Red lights and stop lights are designed to manage traffic and keep drivers safe, but there are always exceptions. Most drivers adhere to the rules of red lights and stop signs, but those who don’t can end up causing serious injuries and sometimes even fatalities. Unfortunately, many drivers disregard their own safety and the safety of others simply because they are in a hurry to get somewhere or they are distracted while driving and don’t even realize they failed to stop at an intersection. Just about everyone has run a red light or a stop sign on accident before, but some drivers that are speeding excessively or driving recklessly speed up during a yellow light and end up causing a major accident. Most car accidents in Michigan where a driver speeds up to avoid stopping at a red light are severe and cause serious injuries to both parties.
How Dangerous Are Car Accidents Caused By a Red Light or Stop Sign?
The Federal Highway Administration claims that roughly 45% of car collisions take place at a road intersection and the cause is usually related to running a stop sign or running a stop light. This means tens of thousands of car accidents occur because a driver fails to stop at a red light or stop light and collides with another motor vehicle in the United States every year. With more and more people driving, we are dependent on red lights to keep us safe, and it only takes one mistake to cause a serious injury or fatality. Regardless of the reason for running a light, if you have been injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence, you should talk with a Michigan auto accident attorney to make sure that justice is served and you receive the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
How Do I Prove The At-Fault Party In A Red Light Accident?
In just about in all instances, a police officer did not physically witness the car crash. Instead, the officer will make a determination of fault by interviewing both drivers involved and talking to available witnesses. He or she will also examine both the automobiles involved for any signs of speeding or other factors that will help the officer determine fault. If you around a busy intersection, there is also a chance that surveillance or security cameras were recording the accident on video. Obtaining the video can sometimes be difficult but it holds a lot of weight as evidence. After all of this, the officer will complete his police report and file the official traffic crash report. If you decided to hire us, we will make sure that we receive these reports along with any video evidence and start working on your case. Many times, we are able to prove that the traffic crash report was incorrect. We are able to this by re-interviewing witnesses, analyzing the video surveillance, obtaining any possible phone or texting records from mobile carriers, and more.
We Can Investigate The Accident and Preserve The Evidence
The insurance company for the negligent driver often denies any fault whatsoever, so it’s important that you contact a trustworthy attorney who routinely deals with insurance companies and will work hard to help you receive payment for your mounting bills related to the injuries you have sustained. These insurance companies have not become rich by happily writing you a check for your injuries; they fight tooth and nail to keep the money they have made, and you need an experienced attorney who knows their tricks and strategies well. The faster you retain a lawyer, the better chance we have at preserving evidence and strengthening your claim. We can hire reconstruction experts and investigators to make sure the truth is found and use this to your advantage during trial. Questioning witnesses, reconstructing the accident, and analyzing all the documents corresponding to the accident can help you get a favorable result for your case.
What Are The Top Causes of Red Light Collisions?
- The driver speeds up to “make the light” while the light is yellow. They end up entering the intersection while the light is red which is obviously a very dangerous situation. Cars that are turning or driving perpendicular to the driver running the red light lead to a major collision.
- Many driver realize that speeding up to make the light isn’t possible and slam on the brakes. This still causes the vehicle to enter the intersection because they weren’t able to stop in due time.
- A vehicle is simply distracted or reckless and doesn’t even notice the red light. The driver then gets in a crash with another vehicle that is simply going through a green light.
- A vehicle that is legally in the intersection make a left-hand turn after the traffic signal is red. Another driver (who is not aware the 1st car is turning left) speeds up on the green light and collides with the car making a legal left.
- Poor weather conditions making it difficult to see the traffic light clearly. This could include heavy rain, heavy snow, ice, fog, and a sun that is blinding.
Common Injuries Suffered As a Result of Red Light Collisions
Typical red light accidents result in violent collisions considering the speed of the vehicles involved. These type of major collisions result in major losses in property damage, possibly totaling of one or both vehicles, and severe personal injuries. Some common injuries that are caused by red light crashes include neck, shoulder, back and whiplash injuries. Hip, leg, and multiple fractures are all very possible along with spinal cord injuries and brain injuries.