Most drivers have witnessed someone else running a red light. While the driver might have been in a hurry or misjudged how much time they had, there is no excuse. Running a red light is one of the most dangerous acts on Valdosta roads.
If you were hurt in a red light accident, you have legal options. You might be eligible for financial compensation to cover your costs. Common accident damages include medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. Our goal is to seek fair compensation while we handle the legal details for you.
At John Foy & Associates, we’re here for you as you recover from the crash. Our Valdosta red light accident lawyers know how to build strong cases. We’ve been doing just that for over 20 years. To discuss your case during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How to Prove Who Was At Fault for Your Accident
If someone ran a red light and caused your accident, that driver is responsible. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-6, you can collect damages if someone else breached their legal duty.
All drivers have a “duty of care” to be safe on the road. If someone acts in a way that causes harm, they are responsible for the damage they cause. Failing to obey a red light is a clear sign of carelessness in Valdosta.
If you were injured, you’ll need to show how the other driver is at fault. That includes actions like:
- Gathering evidence of the traffic violation
- Obtaining red light camera footage
- Talking to eyewitnesses
- Documenting the accident scene
Most red light accidents happen because a driver has been careless. However, some factors can contribute to a crash. Poor weather might make it difficult for a driver to see traffic lights ahead of them. Broken lights can also lead to confusion that causes an accident.
Every case is unique. It’s best to consult with a lawyer who can investigate your accident. Our lawyers can gather evidence of the driver’s actions and what you’ve suffered. If more than one party is at fault, we can uncover the details.
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Damages to Recover from a Red Light Accident
Red light crashes affect thousands of lives every year.
According to 2018 facts from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- There were 846 people killed in red light accidents.
- About 139,000 others suffered injuries.
- Around half of those killed were bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicle occupants.
If you were injured or a loved one was killed, you can seek compensation. The law allows you to recover damages that result from your injuries.
Your damages will depend on your specific accident. However, here are common accident damages we recover for victims.
Medical Costs
Red light accidents can happen at high speeds. Many drivers try to rush through a light before it turns red — but they’re too late. The driver is often going at breakneck speeds when they cause a collision.
High-speed crashes tend to cause severe injuries. You might need expensive, long-term treatment to recover. Thankfully, you can seek recovery for any medical costs you incur.
Medical expenses can include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Medication costs
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Future medical treatment for your injuries
Do not discount your medical needs. Treatment costs often make up the largest part of a personal injury claim. See a doctor as soon as possible to understand the full extent of your injuries.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help account for all treatment needs. That includes future or ongoing care you might require. To learn more about how we’ll help your case, reach out today.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free, no-risk consultation.
Lost Wages
Car accident injuries can affect your livelihood in many ways. If you have to miss work time, you can claim that as lost wages.
You might also have reduced earning capacity because of your injuries. For example, your injuries might force you to work less, quit working, or take on a lower-paying job.
Vehicle Repairs
You can claim the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle after the accident. You should not have to pay for property damage that someone else caused.
Pain and Suffering
Accident injuries can impact your life in many ways. Our lawyers will determine the value of the mental suffering you experience after the crash.
Accident victims often have emotional damages like:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety or depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Mental anguish
Non-economic damages are often hard to calculate. Our team can determine all of your losses to know the value of your case. You shouldn’t end up paying out-of-pocket for any damages that were not your fault.
Why Red Light Accidents Happen
Accidents at red lights can occur for many reasons. Most of the time, driver carelessness is the main reason.
A driver might run a red light because of:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Unsafe right or left turns
- Drowsy driving
Those who run red lights are not operating their vehicles safely. For example, a driver might speed up quickly when they see a yellow light, hoping they can make it before red.
Drivers should know how to judge distance and respond to a yellow. Yellow lights signal a driver to slow down and prepare for a stop. If that doesn’t happen, a serious accident can occur.
Sometimes, a red light accident happens because of other factors. If you think something else might have caused your crash, talk to our lawyers. We can investigate to determine what caused your injuries.
Learn More from Our Valdosta Red Light Accident Lawyers
At John Foy & Associates, we’re here for you after a car accident. Our team has been helping accident victims win what they deserve for over 20 years. We’re not afraid to stand up for your full legal rights.
We can handle your case while you focus on recovering. To learn more about your compensation options, call for a free consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
