatal. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 771 people were killed in 2015 because of red-light running. This is equal to two deaths every day in the United States.

The majority of red-light accident fatalities involve those who were not in the vehicle that ran the light, such as pedestrians, bicyclists and people in the other vehicle.

Data from 2016 shows that red-light running continues to be a problem, as approximately 3.8 million drivers ran a red light that year. Additional data reveals that:

• March was the most common month for running a red light
• Friday was the most common day of the week for running red lights
• Memorial Day is the holiday with the most red-light running violations

Florida Red Light Law

According to 2015 statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Florida is the third most dangerous state for red-light running.

This is despite Florida law that requires motorists to stop at a steady red light. Other aspects of the Florida red-light law include stating that motorists:

• Must stop before entering a crosswalk or entering an intersection until the green light is indicated
• Can make a right turn at a red light after stopping and yielding for oncoming traffic and pedestrians unless there is a sign prohibiting this action
• Must stop at a red light on a one-way street but may make a left turn onto another one-way street after yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic

Violating any portion of the law can result in a moving violation.

What to Do After a Red-Light Accident

When someone is injured in a car accident because another person ran a red light, the victim should take several steps, including the following:

Contact Law Enforcement

All accidents that result in injuries should be reported to law enforcement. A report can be made with the allegation that a red light was run. There may be video footage that law enforcement can review that can establish the other driver ran the red light.

Seek Medical Attention

Accident victims should seek medical care immediately after an accident to be professionally evaluated and start recovering immediately. Taking this step also establishes the connection between the accident and the injuries.

Discuss the Accident with Lawyer

Personal injury victims can contact a reputable personal injury lawyer to discuss the case. A personal injury lawyer can determine fault by investigating the claim and reviewing the police report, witness statements and other available evidence. He or she can file an accident claim with your insurance company or take further legal action if necessary.

After a Red-Light Accident, Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers

Red-light accidents often result in serious and debilitating injuries. At Gordon & Partners, we are dedicated to fighting to protect the rights of injury victims. We have more than 200 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record of success.

We will work to resolve your claim for an amount that fully compensates you for the injuries you have suffered. We only get paid if we win your case, so schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney .

Call 1 (855) 722-2552 to get started today.