The law is on your side if running a red light caused your accident in Columbus. Ignoring traffic signals is a type of negligence, and the driver is responsible for any damage they cause.
If you suffered injuries, you have grounds to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and much more. Talk to a Columbus red light accident lawyer about your options.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. We have over 20 years of experience building strong car accident claims. Our Columbus car accident lawyers can direct you toward the right choices for your situation.
To get started with a free, no-obligation consultation, call or contact us online today.
Can You Sue Someone Who Ran a Red Light?
Our personal injury lawyers in Columbus can sue another driver if:
- The driver was negligent in some way, such as running a red light.
- The driver’s actions caused your accident.
- You suffered injuries or property damage from the accident.
There must be physical injuries or property damage for you to have a case.
You will also need to prove that the driver’s actions caused your accident.
You can bring a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. If you work with an experienced lawyer, you can usually get a settlement without going to court.
Get the strong arm
What Happens If Someone Runs a Red Light and Hits You?
In Georgia, you can recover damages from someone who causes you harm, according to OCGA §51-1-6.
It doesn’t matter if the other driver didn’t mean to injure you. Many accidents happen simply because a driver wasn’t careful. However, the careless driver is still at fault for any damage their actions caused.
You will need to build a strong case against the other driver. That includes gathering evidence of your damages and the driver’s fault.
If you can, take these steps after the collision.
Call the Police
Those involved in an accident should report it if there are:
- Physical injuries
- Deaths
- At least $500 in property damage
Make sure the at-fault driver calls the police to report the accident. If they don’t call, you can report the accident yourself.
Responding officers should create a report on the accident. Ask about getting a copy of this report. It will act as the first official record of the crash.
If you need medical attention, tell officers. They can make sure you get help at the scene.
Document What Happened
You can get a lot of useful information from the accident scene.
If you’re well enough, do the following:
- Take pictures of any visible injuries and your vehicle damage.
- Photograph the entire accident scene.
- Ask any eyewitnesses for their contact information.
- Note any nearby traffic cameras or surveillance cameras.
You can bring this information to the meeting with your lawyer. Your lawyer can also go to the scene, but there is some evidence that disappears quickly. If you can document things right after the collision, it will help your case.
Speak with a Lawyer
It’s important to stay informed. As soon as you can, call a Columbus red light accident lawyer to discuss your accident. An experienced lawyer can help you get started.
Your lawyer can also protect your legal rights. After an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will start looking for ways to reduce your compensation. If you’re not careful, the other side could take advantage of you.
A lawyer can handle all communications for you. If you get a call from the insurance company, you can simply direct the company to your lawyer.
Discuss your options with one of our trusted lawyers at John Foy & Associates today. Call or contact us online for a free consultation with a lawyer in Columbus, GA.
Determining Fault After Your Accident
Georgia is a partial fault state according to OCGA §51-12-33. That means more than one party can be partly responsible for an accident.
The insurance company might use this against you. The insurer could blame you for a part of the accident to try and reduce its own liability.
Don’t talk about fault with anyone but your lawyer. Your attorney can determine who was at fault. If you were partially at fault for some reason, your lawyer will figure out how much.
If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages from the accident.
Proving Fault in an Accident
“Fault” in an accident depends on negligence.
Negligence is a lack of reasonable care towards others. For example, running a light is a type of negligence because it puts others in potential danger.
Proving the other driver ran a red light helps your case.
You might prove someone ran a red light through:
- Surveillance camera footage
- Police dashcam footage
- Pictures from the scene
- Eyewitness testimony
- Accident reconstructions
Your lawyer will know the best evidence to collect and build a strong case.
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for Minor Injuries?
Some car accidents might seem minor. It’s normal to wonder if you really need help from a lawyer.
There are a few points to remember:
- Your accident damages might be higher than you realize.
- Even minor accidents can be costly.
- A lawyer can help you pursue higher compensation, even with fewer damages.
At the very least, it’s a good idea to schedule a free consultation with us. You can discuss your accident with an experienced attorney at no risk.
Our consultations are no-strings-attached. You pay nothing upfront, and we don’t charge a fee unless we win you compensation.
Reach out today to learn your legal options and protect your rights—before it’s too late.
The Deadline to File a Case
In Georgia, you have two years from your accident to sue. But you will need a lot of time before that to build a case.
It’s best to get started today. You want to have sufficient time to gather evidence, build your case, and fight for total compensation.
Get a Free Consultation with a Columbus Red Light Accident Lawyer
Call John Foy & Associates or contact us online today to get started with a free consultation.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form