At The Kryder Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, we empathize with the overwhelming experience of being involved in a car accident caused when another driver runs a red light. Red light running accidents are all too common. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2021, an estimated 127,000 people were injured in red light running crashes.
In this Article
Who Is Most At Risk of Being Injured in a Red Light Accident?
When a distracted or aggressive drivers cause Chicago red light accidents, they put everyone on the road at risk. Some of the people most at risk for severe injury from this type of accident include:
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injury in these cases due to their limited protection.
Pedestrians can be severely injured if they are clipped by a car or truck when another driver is barreling through a red light.
Cyclists are also in significant danger of injury due to their lack of protection and the risk of being hit by a much larger motor vehicle.
Traffic Signals in Chicago Intersections
The City of Chicago has abundant intersections with traffic lights, many equipped with red light cameras. To ease congestion, these traffic lights transition from green to yellow to red, allowing a set number of cars to pass before stopping all traffic. Drivers often try to beat the light by crossing the intersection while it’s still yellow. Unfortunately, it’s common for individuals in a hurry to misjudge the timing of the yellow light, leading to red light car accidents, many with severe injuries.
How Long Do Traffic Signals Last?
According to the City of Chicago, the yellow phase is set at 3 seconds on streets where the approach’s posted speed is 30 mph or lower. The yellow phase is set at 4 seconds on roads where the approach speed limit is 35 mph or higher.
Yellow Light Rules
Under Illinois law, according to the traffic-control signal legend, a steady yellow traffic light warns drivers that the green light is ending or a red light will follow immediately. It prepares drivers to stop, not speed up.
Red Light Rules
When the light turns red, vehicles must stop at the marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk or intersection. Traffic must wait until the light turns green. Drivers can make a right turn on red after stopping and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.
Red Light Running
Entering the intersection on a yellow light can quickly lead to a dangerous situation. If a driver remains in the intersection when the light turns red after just a few seconds, oncoming traffic gains the right of way and often cannot stop in time to avoid a car crash.
What Compensation Can Victims of a Red Light Accidents Receive?
If you or a loved one has been injured in auto accidents where the at-fault driver ran a red light, you may be able eligible to receive compensation for:
Medical bills
Lost income
Reduced future earning capacity
Disability
Property damage costs
Pain and suffering
Impaired quality of life
What If I Was Partially to Blame for My Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, even if you were partly at fault for the red light accident that caused your serious injuries, you may still be entitled to compensation under the Illinois modified comparative fault system.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Take Action
Our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers will evaluate your case, provide detailed information about your legal options, and assist you in pursuing an injury claim to seek rightful compensation for the damages you suffered in the car accident. We can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and take your Chicago red light accident case to court if necessary.
Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim
If you or a loved one has suffering injuries in a car accident due to another car crash or party’s red light running negligence, an experienced car accident lawyer can help gather evidence to support your claim. As the injured party, you will need to provide information that shows how another party caused your red light or car accident injuries.
Some pieces of evidence that could help your case include:
Photographs of your injuries, property damage, and the accident scene
Your written account of the accident
Statements and medical records from your doctor when you seek medical attention
Your personal injury case for red light accidents is subject to the Illinois statute of limitations. Per 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you typically have two years from the date of your red light crash to file a lawsuit and a Chicago car accident lawyer from our law firm can make sure you don’t miss important deadlines.
Determine the Cause of Your Red Light Car Accident
A Chicago red light accident lawyer can also investigate your red light running case to determine why your red light car accident happened. Two of the most common causes include:
A Drunk Driver
In 2022, there were 2,131 DUI arrests made by the Chicago police department, which amounts to an average of almost six arrests per day. This demonstrates how many dangerous drunk drivers may be on Chicago’s streets each day. When drunk driving, a motorist may:
Have slowed reaction times
Have distorted visual perception
Be more impulsive
Be generally less aware of their surroundings
Fall asleep at the wheel
A Distracted Driver
Distractions can take various forms. A motorist might be distracted by their cell phone, conversations, their GPS, or other sources. Anything diverting a driver’s attention from the road is considered distracted driving.
A less attentive driver is more prone to running red lights compared to a fully focused motorist.
Who Else May Be Responsible for a Red Light Accident?
Depending on the collision circumstances and red light violations, a negligent motorist may not be the sole party responsible for losses from motor vehicle accident or red light running incidents.
The Motorist’s Employer
Employers may be legally liable for their employees’ actions during work hours. If employees run red lights and cause car accidents, employers could be held financially responsible for resulting damages.
A Government Municipality
A municipality may be held responsible for conditions that led to your accident. For example, if a malfunctioning traffic signal caused or contributed to the accident, the city could be liable. If other circumstances under the city’s control played a role, your lawyer may seek compensation for medical expenses from the city.
Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Today
If you or someone you care about has been a victim of a driver’s negligence when they ran a red light, it is crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney about your car accident case at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. Our dedicated team of Chicago auto accident lawyers will protect your rights and provide legal guidance to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your red light accident.
We represent seriously injured car accident victims. Call today for a free consultation with a Chicago red light accidents lawyer.
If you or someone you care about has been a victim of a driver's negligence when they ran a red light, it is crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney.
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