It is not uncommon for drivers in Albany to attempt to sneak through a yellow light at an intersection. Most drivers are in a hurry, making this risk seemingly worth it. Unfortunately, many drivers find themselves in a motor vehicle collision once the light turns red.
If you were struck by a vehicle running a red light, you could recover compensation for your injuries. There are many reasons why a driver would fail to stop at a traffic light, and your attorney could pursue a claim no matter the reason. Let Bader Law Injury Lawyers assist you in holding the driver that injured you accountable for their negligence. Call (404) 888-8888 to find out if an Albany red light accident lawyer can help build a case on your behalf.
The Risks of Running a Red Light
The consequences of running a red light can be severe. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), red light accidents are more likely to result in a bodily injury than any other type of crash. More than 165,000 people each year are injured by drivers running a red light. An accident can have profound physical, financial, and psychological effects on everyone involved in the crash.
Running a red light also has potential criminal consequences. This could involve steeper consequences than a simple ticket for disobeying a traffic light. If a motorist was driving recklessly and severely injured or killed another person, they could face steep criminal charges as a result.
For a free legal consultation with a red light accidents lawyer serving Albany, call (404) 888-8888
Common Red Light Accidents
An accident can occur in a variety of ways when a driver runs a red light. One of the most common examples involves a driver that runs a red light and strikes cross traffic when they enter the intersection. The driver entering the cross street has the right of way and likely has no way of anticipating the impending collision. These accidents generally involve the front of one vehicle striking the side of another.
Rear-end accidents can also happen thanks to a driver running a red light. For example, a motorist could accelerate when the light turns yellow in an effort to “beat” the red light. However, if the driver in front of them decides to stop, they could cause a tremendous rear-end crash.
Some accidents involving red lights occur when drivers attempt to turn across traffic as the light turns red. Motorists attempting a left turn often wait in the middle of the intersection for an opportunity to turn across traffic. This can cause a crash if the light turns red as they begin their turn.
Albany Red Light Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Determining Fault in a Crash
Unlike many motor vehicle accidents, determining liability can be straightforward in a red light crash. It is unlawful to run a red light, meaning the motorist that does so is likely to be responsible for any collision they have within the intersection.
Establishing liability might be less difficult compared to other types of accidents, but you must still prove fault to succeed during a civil trial. To do so, you must make a case that the other driver involved in the accident was negligent.
There are four elements required to prove negligence. These elements include:
- Duty of Care. To face liability for another person’s injuries, a defendant must have owed that individual a duty of care. This is rarely a challenge to prove in a motor vehicle case, as every driver owes a duty to one another to operate their vehicle in a safe and reasonable way.
- Breach. Second, you must show that the defendant breached a duty of care that they owed to you. In a red light accident, proving that the other driver disregarded a traffic light is often enough to meet this element.
- Causation. You will also need to establish a causal link between your injuries and the other driver’s negligence. Causation is necessary as the defendant is only liable for the damages they caused.
- Damages. You must also demonstrate that you suffered damages in the accident. Your damages could include your medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle repair costs.
If you are unable to meet each of the elements of negligence, you will not be successful in your personal injury claim. The good news is that the team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers can aid you in building a strong case for negligence against a driver that struck you after running a red light. An Albany red light accident lawyer can help by investigating your case. Call (404) 888-8888 to speak with a team member today.
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The Severity of Red Light Accident Injuries
Accidents that involve a driver running a red light often lead to severe injuries. These collisions frequently occur at high speed, which only increases the potentially devastating impact. Some of the common injuries that can come with these collisions include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
- Neck injuries, including whiplash, fractured vertebrae, and neck strain
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Burns
If you have suffered injuries in an accident, your first step is to immediately see to your medical needs. Once your condition is stabilized, your next step should be to seek out sound legal guidance. With a strong advocate by your side, you could obtain monetary compensation for your injuries.
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Seek Compensation Following a Red Light Accident
If you were struck in an intersection by a driver who ran a red light, there is no time to delay pursuing your legal options. Speeding through a crowded intersection is reckless, and the driver that caused your injuries should face liability for their negligence.
If you find the prospect of a personal injury lawsuit daunting, you do not have to take on the challenge alone. The team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers will stand by you through every step of the litigation process. Call (404) 888-8888 and allow an Albany red light accident lawyer to get started on your case right away.
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