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Accidents at a Traffic Light

  • POSTED: March 15, 2024
  • CATEGORY:
  • POSTED BY: TheChoyceLawFirm

Sacramento automobile accident lawyer

Sacramento automobile accident lawyer

Traffic lights are a very important way to control the flow of traffic.

Most drivers who have experienced the chaos of a traffic light not working due to a power outage would probably agree. Unfortunately, some drivers do not always follow the rules. This can cause catastrophic damage to cars and serious injuries to drivers and passengers. As most drivers assume other drivers are following the rules as they are, they often don’t pay close attention to other drivers’ behavior. If you have been in an accident involving another driver’s negligence towards traffic lights, speak with a personal injury attorney for help.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 165,000 people are injured in collisions involving red lights every year. In 2008 alone, there were over 700 deaths.

Causes of Red Light Collisions

There are various causes for red light collisions, almost always due to driver error. Below are some of the most common reasons:

  • Trying to make the light – A vehicle may try to speed up when entering an intersection in order to get across before the light turns red. Unfortunately, other drivers may assume this car would slow and stop. These other drivers may be turning or driving in the cross direction of traffic, leading to a T-bone collision.
  • Stopping too late – A driver may initially try to make the light, but then change his or her mind and attempts to stop. This driver may not be able to stop before the red light and can hit cross traffic.
  • Not paying attention – A driver may be under the influence or simply not paying close enough attention and may enter the intersection against the light unknowingly. A driver turning left or making a U-turn may collide with a car driving in the opposite direction if either drivers are not paying close enough attention. The turning driver may underestimate the speed of the oncoming car or may misinterpret their intentions (such as thinking that car is also turning). A car may not realize a light has turned and runs into the stopped car in front of them.
  • Poor visibility – A traffic signal located on the top of a hill or after a sharp turn may not give drivers enough time to react to the light. Poor weather such as fog may hinder a driver’s ability to see the light. A car without lights may be very difficult to see and may result in a collision, especially when a driver is trying to make a turn.
    If you have experienced any of the above situations, it’s imperative you speak with a Sacramento auto accident lawyer who can legally represent you in your case and get you the compensation you deserve.

Injuries from Red Light Accidents

Red light accidents can result in a variety of types of collision, such as a rear-ending, side-swiping, T-boning, and head-on collisions. The cars involved can incur serious damage and even be totaled. The people involved also can be seriously hurt. Some injuries that may result include:

  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Concussion
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Dislocated joints
  • Internal bleeding
  • Paralysis
  • Brain damage
  • Death

If you or someone you know has suffered any of the injuries above due the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Sacramento personal injury lawyer to examine the next steps you need to take.

Legal Action

In most red light accidents, one car enters the intersection legally and collides with a vehicle acting illegally. For example one car is crossing the intersection on a green when another car isn’t paying attention and T-bones that car from the cross direction. There are many rules regarding red light accidents as covered in the California Vehicle Code Section 21453.

  • Drivers approaching a road light must stop at the marked limit line or before the crosswalk. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the vehicle must stop before entering the intersection and may not proceed until the light changes.
  • Drivers may turn right on red unless otherwise indicated.
  • Drivers may turn left from a one way onto a one-way unless otherwise prohibited.
  • Drivers making a turn must yield right-of-way to other drivers who have the green light and to pedestrians at all times.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a red light car collision, it is important to seek legal representation with an injury attorney in order to get the compensation you deserve. The medical treatment, prescriptions, physical therapy, and damage to property can be very costly, especially when all added together. A knowledgeable and motivated injury lawyer can help guide you through a complicated litigation process and will work hard on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.

If you lost a loved one due to a red light accident, an Sacramento accident attorney can assist you in filing a wrongful death claim.

Call Sacramento automobile accident lawyer For Help

If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another, regardless of the nature of the underlying accident, it is important to contact an experienced Sacramento big rig accident lawyer at The Choyce Law Firm to discuss your legal options. We have offices in Sacramento & Fairfield, CA for your convenience and have the resources and expertise to aggressively litigate your case in court, fighting to get you just compensation for your injury.
 
Call (916) 306-0636 today for a free consultation with a Sacramento automobile accident lawyer regarding your auto accident injury case.
 
The Choyce Law Firm
1438 Del Paso Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 306-0636

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