More than two people are killed every day on U.S. roads by drivers running red lights, according to a recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Researchers found that 939 people were killed in red-light accidents during a recent five-year period, the highest death toll that has been recorded in a decade.
If youāve been hit by a driver who ran a red light, compensation may be possible to cover any resulting medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Contacting an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible can protect your legal rights and help you obtain the money you are entitled to.
Red Light Accident Compensation
When another driver runs a red light, they are usually at fault if a collision occurs. As such, their insurance company will be expected to compensate all victims for their damages.
You can obtain compensation for losses including but not limited to:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Punitive damages (in rare cases)
One thing is certain when youāre negotiating with the at-fault driverās insurance company. Theyāre going to offer you the lowest settlement possible. Having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side can prevent you from falling victim to sneaky tactics they may use to try to deny you the compensation you deserve.
What Causes People to Run Red Lights?
There is no single reason why a driver runs a red light. However, for each reason, Trollinger Law LLC believes that it was caused by someone who has made a conscious decision to stop following the safety rules that allow us all to be safe on our Maryland roads. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive Driving with excuses of impatience or being late
- Road rage
- Racing
Regardless of the cause of the accident, thereās no question that drivers who run red lights should be held fully accountable when their actions endanger the lives of others.
Proving Liability
All car accident cases hinge on proving liability. You must be able to show that the other driver was irresponsible and that his or her accidents caused your injuries.
In many cases, proving that a driver ran a red light can be simple. Witness statements or footage from cameras can refute any claims that the driver might make that the light was not red at the time of the crash. An experienced attorney will know how to obtain the evidence needed to prove your claim.
When to Call a Lawyer
You should contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible after any red-light collision. Thatās because the insurance company for the negligent driver will start calling you for a statement right away before youāve even had a chance to consider legal representation.
Do not provide any recorded statement to an insurance company until you have a lawyer, and remember that any quick settlement that you are offered is likely to be well short of what you are actually entitled to.
How Can Trollinger Law LLC Help Me?
If you suffered catastrophic injuries or a loved one was killed in a red-light accident in the Waldorf, or Southern Maryland, Trollinger Law LLC can help.
For years, our law firm has provided skilled yet compassionate legal services to deserving clients throughout Maryland. We know whatās at stake when it comes to personal injury compensation, and weāll demand maximum compensation on your behalf.
It costs nothing to learn your legal options. Call (301) 298-2502 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.
