A car accident can take place at any location and any time. However, accident statistics do show that there are factors known to increase the risk of a car accident. Intersections are one of the most likely places for an auto accident to occur. To minimize this danger, many intersections are directed by lighted traffic signals. Unfortunately, a traffic signal is only helpful if drivers follow its commands.
Sadly, red light car accidents are frequent. These car accidents can result in serious personal injuries and financial losses. The experienced auto accident attorneys at Tipp Coburn Schandelson PC offer legal representation to victims of car accidents. We fight to ensure that auto accidents and red lights won’t leave our Missoula, MT area clients paying for damages that aren’t their fault.
Causes of Red Light Accidents
Red light car accidents seem like they would be easy to avoid. As long as all drivers stop when directed by a red light, traffic should proceed through the intersection without any collisions. Unfortunately, statistics show that this doesn’t always happen.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that red light car accidents result in around 750 deaths each year and close to 165,000 injuries annually. So why are these accidents occurring at such alarming rates? Primarily, red light car accidents boil down to neglect or reckless driving. More specifically, red light car accidents are often caused by one of the following scenarios:
- A driver is in a hurry, sees no surrounding traffic, and chooses to run through a red light
- A driver is traveling at excessive speeds and attempts to stop at a red light but fails to brake on time and slides into the intersection
- A driver tries to beat a yellow light and enters the intersection once the light is red
- A driver is distracted and fails to notice the red light
Liability in Red Light Accidents
In most cases, the liability for a red light accident is clear. If a driver enters into an intersection once the light has turned red, he or she will most likely be held accountable for the accident, and any damages, that occur as a result.
Even though red light accidents are often clear-cut, it is still important for those involved to work with an experienced auto accident attorney, such as those at Tipp Coburn Schandelson PC. Insurance companies are likely to look for a quick settlement and may not offer accident victims the full extent of damages they are due. However, our attorneys will not settle for less when it comes to our clients. We will take into account medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering to ensure that our clients are compensated to the maximum extent of the law.
Contact Us
If you have been involved in an auto accident caused by the reckless or careless actions of another driver, and you would like to ensure you are justly rewarded for your losses, contact us at your earliest convenience. The auto accident attorneys at Tipp Coburn Schandelson PC will fight for maximum compensation for the full extent of your losses.