When a motor vehicle driver runs a red light or disobeys a traffic signal or sign, individuals who are injured in the resulting collision have a right to receive compensation from the responsible driver. In these situations, the assistance of a skilled California personal injury lawyer is critical, as insurance companies often seek to pay victims the lowest amount possible. Traffic signal violations frequently result in severe and debilitating injuries. If you have been injured by a driver who violated a traffic signal, you are likely entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Traffic Signals
The phrase “traffic signals” refers to stops that can occur at crosswalks, drawbridges, after the directions of law enforcement, red lights, stop signs, and yield signs, among others. Traffic signals serve a valuable purpose for all drivers, as they let drivers know when to stop, go, slow down, and yield. In essence, they keep everyone on the roadways safe. If these signals are properly maintained and properly followed, the occurrence of accidents and injuries decreases. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and traffic signal violation and resulting accidents occur all over the state every single day.
Causes of Traffic Signal Violation Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there are annually 1,578 fatalities due to two-vehicle collisions at intersections that are controlled by traffic signals. Approximately half of these collisions are caused by motor vehicle drivers who run red lights. A little over a quarter over these accidents were caused by motor vehicle drivers who failed to yield the right of way at traffic signals. Statistics indicate that drivers aged 65 or older were involved in roughly 30% of all fatal crashes occurring at intersections, which is a larger group than anticipated.
Drivers can decrease the risk of these accidents occurring by paying close attention to traffic signals and surrounding drivers. Drivers can minimize the risk of traffic signal related accidents even further by maintaining a safe distance between vehicles. The following are driver behaviors that commonly cause accident:
- Blocking an intersection.
- Driving at an unsafe speed.
- Failing to stop at a red light.
- Failing to use turn signals.
- Failing to yield.
- Following too closely.
- Ignoring stop signs and red lights.
- Improper lane changes.
- Operating vehicles in a negligent manner.
- Running a stop sign.
If your car accident was caused by a driver participating in any of the above behaviors, you may have a personal injury case. An attorney at Deldar Legal can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for his or her actions and pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Malfunctioning Traffic Signal Accidents: Who is Liable?
In a growing number of cases, drivers make sure to follow traffic signals, but accidents still occur due to malfunctioning or defective traffic signals. Traffic lights can also malfunction due to lights being displaced or damaged by high winds or other adverse weather conditions. In these types of situations, accident victims might have a case against the municipality that is responsible for installing the traffic lights and making sure the devices are adequately maintained. Lawsuits against government agencies often require the assistance of a skilled attorney because a different set of laws applies to these types of accidents.
Contact Deldar Legal Today
A large number of accidents each year occur due to drivers who run red lights or otherwise disobey traffic signals. These acts have the potential to result in significant consequences including serious injuries and car crash fatalities. The legal counsel at Deldar Legal is dedicated to making sure that individuals who are involved in accidents due to traffic signal violations are properly compensated by the responsible parties. If you have been harmed in any way by a traffic signal violation, our firm is ready to assist you.
Posted in: Auto Accidents, Traffic Light Accidents