Red Light Accident Lawyer in Atlanta, GA

Injured at a Red Light? Call Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers

Some of the most egregious accidents happen at red-light intersections . Even if you are following all the traffic rules, other drivers could easily put you in extreme danger. If you are suffering after a collision at a red light, you need legal guidance from a red-light accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA.

The Champion Firm is here to help you maximize your financial compensation and ensure the at-fault party is held accountable. Contact us at 404-498-4314 for a 100% free consultation and learn more about what is next for your red-light accident claim.

Why Do Red Light Crashes Happen?

Red-light-running accidents happen when one car enters an intersection despite having a red traffic signal. Some of the most common reasons for red light crashes include:

• Impatient drivers
• Distracted driving
• Misjudging the duration of a yellow light
• Drunk or impaired driving
• Driving aggressively
• Lack of awareness of surroundings

Poor visibility or defective or obstructed traffic lights could also cause red light accidents. Many collisions occur due to negligence or irresponsible driving.

Crashes That Happen at Red Lights

The collisions that can occur at a red light are often severe. The vehicle traveling through the intersection moves faster than cars stopped at or approaching the intersection. The most common types of red-light crashes include:

• Rear-end collisions – When one driver stops suddenly at a red light, the driver traveling behind them may fail to break in time, slamming into the rear end of the front-traveling car.
• T-bone accidents or head-on collisions – If one vehicle travels in the opposite direction of another and fails to stop at a red light, it can cause a head-on collision. Similarly, when one vehicle enters an intersection without having the right of way, it can strike the side of the vehicle with the right of way, causing a T-bone accident.
• Multi-car pile-ups – In a multi-car pile-up, multiple vehicles can be involved in a collision when one driver runs a red traffic light, leading to a chain reaction of collisions.
• Pedestrian accidents – Pedestrians have the right of way when using a crosswalk. If they are crossing while the intersection has a red light and a driver plows through it, the driver can cause catastrophic or fatal pedestrian injuries.
• Motorcycle or bicycle accidents – When motorists ignore red lights or fail to follow the right-of-way laws, bicyclists and motorcyclists alike have the potential to suffer devastating injuries in red light accidents.

The type and size of the vehicles involved, speed, and cause of the accident can all affect the collision’s severity. Your attorney must carefully examine the details to determine how the accident occurred and who should be held accountable for your damages.

Red-Light Car Accident Injuries

The more severe the red-light accident, the more likely victims will suffer debilitating injuries. The most frequently seen injuries in red-light collisions are:

• Broken pelvis, arm, ribs, or leg bones
• Whiplash or other neck injuries
• Spinal cord damage, including partial or total paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussion
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other psychological trauma
• Muscle strains and sprains and other soft tissue injuries
• Internal bleeding and damage to the lungs, kidneys, liver, or spleen

It is crucial to obtain a medical evaluation immediately after your red-light crash. Not only is it essential to diagnose and treat your injuries, but failure to get medical attention could result in the defense arguing you are exaggerating the extent of your injuries or that your injuries were caused in another way.

Who’s Responsible for Crashes at Red Lights?

Your Atlanta red-light accident attorney will carefully examine the circumstances of your case to determine who is at fault for your injuries. Generally, the driver running the red light will be found liable. However, other factors may also need to be taken into consideration.

For example, the cause of your collision will help determine which parties could share the blame for your damages. Some common parties named in red light traffic accidents include:

• Distracted drivers
• Speeding drivers
• Traffic light manufacturers and parts distributors
• Government agencies, municipalities, or private entities responsible for defective or malfunctioning traffic signals

Compensation for Red Light Auto Accidents

You have the right to compensation for every loss you experienced after your red-light accident. This conversation should include your economic or out-of-pocket financial losses, emotional trauma, and physical distress. These compensatory damages could include the following:

• Loss of income if you are temporarily out of work
• Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working
• Hospital bills, ongoing treatment, co-pays, and future medical expenses
• Emotional distress, physical pain, and reduced quality of life
• Vehicle repair costs and personal property damages
• Loss of consortium, including support, affection, and companionship of a spouse

Red Light Accident Settlements

Unfortunately, multiple factors could impact the amount of your red-light accident settlement. Although you may be entitled to compensation for every loss, if you share liability for the accident, your settlement could be reduced as per Georgia’s modified comparative negligence laws. You cannot pursue your case at trial if you are more than 49% responsible for the accident.

However, if you are 49% or less liable for causing the red-light crash or your subsequent injuries, you can expect your settlement to be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you failed to wear your seatbelt when you were struck by a driver running a red light, the judge might find you 5% at fault for your injuries. Your settlement would be reduced by 5% accordingly. Other factors that could impact the amount of your red-light accident settlement include:

• Whether multiple parties share liability
• The extent to which your life has been affected
• Your prognosis and whether you have a permanent disability
• Whether you reached maximum medical improvement
• Your anticipated future medical care
• Whether the liable party has auto insurance
• Whether the liable party’s auto insurance meets your needs

Safety Tips to Avoid Red-Light Accidents

At The Champion Firm, we aim to help red-light car accident victims maximize their financial compensation. Yet, you can always take specific steps to protect yourself and potentially avoid a red-light accident.

• Approach traffic intersections with caution
• Watch your surroundings at traffic intersections
• Follow Atlanta traffic rules and regulations
• Come to a complete stop behind crosswalks or stop lines
• Do not speed through a yellow light
• Maintain a safe stopping distance
• Focus on the road at all times
• Use caution when making left turns, even at green arrows
• Anticipate lights changing from yellow to red
• Keep your headlights on in inclement weather
• Use your turn signals
• Drive defensively

Call a Red-Light Crash Attorney in Atlanta, GA

The effects of a red-light accident may be long-lasting and frustrating. Fortunately, the impact may be easier to manage when you have a dedicated attorney to advance your interests. Accessing the compensation you are entitled to can go a long way in helping you recover.

Contact The Champion Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 404-498-4314 or fill out our form.