Running Red Lights

Running a red light is common as people rush to reach their destinations. However, it often happens unintentionally. Factors such as inattention, speeding, and misjudgment of a traffic light can contribute to red light violations, which can lead to serious accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a driver running a red light, consulting a Schaumburg red light accident attorney is advisable. You may have a valid case to seek compensation from the at-fault driver, which can help cover your accident-related expenses. Contact one of our experienced red light accident attorneys today at (847) 944-9400 to explore your legal options.

Common Red Light Accident Scenarios

When vehicles run red lights, various types of accidents can occur, including:

Rear-End Collisions: These accidents happen when one car crashes into the back of another. Rear-end collisions often result from a driver attempting to speed through an intersection to beat a red light while the vehicles in front have slowed down or stopped.

T-Bone Collisions: T-bone collisions occur when a vehicle strikes another vehicle’s side, creating a T-shaped impact. This type of accident frequently happens when a driver attempts to run a red light after the light has changed for traffic in multiple directions. T-bone collisions are highly dangerous because they offer minimal protection from safety devices.

Turn Collisions: Turn collisions can happen when one vehicle is making a turn, but a vehicle from the opposite direction runs a red light.

While these are some common red light accident scenarios, other collisions can occur. Regardless of the type, all car accidents have the potential to result in severe injuries. Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident, if you haven’t already, is crucial. Subsequently, consulting a Schaumburg red light accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. Reach out to Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD today to speak to a highly experienced personal injury attorney in Schaumburg today.

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Determining Fault in Red Light Accidents

Determining fault in red light accidents is typically straightforward. When drivers run a red light, they are almost always held responsible for the accident. This is because the driver did not have the right of way and violated traffic signal rules.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, red light running is the most common and dangerous type of accident. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports a significant increase in red light running incidents over the last decade, resulting in more than two fatalities daily on U.S. roads.

Long-Term Consequences

Organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also highlight a consistent rise in red light running accidents and related fatalities. Red light accidents can have long-term consequences for violators and the victims. Being struck by a driver running a red light can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. These injuries often require extended recovery periods or may result in disabilities.

Aside from physical injuries, there may also be significant mental trauma, potentially affecting victims’ ability to drive in the future. While mental health services can help, they can be costly. This is one of the reasons consulting a Schaumburg red light accident attorney may be advantageous, as victims may seek compensation to cover medical expenses and other costs.

Common Causes of Red Light Accidents

Red light accidents occur for various reasons, including:

Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of red light and other accidents. Even a momentary distraction from the road can lead to misjudging a traffic light’s timing and causing an accident.

Speeding: Traffic lights are designed to change with the posted speed limit. Speeding toward a traffic light makes it challenging to correctly time a stop or pass-through. Speeding drivers often run through the light and collide with vehicles that have already turned or passed through ahead of them.

Drunk Driving: Impaired driving significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, let alone time red light stops accurately. Numerous cases involve drunk drivers running red lights at the wrong time and causing accidents.

While you cannot prevent other drivers from running red lights, you can increase your safety by always waiting a few seconds after a light turns green to ensure no vehicles are still crossing the intersection.

Statute of Limitations

If you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit due to being hit by a red light runner, it is crucial to promptly consult a Schaumburg red light accident attorney. There is a statute of limitations—a legal time limit—for filing a lawsuit related to personal injuries. In Illinois, you typically have a maximum of two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Contact One Of Our Schaumburg Red Light Accident Attorneys to Discuss Your Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in a red light accident, do not hesitate to consult a Schaumburg red light accident attorney. You may have grounds to pursue a personal injury case to seek compensation for accident-related expenses.

Speak with one of our experienced red light accident attorneys today at (847) 944-9400 to discuss your personal injury case with our legal team.

Request A Free Case Evaluation