Many negligent driving behaviors, such as distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving, can cause catastrophic automobile accidents. One of the most common types of negligent driving behaviors is running red lights, which over half of drivers in the United States admit to doing on occasion. While it may seem harmless to run a red light occasionally, this can expose others on the road to significant harm, as a car, bicyclist, or pedestrian can come into the path of the speeding car.
A high-speed collision with a car, bicyclist, or pedestrian can cause severe, crippling injuries to the victim, such as a broken leg, back and neck injuries, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A driver that runs a red light to avoid delays in their commute can expose those around them to significant harm, leaving them liable for damages in a car accident claim.
Running Red Lights Can Cause Car Accidents
Running a red light can cause a car accident because red lights are there to stop traffic from one line to allow another lane to continue. A driver that comes to a red light may not see anyone driving through the intersection and think running the red light is safe. However, they may not realize that a car is coming through just as they run the red light. This can lead to a T-bone car accident that involves the front of one car smashing into the side of the other.
There are so many factors for a driver to consider at a red light that makes it difficult to run through one without causing a car accident. Running a red light typically comes from a split-second decision made by a driver, who will not have the time to consider all of how this decision can go wrong. A car accident caused by a driver running a red light can result in significant damages and leave the negligent driver liable for damages.
Pedestrians Impacted by a Driver Running a Red Light
A driver who runs a red light can also expose pedestrians trying to cross the street to harm. At an intersection, a red light stops traffic, allowing other lanes to continue their commute and letting pedestrians cross the street. Intersections are far too busy for pedestrians to cross without red lights and stop signs stopping traffic to allow them to pass.
Running a red light can expose a pedestrian crossing the street to impact, as the driver will not have the time to make a split-second decision to stop their vehicle before crashing into a pedestrian in the crosswalk. This can affect pedestrians making their commute on foot and a bike. A bicycle accident can result from a driver running a red light, sending them flying off their bike and receiving more impact when they land hard on the ground.
Why Do People Run Red Lights?
Despite being a leading cause of car accidents, about 56 percent of drivers admit to running red lights some of the time. Many factors can contribute to running a red light, but the most common is speeding. A driver may speed because they are late for work or they are frustrated with the slow flow of traffic. When speeding, a driver will have a worsened sense of what is happening around them and may not notice a red light. They can also decide to run through the red light as fast as possible, not noticing another car and causing a catastrophic car accident.
The following are some of the reasons someone might run a red light:
- Running late for work, school, or a meeting
- Didn’t see the traffic light turn red
- Misjudge how long they have before a light turns red
- Frustrated with traffic
- Distracted driving causes them to miss the red light
- A drunk driver doesn’t pay attention to the traffic control signal
- Loss of situational awareness during drowsy driving
Severe Injuries Caused by a Running a Red Light
Running a red light can cause a driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist to experience direct impact from a collision. The pressure caused by the impact of the collision, as well as any impact with hard objects because of the accident, can damage the body and result in severe injuries. These injuries can drastically affect a person’s life, leading to intense pain, worsened functionality of the body part, and reduced quality of life.
The following are some of the severe car accident injuries caused by a driver running a red light:
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Knee injuries
- Facial injuries
- Internal injuries
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You After a Red Light Accident?
Drivers that behave negligently behind the wheel can be held liable for car accident damages, such as medical bills, property damage, and loss of enjoyment of life. A car accident lawyer can help you file a car accident claim to hold the negligent driver accountable for causing significant damages.
A car accident lawyer can help you determine the value of your damages, assign liability, explain your rights, collect evidence, and negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company. They have experience handling these claims and will know the best way to prove the at-fault party caused the car accident by running a red light.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Car Accident Claim
The Russo Firm’s car accident lawyers have decades of experience helping victims across the United States in places like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and New Orleans. They understand the impact a high-speed collision caused by a driver running a red light can cause. Our car accident attorneys can coordinate with you and your doctors to determine the value of your car accident damages. They will apply their experience and expertise and use the firm’s vast resources to put you in the best position to recover fair compensation for your car accident damages. Contact The Russo Firm today for a free consultation at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
