Most drivers obey traffic laws but when they do not, the consequences can be devastating for everyone involved. Anytime a driver runs a red light, innocent motorists and pedestrians moving through the intersection can suffer serious, even deadly injuries. If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving someone disregarding a red light, our Massachusetts auto accident attorneys can help you sue the at-fault party and help you recover the compensation you need to move on with your life. We are committed to holding negligent drivers responsible for the harm that they cause.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that the number traffic deaths related to people running red lights are the highest they have been in 10 years. AAA finds that more than two individuals die each day in red light running accidents, including drivers (35 percent), passengers (46 percent), pedestrians and cyclists (5 percent). Accidents caused by drivers blowing through red lights killed 939 people in 2017, indicating a peak and a nearly 30 percent increase since 2012. The reasons for running red lights range from drivers being distracted and not paying attention to the road, to speeding and deliberately breaking the law. The study also found that while 85 percent of drivers acknowledge that running a red light is dangerous, about one-third of drivers say they flew through a red light within the preceding 30 days when they could have stopped in a safe manner.
Red lights are designed to safely control the flow of traffic and keep drivers safe. All motorists have a legal obligation to obey traffic laws, including following traffic signals so as not to endanger other motorists and pedestrians crossing the street. Sadly, those who run red lights cause and contribute to many intersection and T-bone accidents.
If you have been injured in a red light accident, you may have legal options. When a driver runs a red light causing an accident and resulting injury, that driver may be liable for negligence. A person is negligent when he or she fails to use reasonable care behind the wheel, thus, causing an accident. Reasonable care refers to the level of care that a prudent person would use under the same or similar circumstances. A person can be negligent by doing something that he or she should not have done (i.e., running a red light), or by failing to do something that he or she should have done (i.e., failing to stop for a pedestrian at a crosswalk).
Disregarding a traffic light while driving can have catastrophic consequences. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a motorist running a red light, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Law Offices of Barry Feinstein & Affiliates, P.C., our seasoned Massachusetts personal injury attorneys have over 25 years of experience representing victims of car accidents and can represent you as well. You can rest assured that we will thoroughly examine your case and zealously advocate for your rights every step of the way. To speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys, please do not hesitate to call us today at 1-800-262-9200 or contact us online.
