Traffic signals are used all over the United States to encourage the safety of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians when they’re on the road. While having to stop at a red light may be frustrating if you’re running late or have been caught in traffic for a while, it is essential that everyone follows the rules of the road to prevent as many car accidents as possible. However, not all drivers fulfill their duty of care.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2018, 846 people were killed in crashes caused by a driver running a red light, and 139,000 more were injured. Because of this, failing to stop at a red light is unacceptable and reckless drivers should be punished accordingly.
If you or a loved one are one of these people, then you should contact a Venice accident attorney, as you could be entitled to compensation for the damage and injuries you experienced. The personal injury lawyers at The Law Place have over 75 years of combined experience in helping clients just like you get the justice they deserve. We offer a completely free consultation to anyone who believes they may have a claim, where we will offer you reliable and valuable legal advice specific to your case.
Don’t take on the complex Florida legal system on your own; get help from our skilled lawyers and contact us today at (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7.
Why Drivers Might Ignore a Red Light in Venice, FL.
Traffic lights are used in Florida to help protect road users. They are the most basic traffic signals and are incredibly easy to understand and follow. Despite this, it’s not uncommon to see drivers failing to yield for red lights. This type of reckless driving is incredibly dangerous and can cause many severe car accidents, and so there are no excuses for ignoring the rules of the road.
However, some of the most common reasons that drivers may ignore a red light are as follows:
- The driver was in a rush.
- The driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The driver was distracted, perhaps because they were eating or using their cell phone, and didn’t notice that the lights were red.
- The driving conditions and their visibility were poor.
- The driver was speeding and so couldn’t slow down in time to stop.
- The driver thought the lights wouldn’t change so quickly and thought they’d still be able to make it.
Regardless of what excuses the at-fault driver may use to try to justify their reckless driving, you may still be entitled to compensation. All drivers must adapt their driving to the current road conditions to ensure that they are not a danger to themselves and those around them, and so if they failed to stop at a red light, then they will likely be held liable. To find out if you deserve compensation for the red light accident you were involved in, you should contact The Law Place and schedule a free consultation with an experienced accident lawyer.
Common Injuries Sustained in Red Light Accidents
Car crashes caused by drivers ignoring red lights are often quite serious. This is because the drivers who fail to yield are often speeding, and the victims are often unaware of any danger as they are trusting that everyone is obeying the traffic signals. Usually, red light accidents result in side collisions, commonly known as T-bone crashes, which are particularly dangerous as the side of the car provides little protection that to passengers.
The most common injuries that victims sustain from red-light accidents include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis.
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash.
- Traumatic brain or head injuries.
- Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding.
- Disfigurement and dismemberment.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Sprains, lacerations, cuts, burns, and bruises.
- Wrongful death.
Being involved in a car accident can also leave victims suffering from emotional distress and mental trauma.
If you have suffered any of the above injuries, or any others, because of a driver failing to stop for a red light, then you should contact The Law Place for a free consultation in Venice. Our auto accident lawyers will inform you of your rights and have the skill needed to fight for the compensation and justice that you deserve.
Claiming Damages Following a Car Accident in Venice, FL.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by a driver’s failure to yield to a red light, then you may be entitled to compensation. Any type of car accident can be devastating for those involved, and so it will be our priority to ensure you get the justice that you deserve.
Once you begin working with The Law Place, our car accident attorneys will immediately begin working on your case, gathering evidence to prove the driver’s negligence and determining how much compensation you’re entitled to.
Some of the common damages that our team has won compensation for before are listed below:
- Medical bills.
- Lost wages.
- Loss of earning potential.
- Property damage.
- Pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death.
We understand that no amount of compensation will heal the injuries or trauma that you are suffering from, but it could help you manage the financial burdens you may now be experiencing and serve as proof that justice has been served.
Therefore, if you were a victim of a red light car accident, then you shouldn’t hesitate to contact The Law Place and schedule a free case evaluation. Our Venice personal injury lawyers will discuss your case with you in detail and offer you legal advice based on your individual circumstances. Your chances of winning compensation will be much higher with the help of a skilled accident lawyer, so call us today!
Principle of Comparative Fault in Florida
The principle of comparative fault is defined under Florida Statute 768.81. It states that more than one driver can be found to be at fault in the case of a car accident. This means that you may be determined to be at fault for the accident to some degree. However, if you’re found to be less than 50% at fault, you still will be able to claim compensation, but the amount you receive will be reduced according to your level of fault.
For example, if a driver ran a red light and crashed into you at an intersection, but you had been on your phone while driving, you may be determined to be 15% at fault. You would then have your settlement reduced by 15%.
Comparative fault means that the insurance company of the other party will try their hardest to ensure your share of the blame is as high as possible. In order to ensure you are not treated unfairly or taken advantage of, you should hire one of our personal injury attorneys. We will argue on your behalf and minimize your percentage fault. Without our help, you may not receive the settlement that you deserve.
The Law Place
If you or a loved one have been involved in a red light accident in Venice or elsewhere in Florida, then you should contact That Law Place immediately. Victims of car accidents are often left suffering from serious injuries and trauma through no fault of their own, and so we want to help make sure that you get the compensation and justice that you deserve for all you’ve been through.
We offer a free consultation to anyone who thinks they may deserve compensation for an accident that wasn’t their fault, so call us today to speak to knowledgeable and trustworthy lawyers about your specific case. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don’t delay in contacting us!
Call us at (941) 444-4444!
