Red Light Car Accident Attorneys in Louisiana

Traffic signals, such as red lights, stop signs, and other signals, are designed to keep everyone on the road safe as they use the shared roadways for travel. And for the most part, drivers follow their turns and do their parts, but some drivers flaunt the rules to their, and others’, peril.

When careless or negligent drivers ignore the rules of the road, they can cause traffic accidents resulting in serious injuries or even death. It’s truly a tragedy, because red light accidents are perhaps the most easily-prevented type of car accident and truck accident, but they’re also one of the most common. If you’ve been the victim of a red light accident, you deserve compensation for the damages and injuries you’ve suffered.

The Dangers of Running Red Lights in Louisiana

Running a red light can be extremely dangerous. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that red light accidents cause more than 800 deaths and 130,000 injuries every year. In addition, the Federal Highway Administration has found that around 45% of traffic collisions happen at intersections—the main cause of which is running a red light.

Common Causes of Red Light Collisions

So why do people run red lights? Sometimes, a driver might not even notice they’re running the light, or a driver runs a red light because they’re trying to “push a yellow.” Other reasons people run red lights can include

• They’re running late to an appointment, work, or school
• They’re driving distracted, by texting, tuning the radio, or another reason
• They’re drowsy
• They’re driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• They’re angry or emotional, and driving recklessly or aggressively

Whatever the cause, a red light car accident can lead to serious injury, costly property damages, and worse. Always pay attention when approaching a traffic light, both for imminent red lights and for cross-traffic that might not be paying attention.

Common Injuries Caused by Red Light Accidents

In most red light accidents, the vehicle that entered the intersection first is hit the hardest. In some cases, traffic light accidents can cause pile-ups, as more cars slam into the wreck already in the intersection.

Besides resulting in major property damage—often, one or both of the cars is totaled—drivers can be severely injured. Just how much they’re injured depends on a number of factors, such as how many cars were involved in the accident, angles of impact, and driver speeds.  Some of the more common injuries resulting from red light accidents include

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Limb amputation

How to Determine Liability in a Red Light Car Accident Case

In most cases, the driver who entered the intersection after the light turned red will be found at-fault for the red light crash—but not always. Even if you have the green light, you should stop if you see a red light runner blowing through the intersection. That’s because all drivers have a duty of care to other drivers and users of our roadways to keep everyone safe.

The same applies to cyclists and pedestrians, too—even if you’re walking across an intersection, if you’re not looking and are hit, you could share liability.

The complicated nature of determining liability after a car crash is one of the main reasons it’s imperative to hire an experienced attorney. A red light accident lawyer will be able to help you gather evidence that the other party was at fault, argue for your interests, and secure you the compensation you deserve.

How Much Could I Receive for My Red Light Accident?

The compensation you could receive depends on a number of factors, including how many vehicles were involved in the accident, the proportion of fault each driver is found to have, and the severity of your injuries. Here are some of the damages you could be awarded in your red light injury case:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost work, and estimated future wages if your injuries leave you unable to work
• Cost of vehicle repairs or replacement
• Pain and suffering
• If your loved one died in the crash, you could be awarded wrongful death damages

Why You Need a Louisiana Red Light Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a red light accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. The pain, hardship, and mental anguish you’re going through demand recompense, and the lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys are here to help.

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys is a Louisiana personal injury law practice that specializes in traffic accidents of all types. We have over 679+ years of combined legal experience helping Louisianans recover over $3 Billion in damages after life-altering injuries, and we’re confident we can help you too. Give us a call today at 888.501.7888 for a free consultation about your case.

Once you decide to hire us, we’ll get started right away on gathering evidence, filing paperwork with the insurance company and the court, and preparing your claim to get you the most compensation possible. We’re so confident that we can help that we offer the G Guarantee: we don’t get paid until we win your case.

Areas in Louisiana We Serve