Legal Options After Getting Injured in a Red-Light Crash

All motorists are expected to obey the rules of the road, including stopping at red lights. If you were hurt in an accident caused by a driver who ran a red light, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Here, the legal team at Sumner Law Group, LLC, explains the legal options available to red-light crash victims and how our lawyers can help. 

Crashes Caused by Running a Red Light in St. Louis

Few acts are more dangerous than running a red light. Some of the most common crashes caused by running red lights include: 

• T-bone accidents – A driver who runs a red light may hit the side of a car going through the intersection on a green light, resulting in a T-bone accident.
• Rear-end collisions – A driver who is speeding or distracted may fail to stop at a red light in time to avoid hitting the car in front of them.
• Rollover crashes – A driver who speeds through a red light is at a higher risk of causing a rollover accident because they may lose control of their vehicle at high speeds.   

Legal Options Available for Red Light Accident Victims 

If you were injured by a driver who ran a red light, you could be entitled to pursue compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. In Missouri, a driver at fault for an accident must pay for the other driver’s losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. Typically, the at-fault driver relies on liability insurance to cover these costs. 

In Missouri, a person can recover compensation for their injuries even if they are partly responsible for an accident. However, the money awarded will be reduced according to their share of the blame.  

Our experienced car accident attorneys can evaluate your case and identify which legal option may be right for you.

Violations and Penalties Involved in a Red-Light Accident 

Missouri drivers who engage in dangerous behaviors behind the wheel will have demerit points assessed to their licenses. Depending on what a driver is doing while running a red light, such as speeding or failing to yield the right-of-way, they could be assessed anywhere from 2 to 12 points per traffic violation. A driver who accumulates a certain number of points may have their license suspended or revoked and face additional penalties. 

Keep in mind that civil liability for a crash is a separate matter from any traffic violations. Even if the at-fault driver is not charged with running a red light, they could still be held liable for the crash.

Compensation for Red-Light Accident Victims

Victims of red-light accidents may be able to pursue compensation for the following: 

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Costs to repair damage to personal property 

What Should I Do After a Red-Light Accident?

After a red-light accident, you should call 911 to summon police and emergency medical services to the scene. Go to the hospital or see your doctor immediately to have your injuries examined, treated, and added to your medical record. Keep all bills, receipts, and invoices related to your injuries or other losses. As soon as you can, hire an experienced attorney to advocate for your rights. 

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys 

If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver running a red light, contact the car accident attorneys at Sumner Law Group, LLC, today for a free case evaluation.