The Danger of Running a Red Light and What to Do If You are a Victim
Running a red light is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. It can happen when a person is in a hurry and doesn’t realize the light has turned yellow until too late. The driver may be distracted and not see the red light until they are already in the intersection, or they may be impaired and not realize what is going on.
Regardless of the reason behind running through a red light, the results can be disastrous. A person going at a faster speed may hit someone who just pulled out into the intersection when their light turned green. It often results in a T-bone or sideswipe accident.
Injuries from Running a Red Light
When a person goes through a red light, they usually hit the other car on the side, often right at the front or rear door. Because it is not as solid as the front or rear of the vehicle, the damage may be more severe. Injuries are also often more serious since there are not as many layers of protection. More vehicles are installing side-impact airbags and crush zones, which do help lessen the severity of injuries and the number of fatalities.
Some of the injuries that are common in this type of collision include the following:
- Head trauma
- Neck and back injuries from being tossed to the side
- Fractures and broken bones
- Dislocated and severed limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
Other drivers aren’t the only ones impacted by someone who runs through a red light. Bicyclists and pedestrians who step out into traffic when the sign switches to Walk may also be injured. In fact, it is likely that they will either suffer severe, permanent injuries or they will be killed because of the speed of the driver and the lack of any protection.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured
If you were the victim of someone who ran a red light, you should know your options. You should file a claim for your injuries. However, your medical bills may exceed the amount of coverage the responsible party has. You can sue the other person if they have any assets of value.
To prove your case, your attorney will talk with any eyewitnesses and check the timer on the light. While this may seem like a simple case, the other driver may deny their responsibility and try to convince you and a jury that the light was still green when they went through the intersection. It is important to have an attorney who can do the necessary investigation and collect the evidence to support your claim.
If you lost a loved one in this type of accident, you have the right to compensation for that loss in a wrongful death suit. Contact our firm to assist you in fighting for your rights as the victim of a driver who ran through a red light and caused a death or serious injury.