Mastering Accidents: Austin Red Light Violation Accident Lawyer Expertise
Red light violations cause severe accidents in Austin. These crashes often result in serious injuries. If you're a victim, you need legal help. Our Austin lawyer specializes in red light violation cases. We offer expert guidance and support. We'll help you seek fair compensation. Contact our Austin Red Light Violation Accident Lawyer today as your legal advocate. We provide dedicated representation during tough times.
![Austin Red Light Violation Accident Lawyer: Car driver holding a bottle of liquor while running a red light, highlighting the dangers of drunk driving and traffic violations.](https://austinaccidentlawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/practice-areas_car-accidents_car-accidents_red-light-violation-accidents-lawyer.webp)
The NHTSA's 2008 Traffic Safety Facts Report highlights a crucial point. Red light accidents frequently lead to severe injuries. The driver obeying the law is often defenseless. The red light runner usually t-bones them. This makes these accidents particularly dangerous.
Who's to Blame When Someone Runs a Red Light and You Hit Them?
Generally, the driver who runs the red light is at fault and is often cited for causing the crash. The situation can be more complex:
Property Damage Cases: The at-fault driver's insurance usually covers the claim, though some insurers may be slower to respond.
Bodily Injury Cases: These are more complicated. Insurers might try to shift blame, claiming you could have avoided the crash.
Factors Influencing Fault:
- Traffic Camera Footage: Can provide evidence of who ran the light.
- Witness Accounts: Can corroborate your version of events.
- Police Reports: Official documents that help establish fault.
To protect yourself, document everything. Collect evidence, take photos, gather witness information, and keep all official reports. An Austin Red Light Violation Accident Lawyer can guide you through this process and help build a strong case.
Challenges in Bodily Injury Claims
When claiming bodily injuries from a red-light accident, be prepared for:
- Skeptical Insurance Companies: They often scrutinize claims intensely, questioning injury severity and causes.
- Shared Blame Strategies: Insurers may argue you share the responsibility to minimize their payout.
- Medical Evidence Requirements: Comprehensive medical documentation is crucial to support your claim.
- Witness Reliability Issues: Conflicting eyewitness statements can complicate your claim.
- Legal Tactics: Be ready for various legal maneuvers from insurance company lawyers.
Navigating these challenges often requires professional legal support from an Austin Red Light Violation Accident Lawyer – your experienced legal help.
Red Light Accident Fatalities
Red light running is a major cause of car crash fatalities. It's the leading cause of urban collisions. In 2009, over 8,700 people died in intersection-related crashes. Most victims are pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. They often don't see the red-light runner coming.
Texas has a serious red light problem. It ranks 4th in the U.S. for red-light fatalities per person. Ignoring traffic signals causes many accidents.
Texas red lights usually mark intersecting roads. Red light accidents are often T-bone collisions. These happen when one car hits the side of another. T-Bone accidents are more likely to cause serious injury or death than either front or rear-end collisions of the same severity. Even with side airbags, a car's side is most vulnerable. Imagine being hit in the driver's side door by a red light runner.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas uses a comparative negligence system in accident cases. Juries consider both parties' actions and divide responsibility. Your compensation depends on your level of responsibility:
- If you're less than 50% responsible, you can collect damages, reduced by your fault percentage.
- If you're more than 50% responsible, you can't collect any damages (the “51% bar rule”).
This system aims to distribute fault and compensation fairly based on each party's actions.
How Insurers Might Blame Green Light Drivers
Texas law requires all drivers to stay alert, even at green lights. Insurers may use this to shift blame:
- Lookout Duty: You must check both ways at intersections, even with a green light.
- Intersection Safety: If you see a car likely to run a red light, you should stop to avoid a collision.
- Victim-Blaming Tactics: Insurers might claim you didn't keep a proper lookout, even if you had the right of way.
This creates a challenging situation where drivers following traffic signals could still be accused of negligence. An experienced Austin Red Light Violation Accident Lawyer can help navigate these complex issues.
Preventing Collisions: Austin Red Light Violation Accident Lawyer Strategies
Cities have implemented various strategies, including Red Light Safety Cameras. While these can reduce certain types of accidents, they may increase others, like rear-end collisions. Some cities have removed cameras due to decreased revenue from fewer violations.
If you have been injured in an accident where someone ran a red light or was driving while distracted, please call our law firm or fill out our contact form to help you from our Austin Red Light Violation Accident Lawyer in the Traub Law Office.