Who Is at Fault in a Red Light Accident?
Red light accidents are an extremely common type of car accident. However, establishing who’s at fault in a red light accident can be more complicated than it appears. Pennsylvania traffic laws can influence legal liability for accident damage, and different types of negligent driving can precipitate apportionment of fault in different ways.
It’s critical to contact an attorney promptly after a Pennsylvania red light car accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer will closely review your case to determine who may be liable for the accident under state law. Working with a lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that an insurance company doesn’t pressure you into accepting a lower settlement than you deserve. Call Cordisco & Saile LLC today at (215) 642-2335 for a free consultation.
How Is Fault Determined in a Red Light Accident?
Determining fault in a red light accident requires a thorough assessment of all available evidence. Drivers can be found civilly liable for an accident due to various dangerous driving behaviors, including the following:
- Failure to yield. The at-fault driver may have turned illegally into oncoming traffic when they were signaled to yield at the light.
- Distracted driving. The at-fault driver may have been looking at their phone or another distraction and failed to realize that the light had changed color.
- Speeding. The at-fault driver may have been traveling too fast to stop at a red light, causing a crash with another driver.
- Intoxication. The at-fault driver may have been too intoxicated to recognize that they were about to run a red light or that another car was coming.
Your attorney will examine the facts of your case to determine who is liable for the crash and why.
What Evidence Is Used To Prove Liability in a Red Light Accident?
Evidence used to prove liability in red light accidents includes:
- Traffic camera, dashcam, and surveillance footage
- Witness testimony
- Police reports
- Accident reconstruction
- Forensic evidence such as skid marks
- Photos and video
The attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC carefully evaluate all evidence to determine liability and help you build a strong claim. Your attorney will personally investigate your case and gather evidence to ensure your claim is strong enough to succeed.
How Do Traffic Laws Influence Fault in Red Light Accidents?
State traffic laws can impact which party is legally at fault in a red light accident. Pennsylvania traffic laws that can impact liability in your case include:
- State law mandates that all drivers stop at red lights before entering an intersection.
- Pennsylvania drivers may turn right on red if there is no sign prohibiting it, but they must first come to a full stop to yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
- Pennsylvania’s “Ride on Red” law allows vehicles to proceed forward at a red light if the traffic signal detection system is not working properly.
- The state’s comparative negligence laws provide that plaintiffs can recover compensation if they are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident.
A knowledgeable red light accident attorney will know how Pennsylvania’s state traffic laws affect your case. You can trust our lawyers to understand how the laws assign fault to each party and how the applicable insurance coverage will impact your potential settlement.
Learn the Facts About Red Light Accidents in Pennsylvania
- Nearly four percent of all car crashes in Pennsylvania are red light accidents.
- According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the state saw 4,372 red light crashes in 2023, which resulted in 33 fatalities.
- Red light accidents are more common during rush hour.
- The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly half of people killed in red light accidents are not the driver responsible.
- The study also found pedestrians and cyclists comprise over 5 percent of fatalities in red light accidents.
- A 2022 AAA Foundation survey found that while 83 percent of drivers said it was very dangerous to run a red light, 25 percent reported having done so in the previous 30 days.
If you’ve been injured in a red light car accident in Pennsylvania, Cordisco & Saile LLC can help. Call (215) 642-2335 or contact us online today for your free consultation.
Can I Sue Someone for Running a Red Light and Hitting Me?
Yes, it’s possible to sue someone for running a red light and hitting you or your vehicle if their negligence caused you injury, property damage, or both. Your damages may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property replacement costs.
A reliable red light accident attorney can inform you about your legal rights and help you determine whether a lawsuit is right for you. Your attorney will support you through the entire legal process, including:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident
- Collecting evidence that can be difficult to access
- Building a strong case that proves the other party was liable for the accident
- Negotiating with insurance companies and taking your case to court if necessary
We have over 30 years of experience handling motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania. Considering we have secured over $100 million for clients and earned more than 400 five-star reviews online, you can rest easy after an accident, knowing that our knowledgeable attorneys are on the case.
Reach Out to the Pennsylvania Red Light Accident Lawyers at Cordisco & Saile Today
If you need a reliable Pennsylvania red light accident attorney, look no further than Cordisco & Saile LLC. Our award-winning team of personal injury lawyers fight hard for the people of Bucks County, Montgomery County, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, and beyond. When you choose us to fight for you, we don’t take that lightly. We remove as much stress from the legal process as possible so you can focus on recovery after the trauma of an accident.
Call (215) 642-2335 or contact us online today for your free legal consultation.
