If Driver B fails to brake in time at a red light and causes a crash in California, they are likely to be found at fault under California negligence law—particularly if they rear-end another vehicle or enter the intersection illegally.
Here’s how that would apply in a personal injury case:
1. Legal Liability
- Failure to Stop at a Red Light: Violates California Vehicle Code § 21453, which requires drivers to stop at red lights. Violating this law can lead to a finding of negligence per se, meaning Driver B is automatically considered negligent because they broke a traffic safety law.
- Failure to Brake in Time: Suggests inattentiveness, speeding, or following too closely, all of which are evidence of negligent driving.
2. Injury and Damage Claims (for Driver A or a pedestrian)
The injured party (e.g., another driver, passenger, or pedestrian) can seek compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Future medical treatment
- Possibly punitive damages if there was reckless behavior (e.g., texting, intoxication)
3. Evidence
To prove liability and damages, the injured party should gather:
- Police report
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Photos of the scene and damage
- Medical documentation
- Possibly black box or telematics data (from newer vehicles)
4. Comparative Negligence
If there is any evidence the injured party contributed to the crash (e.g., entering intersection on a stale yellow), California’s pure comparative negligence rule would reduce their damages proportionally—but that’s rare in red-light rear-end scenarios.