Running a red light commonly happens by accident, but these accidental violations usually cause only minor delays. When drivers boldly ignore red lights and pass through cross traffic, accidents can occur at high speeds. Especially on highways or busy roads, these accidents can even be deadly.
If you or a loved one was hit by a driver who ran a red light, call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today. Miami red light accident lawyer Prosper Shaked fights for the rights of drivers, passengers, and pedestrian victims injured in accidents caused by running a red light in the Miami area. To schedule a free legal consultation on your case, contact our office today at (305) 694-2676.
Proving Fault in a Red Light Accident
One of the most commonly understood driving laws is that every driver is required to stop at a red light or a stop sign. Running a red light is one of the clearest traffic violations, and this violation can lead to serious accidents. There are a few common scenarios where running a red light can cause an accident, each of which requires proving fault in a slightly different way.
Running a Solid Red Light
In cases where the at-fault driver boldly ran a solid red light, there is little to no question that they were at fault. Even if no cars are coming from the other direction, you are still obligated to stop and wait for a green light. If a driver hit you after driving through a solid red light and driving across your lane of traffic while you had a green light, they are clearly at fault for the accident. They may try to blame you for things like speeding, but most reasonable juries would rule in favor of the victim. To prove they were at fault, your testimony that your light was green may be sufficient.
Staying in the Intersection After a Red Light
Red light accidents can also occur when stragglers are caught in the intersection while waiting to make a left turn or because traffic was backed up into the intersection. If you pull up to make a left turn, you should be permitted to finish your turn even after the light turns red. However, the second or third car that entered the intersection behind you may have entered the intersection illegally. It is also illegal to enter the intersection if you cannot make it to the other side, meaning that drivers who are stuck in the intersection when traffic is backed up may also be putting others at risk by blocking the intersection. In these situations, fault may be more difficult to determine since both drivers could have made driving errors.
Right on Red Accidents
The last common situation that results in accidents at a red light is when drivers fail to yield when making a right on red. It is typically okay to make a right turn at a red light, but there are some safety requirements that must be met. First, if the intersection has a sign saying no right on red, it is illegal to turn right during a red light, and that driver would be at fault for any accidents they cause while doing so. Second, drivers must come to a complete stop at the red light before turning. Failing to do so counts as running a red light and puts that driver at fault for the collision. Lastly, the driver may not need to stop if there is a separate ramp at the intersection. In that situation, the driver making the right turn onto the ramp may be required to yield if there is a yield sign, and failing to do so can put them at fault for the crash.
Compensation for Accidents from Running a Red Light in Florida
Florida drivers must follow Florida’s no-fault rules when claiming financial compensation after a car accident. Typically, Florida auto insurance rules require you to carry your own insurance with personal injury protection (PIP). This insurance covers your injuries regardless of who was at fault for the accident, and you may be required to file through insurance if your injuries were minimal.
However, more severe injuries may entitle you to take your case to court. In court, you can claim full damages for lost wages and medical expenses, damages that might be limited by insurance policies and deductible requirements. You may also claim damages for pain and suffering, which are usually blocked by insurance.
To take your case to court, your injuries must meet one of two requirements. The injuries you faced can justify a lawsuit if they were permanent and include ongoing impairment of a bodily function or significant scarring. Alternatively, you can sue if the damages totaled more than $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, which is common even with moderate injuries.
Call Our Miami Red Light Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone in your family was injured in an accident caused by a driver who ran a red light, contact Miami red light accident injury attorney Prosper Shaked today. Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA represent car accident victims and fight to get them the compensation they need after serious car crashes. To schedule your free legal consultation, call us today at (305) 694-2676.