If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone running a red light in California, you may have a valid personal injury claim. Running a red light is a serious form of traffic violation and can be considered negligence. When someone runs a red light and causes an accident, they can be held legally responsible for the damages caused by the crash.
🚦 What Does Running a Red Light Mean in California?
In California, running a red light means a driver fails to stop at a red traffic signal and continues through the intersection, often causing accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians. It is a clear violation of California Vehicle Code § 21453, which mandates that drivers must stop for red traffic signals at intersections and follow all traffic signal rules.
Running a red light can happen in several ways:
- Entering an intersection after the light has turned red (before the vehicle can clear the intersection).
- Turning left or right on red without stopping when prohibited.
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or other traffic while running the red light.
🧩 What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Liability?
To successfully pursue a personal injury case against the driver who ran the red light, you’ll need to gather strong evidence. This may include:
- Police Report: The responding officer’s report can help establish the driver’s fault. It may also include witness statements and the officer’s assessment of the accident scene.
- Traffic Camera Footage: If the intersection has a red-light camera, the footage can show the driver running the red light and provide powerful evidence for your case.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses to the accident can testify about the circumstances leading up to the crash, including whether the driver ran the red light.
- Surveillance Video: If the crash occurred near businesses or homes with security cameras, the footage may capture the accident and prove that the driver ran the light.
- Accident Reconstruction: In more complex cases, experts can analyze the crash scene and provide evidence that supports your claim that the other driver ran the red light.
💰 What Compensation Can You Recover?
If the other driver is found to be at fault for running the red light, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
✅ Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, etc.)
- Lost wages (if you missed work due to your injuries)
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., transportation to medical appointments)
✅ Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional distress)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (if your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved)
- Disfigurement or disability (if the injury left you permanently scarred or disabled)
👨⚖️ Do You Need a Lawyer?
Yes, hiring a California personal injury lawyer can be crucial for several reasons:
- Proving liability: You need an attorney to gather evidence and prove that the other driver ran the red light.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize the payout. A lawyer can handle negotiations to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
- Navigating complex cases: If the accident involved a commercial vehicle, or if there are disputes about fault, a lawyer can help resolve the issue.
- Maximizing compensation: An experienced attorney can help you pursue all forms of compensation available, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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