Red light accidents carry some severe consequences. With the potential for high speeds and multiple vehicles involved in an accident, some unique risks accompany accidents that occur at red lights. As such, if you were involved in a red light accident, then you may be eligible for compensation. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can work on your behalf to build a case, defend your rights, and pursue compensation for recoverable damages after a red light accident. Pick up the phone and call (404) 888-8888 to speak to someone at the offices of Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today.
The Causes of Red Light Accidents
There are several causes of red light accidents. Drunk driving and distracted driving are common culprits. When intoxicated people are behind the wheel, they have reduced reaction times and degraded depth perception, which may lead to them running through a red light and causing an accident. The same goes for drivers who are distracted by text messages and smartphones.
There are also some more practical considerations to keep in mind when looking at red light accidents. Many people may simply be trying to get through a yellow light to save time. Others may fail to time the changing of a traffic light from red to green or from yellow to red. These types of attempted shortcuts often create dangerous conditions for other drivers at the same intersection.
While there is no doubt that other drivers’ behaviors lead to red light accidents, there may also be other elements at play. For example, if inclement weather hampers visibility on the roads, then drivers may have difficulty seeing the red lights. Furthermore, in some cases, a malfunctioning red light can fail to signal drivers when they approach an intersection.
As you may have guessed, excess speeding also leads to red light accidents. Because many of these accidents involve high-velocity impacts due to excessive speed, the injuries and aftermath of a red light accident can be much more severe than accidents caused by other circumstances. In any case, speeding puts everyone on the road at an increased risk of collision and injury.
The good news is that there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk exposure when other drivers are speeding on the roads. For example, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises, you should always aim to give speeding drivers plenty of space to pass in the left lane. You may also want to consider calling the local authorities if a speeding driver is harassing you or creating unnecessary danger for others on the roads. Even if you are doing your part to be cautious and defensive in your driving, some red light accidents are nearly impossible to avoid.
Regardless of what caused the accident, an Atlanta personal injury lawyer can work with you to develop a case, and examine any evidence related to the red light accident you were involved in. The legal team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you build a case to pursue any compensation and recoverable damages. Call us today at (404) 888-8888 to speak about your situation with a member of our team.
For a free legal consultation with a red light accidents lawyer serving Atlanta, call (404) 888-8888
Common Red Light Accident Injuries
As with most car accidents, accidents that occur at red lights can lead to a variety of injuries. Some common injuries that result from collisions include whiplash, concussion, head trauma, spinal cord damage, broken and fractured bones, and more. If a red light accident occurs at high speeds, then fatalities are even possible. Many of these injuries may require both immediate and on-going medical attention. If you were involved in a red light accident that resulted in personal injury, then you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A car wreck lawyer in Atlanta can pursue any eligible compensation that you may be entitled to receive, so you can rest and recover from any injuries you may have sustained.
Atlanta Red Light Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
The Liable Party in a Red Light Accident
In most red light accidents, many types of evidence may be gathered to establish the liable parties. For example, some intersections make use of surveillance cameras. In these cases, we can gather and examine the footage to determine the cause of an accident and establish liability. Law enforcement, the car insurance companies, and opposing legal teams may also gather eyewitness reports to assist in the process of determining who was at fault in a red light accident as well.
When it comes to pursuing compensation after a red light accident, you may be working with a sensitive timetable. Per the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 9-3-33, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you are attempting to make a claim against the county for failure to maintain its traffic lights, roads, or any other reason, then you are subject to a tighter timeline. As O.C.G.A § 36-11-1 states, you have one year to file a lawsuit against a local municipality. If you contact a lawyer who handles red light accidents right after your accident, then you give them the time they need to begin building a case on your behalf.
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Contact Our Law Office Today
There are many complications to handle after an accident at a red light. An Atlanta red light accident lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the legal process. In addition to pursuing any compensation through a claim, one of our lawyers can build a case on your behalf and stand by your side to defend your rights if your case goes to trial. Get in touch with a member of our team today by dialing (404) 888-8888.
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