Red traffic lights are crucial to managing the flow of traffic and maintaining safety on Idaho’s roads. Despite their importance, intersections where traffic lights are installed are common sites for severe accidents. Failing to obey stop signals or signs was among the top seven most common causes of crashes in 2021.

Disregarding red lights or not approaching red light intersections with caution can lead to catastrophic collisions. Those involved in these crashes often endure substantial medical expenses, significant property damage, loss of income, and considerable pain and suffering, all of which can affect their quality of life.

If you’ve been injured in a red light accident, you can seek compensation for your losses. An Idaho and Utah car accident attorney can guide you through the process of recovering damages. Read on to discover the steps to take after a red light collision and explore your legal options for obtaining compensation.

Common Red Light Accidents

Red light accidents are common in areas with heavy traffic, including around Boise. Dangerously designed intersections, poorly managed traffic signals, and negligent drivers can result in the following red-light collisions:

  • T-Bone Collisions: These accidents happen when a driver runs a red light, hitting the side of a car lawfully crossing the intersection. T-bone crashes can be more severe than other types because the side of a car offers less protection than the front or back of a vehicle.
  • Rear-End Collisions: These accidents typically occur when one car stops at a red light, and the vehicle behind doesn’t manage to brake in time, hitting the stopped car. Often, these rear-end collisions cause injuries like whiplash from the sudden impact.
  • Multi-Vehicle Accidents: Like T-bone collisions, this can happen when a driver ignores a red light and crashes into another vehicle legally crossing the intersection. However, in this type of accident, the collision often triggers a chain reaction involving multiple cars and more extensive damage and injuries.
  • Left-Hand Turn Collisions: These collisions often occur when a driver turning left at an intersection fails to yield to an oncoming vehicle. Usually caused by a misjudgment of the oncoming vehicle’s speed or distance, these accidents can lead to serious consequences.

Steps to Take After a Red Light Accident

If you are involved in a crash at a red light, take immediate action to protect your well-being and preserve evidence for an auto accident claim. Make sure to do the following:

 

Step Action Details
1. Check for Injuries Assess whether you or any passengers are injured. Call 911 if there are injuries, no matter how minor they seem.
2. Call the Police Contact the police to report the accident. It’s crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes and is a legal requirement in Idaho for accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or over $1,500 in property damage. Get a copy of the police report for your accident claim.
3. Exchange Information Collect contact and insurance details from all drivers involved, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance policy numbers.
4. Gather Evidence Collect as much evidence from the scene as possible, including:

 

●      Witness Information: Obtain contact details and statements from witnesses who saw the accident.

 

●      Photographs: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicles, injuries, road conditions, debris, traffic signals or signs, and skid marks.

 

●      Camera Footage: Note the location of traffic or nearby surveillance cameras. Work with your attorney to secure footage, which could provide critical details about the collision.
5. See a Medical Provider Visit a doctor or healthcare provider for a full evaluation, as some injuries, like brain trauma or internal bleeding, might not be immediately apparent. Keep all medical records to use for your claim.
6. Speak with an Attorney Red light accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties or municipal entities. A Great West Injury Law attorney can advise you on your rights and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries.

 

Legal Options for Pursuing Compensation

If you’ve been involved in a red light accident, you can seek compensation by filing an insurance claim or initiating a personal injury lawsuit.

Insurance Claim

Filing an insurance claim allows you to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering following an accident. This process usually starts with an insurance adjuster evaluating the damages, determining who is at fault, and deciding on a payout they consider appropriate.

Adjusters often try to reduce the amount they pay out, which could prevent you from getting the full compensation you’re entitled to. To achieve the best outcome, always provide clear and truthful information, avoid guessing who is at fault, and don’t minimize your injuries. It’s also wise to let your attorney handle all interactions and paperwork with the insurance company to maximize your compensation.

Lawsuit in Court

If the insurance settlement doesn’t adequately cover your losses or there’s a dispute over who’s at fault, the next step may be to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver responsible. This involves taking your claim to court and presenting your case before a judge and jury.

We can guide you through this entire process at Great West Injury Law. We’ll handle everything from filing the necessary legal documents to representing you in court. We aim to secure the highest possible compensation for damages, which may include:

  • Medical expenses and future medical costs
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering, and emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Punitive damages (by jury verdict, if the other driver’s actions were reckless or willful)

Work with Great West Injury Law After a Red Light Crash

If a careless driver hit you at a red light, you deserve full compensation for your losses. At Great West Injury Law, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to securing a recovery award that fully acknowledges the financial, physical, and emotional toll of your red light accident. Don’t wait to start the process of getting what you deserve.

Call Great West Injury Law for a free consultation and take the first step toward financial justice.