Are Red Light Runners Always Liable in Intersection Accidents?
If another motorist runs a red light, this does not automatically make them liable in a crash. Failure to follow traffic regulations can indicate a motorist’s liability in an intersection accident, but you must demonstrate that running the red light caused your accident and injuries. Establishing fault can be challenging, but possible with the help of HGSK Injury Lawyers.
Do not allow another person’s carelessness to place you in overwhelming debt. If you have recently fallen victim to an intersection accident caused by a red light runner, our PA car accident attorneys are here to defend your rights.
Determining Liability
Negligence is defined as a person’s inability to meet the level of care that is expected of a person of reasonable intelligence. To be found negligent, the following elements must be established:
- Duty of care: All road users have a duty to follow traffic regulations to ensure others’ safety.
- Breach of duty: Through either an act or omission, a party fails to uphold the expected standard of care.
- Causation: As a result of the defendant’s breach of duty, you suffered injuries that were foreseeable given the circumstances.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses related to the bus accident, in the form of lost wages, medical expenses, etc.
If a motorist runs a red light but that is not the cause of your accident, then the individual will not be found liable for your crash (although he or she may have caused another accident in the process). A PA car accident lawyer will investigate the situation to determine if and how the running of the red light contributed to your accident or injuries.
If there is evidence suggesting that the red light running caused a chain reaction accident, then our legal team will investigate further to gather the necessary evidence to prove his or her accountability.
Injuries Caused by Red Light Runners
Red light running takes the lives of thousands of people each year. In 2022, 1,149 fatalities and 107,000 injuries were attributed to red-light running. Common injuries from red-light running entail the following:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Each year, there are about 69,000 TBI-related hospitalizations. Caused by any strike, bump, or blow to the head, a traumatic brain injury disrupts normal brain function and can lead to long-term disabilities. Symptoms may present as nausea, vomiting, headaches, mood swings, and loss of consciousness. If left untreated, the consequences may be fatal.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the bundle of nerves or nerve fibers of the spinal cord can interrupt the signals sent from the brain to the rest of the body. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury may present as loss of sensation, numbness or tingling, and weakness or paralysis. It is estimated that approximately 40% of spinal cord injuries arise from motor vehicle accidents.
Rib Fractures or Flail Chest
A red-light runner often accelerates in an attempt to “beat the light.” The impact of two moving vehicles can result in a rib fracture or broken rib, which can be life-threatening, especially if the rib punctures a lung or your heart.
The rib cage provides structure to our thorax, but if three or more adjacent ribs are broken in two or more places, this can result in a flail chest. A flail chest causes the rib cage to move paradoxically or unevenly, resulting in chest pain and difficulty breathing. Given the force of a collision, car accidents are the most common cause of flail chest. If you believe you are experiencing a flail chest, seek medical attention immediately.
Speak with a PA Car Accident Attorney Today
You deserve compensation for accident-related expenses caused by another motorist’s negligence. If you or a loved one have recently been involved in a car accident, HGSK Injury Lawyers is ready to represent your interests. Our PA car accident lawyers provide professional services to individuals in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. If you are interested in learning more, contact us online or by phone today.