Injured in a Red Light Crash? A Dallas Red Light Car Accident Attorney Can Help
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Running a red light can turn an ordinary commute into a devastating crash. If you’ve been injured in a red light accident, you’re not alone. You may have legal options, and speaking with a Dallas red light car accident attorney can help you understand them. At Allbee Law Firm, we offer free consultations and are available at (972) 848-4848 to answer your questions and explain your next steps.
Red light accidents are especially dangerous because they often involve high-speed impacts in busy intersections. If someone ran a red light and caused a crash that injured you, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our legal team is here to help you protect your rights and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
What Happens When Someone Runs a Red Light in Dallas?
Common Causes of Red Light Crashes
Red light crashes often happen in the blink of an eye, but they’re rarely “accidents” in the true sense of the word. Most of these collisions are caused by reckless or negligent behavior. Common reasons drivers run red lights in Dallas include:
- Distracted driving (texting, using GPS, talking)
- Speeding through an intersection on a yellow light
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive driving or road rage
In many cases, drivers make the dangerous decision to accelerate instead of stopping when the light turns yellow, hoping to “beat the light.” This split-second choice often leads to devastating consequences at intersections.
Types of Red Light Violations and Legal Definitions
Texas law requires drivers to stop at a red traffic signal. Failing to do so is a clear violation of traffic laws, particularly when the driver proceeds through an intersection after the light has turned red. Under Texas Transportation Code §544.007, running a red light is illegal and punishable by fines; it becomes even more serious when the violation leads to a crash.
A red light accident typically involves a driver entering an intersection after the light has turned red, resulting in a collision with a vehicle that was lawfully crossing on a green light. These violations are critical in establishing fault for the accident.
Who Is at Fault for a Red Light Accident in Texas?
Proving Liability When Someone Runs the Red Light
In Texas, the driver who runs a red light and causes a crash is typically at fault for the accident. But proving that the other driver caused the collision isn’t always simple. Insurance companies often attempt to dispute liability in order to reduce or deny claims. That’s where having a red light accident lawyer becomes essential.
Our Dallas injury lawyers work to build a strong case by gathering witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports that clearly show the other driver failed to stop at a red traffic signal. If necessary, we bring in accident reconstruction experts to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Role of Police Reports and Traffic Camera Footage
A police report can serve as crucial evidence in your car accident case. It often includes details such as:
- The responding officer’s opinion on fault
- Statements from both drivers and witnesses
- Citations issued at the scene
In Dallas, some intersections are equipped with traffic cameras that can visually confirm a red light violation. These cameras, along with dash cam footage or nearby surveillance systems, can offer irrefutable proof that the other driver ran the red light.
What Makes Red Light Accidents So Dangerous?
The Impact of T-Bone and High-Speed Intersection Collisions
Red light crashes often result in T-bone or side-impact collisions, where one vehicle strikes the side of another. These types of crashes are especially dangerous because:
- Side doors provide little protection compared to the front or rear of a vehicle
- Passengers are often struck directly
- Airbags and crumple zones may not prevent serious injuries
When a driver runs a red light at high speed, the resulting impact can cause a rollover or push vehicles into other lanes of traffic, multiplying the risk of injury.
Why Red Light Crashes Often Cause Serious Injuries
Because red light accidents frequently occur in busy intersections and involve high-speed impact, the injuries sustained are often severe. Victims may suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
These potentially catastrophic injuries not only require immediate medical care but can also lead to long-term pain and suffering. A Dallas car wreck attorney can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation, and future treatment needs.
What Should I Do After a Red Light Car Crash in Dallas?
Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene
If you’re involved in a red light collision, your safety is the first priority. Here’s what to do immediately after the accident:
- Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries
- Call 911 and request police and medical assistance
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and traffic signals
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements to the other driver’s insurance company
Your actions at the accident scene can significantly impact your car accident injury claim, especially when proving that another driver ran a red light.
The Importance of Medical Care and Documentation
Even if you feel fine after the crash, it’s vital to seek medical care. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately obvious.
Be sure to:
- Visit a doctor as soon as possible
- Follow up on all treatment recommendations
- Keep records of medical bills, diagnoses, and appointments
This documentation can serve as evidence for your injury claim and support the amount of compensation you are seeking for pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages.
How Can a Dallas Red Light Car Accident Attorney Help?
Investigating the Crash and Gathering Evidence
A skilled red light accident attorney will do far more than just file paperwork. At Allbee Law Firm, we take an active role in uncovering what caused the accident and holding the responsible party accountable. We gather:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- The official police report
We also work with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary, to show how the collision occurred and confirm that the other driver ran a red light.
Working With Accident Reconstruction Experts
In complex or disputed injury cases, expert testimony can be crucial. Motor vehicle accident reconstruction experts analyze skid marks, traffic signal timing, vehicle positions, and more to create a detailed report of how the accident occurred. Their findings often play a crucial role in persuading insurance companies or juries that our client is entitled to compensation.
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Can I Recover Compensation After a Red Light Accident?
Types of Damages Available in Personal Injury Claims
If you were injured in a red light accident, you may be entitled to pursue financial compensation through a personal injury claim. At Allbee Law Firm, we help our clients recover damages for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation or long-term care
Even if the red light crash seems straightforward, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. That’s why working with an experienced car accident attorney is so important; we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Settlements for Red Light Crashes Are Calculated
The settlement amount in a red light car crash depends on several factors:
- Severity of your injuries
- Total medical expenses and lost income
- Impact on your daily life and ability to work
- Fault and clarity of liability
- Insurance policy limits
We carefully evaluate each client’s situation to determine the value of their accident case and negotiate aggressively on their behalf.
What If the Other Driver Denies Running the Red Light?
Using Evidence to Prove Fault
When drivers deny fault, your case hinges on the evidence. This is where having a red light accident lawyer becomes critical. We gather and preserve crucial evidence, such as:
- Traffic light sequencing data
- Video footage from traffic or security cameras
- Witness statements confirming what they saw
Even if there’s no direct video evidence, we can often reconstruct the accident scene and timing to show that the driver entered the intersection on a red light.
When Eyewitnesses and Traffic Signal Data Matter
Eyewitnesses can provide valuable, unbiased accounts of how the red light collision occurred. Additionally, some intersections maintain traffic signal logs that show the exact timing of light changes. These tools can help us prove the other driver ran the light, even when they deny it.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Red Light Crash?
Texas Statute of Limitations for Auto Accidents
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long, the court may dismiss your case, no matter how strong your evidence is.
It’s crucial to act quickly so your car accident lawyer can preserve evidence, speak with witnesses, and begin building your case.
Why You Should Not Delay Getting Legal Help
Memories fade, footage gets erased, and records can be lost. The sooner you reach out to a Dallas red light car accident attorney, the better your chances of recovering full compensation. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible enables us to conduct a thorough investigation and initiate negotiations with the insurance company without delay.
Injured in a Dallas Red Light Crash? Speak With an Attorney Today
Red light accidents can be traumatic, life-changing events. If you’ve been injured by a driver who ran a red light, you shouldn’t have to face medical bills, lost income, and insurance adjusters on your own.
At Allbee Law Firm, we’ve helped many accident victims across Dallas and North Texas pursue compensation after red light collisions and other serious wrecks. We’ll handle your case from start to finish so you can focus on healing.
Call (972) 848-4848 for a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to listen and help you understand your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Car Accidents
Can I sue after a minor red light accident?
Yes, even a minor car accident can lead to injuries, vehicle damage, and disruption in your life. If the other driver ran a red light, you have the right to file a car accident claim and pursue damages, regardless of the crash’s severity.
Will my insurance go up even if I wasn't at fault?
Texas is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for damages. However, your insurer might still raise your premiums depending on your coverage and claims history. That’s one reason to have a car accident attorney protect your interests and ensure the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for your losses.
How do I know if I need a red light accident lawyer?
If you were injured in a red light crash, or if there’s any dispute over fault, it’s best to speak with an attorney. Insurance companies don’t always play fair, and a personal injury attorney can help level the playing field and fight for the full compensation you deserve.