Are Red Light Runners Always Liable in Intersection Accidents?
A red light runner poses a danger to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash by ignoring the rules of the road. At the same time, you may assume that a red-light runner is responsible for your collision; in many cases, another driver or you yourself may share accountability. If you believe that a red-light runner caused your crash, the Pottsville car accident attorneys at Fanelli, Evans, & Patel, P.C., are ready to collect pertinent evidence to assist in your accident claim.
Determining Negligence
A motor vehicle crash is usually caused by another person’s failure to behave in a reasonably expected manner. This carelessness is known as negligence. To recover in a car accident claim, you must establish the following:
- Duty of care: Motorists are expected to follow the rules of the road, which include yielding right-of-way and stopping at red lights.
- Breach of duty: A breach of duty occurs when a motorist fails to uphold the level of care that is expected.
- Causation: To meet the requirements of negligence, you must establish a causal link between the defendant’s actions and your injuries. The defendant’s actions must have set a chain of events into motion (cause-in-fact), with the accident and your injuries being a foreseeable consequence (proximate cause).
- Damages: As a result of your injuries, you have sustained measurable losses (i.e., lost wages, medical bills, infliction of emotional distress, etc.).
Dangers of Running a Red Light
In 2022, 1,149 people died in red light running-related crashes. A red-light runner is considered anyone that fails to stop when the light turns red, but can include drivers who illegally turn right when it is prohibited. Impatience, inattentive driving, or failing to time the yellow light properly can all be attributed as reasons that drivers run red lights.
At some intersections in Pottsville and across the nation, running red lights is common, with incidents becoming more frequent during rush hour. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has instituted red light cameras in several cities to help remedy the problem.
By taking a picture and a short video as a motorist enters an intersection, red light cameras deter drivers from red light running. Currently, the fine for a red-light violation is capped at $100.
Establishing Causation in Red Light Accidents
If your accident was caused by a red-light runner, then you must establish the link between the motorist’s actions and your injuries. You cannot assume that a red-light runner is 100 percent liable without supporting evidence. In some situations, the red-light runner may be only partially at fault.
Our Pottsville car accident lawyers have experience in investigating the situation and identifying information that may be applicable to establish liability. If you share a certain level of fault, we will do what we can to still help you recover the most damages.
Hit By a Red Light Runner? Do Not Hesitate to Speak with Our Pottsville Car Accident Lawyers Today
Red light runners should be held accountable for their carelessness. If you were struck by someone running a red light, do not hesitate to contact the legal team at Fanelli, Evans, & Patel, P.C. With over 100 years of combined experience, our Pottsville car accident attorneys have both the skills and tenacity to fight for the compensation that is rightfully yours. To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, contact us online or give us a call at (570) 622-2455.