Auto Accidents and Red Lights Can Be a Fatal Combination
Red lights are easy to see, and even children know what they represent. Yet auto accidents involving red lights are common. American Traffic SolutionsTM reports that between 2011 and 2015, an average of 719 people died in red light-related accidents. These fatal auto accidents cost an estimated $319 million dollars. Of course, not all crashes are fatal, but many can cause serious injuries and major property damage. If you have been involved in a red light accident, the attorneys at Tawater Law Firm, PLLC, in Oklahoma City, OK are ready to help. We will investigate the incident to see if there is evidence of reckless or negligent behavior. Then we will fight for compensation to help you cover your expenses.
How Do Red Lights Lead to Auto Accidents?
Most red light accidents occur because a driver blatantly ignores the light. Sometimes, they may run it after it changes, and the crossing traffic has already started to move. Other times, the light may have been red for some time, but a distracted driver completely misses it. Other red light accidents can occur when a driver makes a right on red without coming to a complete stop and checking for oncoming traffic.
All of these various accidents may have additional contributing factors:
- Drunk driving
- Texting or talking on the phone while driving
- Distracted driving (such as eating, adjusting the radio, or applying makeup behind the wheel)
- Daytime sleepiness
- Impatient drivers who push through an intersection
Preventing Red Light Accidents
Of course, avoiding dangerous behaviors is the most effective way to prevent accidents at red lights. Unfortunately, no one can stop others from behaving recklessly at all times. However, American Traffic SolutionsTM reports that red light safety cameras can greatly reduce the number of such incidents. According to their analysis, cities with these cameras had 21 percent fewer crashes related to running red lights and 14 percent fewer fatal crashes overall.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports several other safety measures. Roundabouts are much safer than intersections, although they are not suitable for all traffic patterns. Additionally, increasing the length of yellow lights can decrease both red light running and the overall number of fatal crashes. However, the IIHS acknowledges that longer yellow lights are not as effective as red light cameras.
Legal Representation for Your Red Light Auto Accident
When red light accidents occur, the involved parties can experience major injuries. Head trauma, spinal damage, broken bones, and traumatic brain injury are common. Even less serious injuries, such as whiplash or nerve damage can cause lifelong pain and decreased mobility. Sometimes this damage can inhibit a victim’s ability to work for life.
If you or a loved one has experienced this type of accident, our attorneys can provide the hard-hitting, yet compassionate legal assistance that you deserve. Focusing exclusively on personal injury suits, we know the most effective legal strategies for these cases. We will evaluate every aspect of the accident to determine wrongdoing. Then, although we always try to settle cases through negotiation, we are willing to go to court to fight for your rights. Through our tireless efforts, we can often obtain the money you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs.
Contact Tawater Law Firm Today
We know that money cannot restore your health or quality of life. It can, however, take some of the stress out of an auto accident. Contact our firm today to schedule your free case evaluation and find out if you may have grounds for a successful lawsuit.