The lawyers of Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks have helped countless accident victims in the greater Provo area in their time of legal need. In many lawsuits involving car accidents and serious collisions, our guidance and counsel has been especially helpful for clients and their families.
Some of the most serious collisions that may occur involve motorists running red lights. Let’s take a moment to address these kinds of cases.
Statistics on Auto Accidents Involving Red Lights
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are roughly 2.5 million accidents in intersections that occur every year. This makes up roughly 40 percent of all crashes annually. Other numbers suggest that 50 percent of all serious collisions occur in intersections; 20 percent of all fatal collisions also occur in intersections.
Specifically regarding red lights, around 165,000 accidents each year are the result of someone running a red light. This results in an average of about 700 to 800 fatalities every year.
The Dangers of Running Red Lights
If someone runs a red light, they run a high risk of blindsiding other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. In fact, when it comes to auto collisions, running a red light can increase the risk of a t-bone accident, which can lead to severe injuries for any motorists involved. Injuries are much more serious for pedestrians and bicyclists given how exposed to injury they are.
Common Reasons for Running Red Lights
Some common reasons why people run red lights include:
- Texting while driving
- Distracted driving
- Driver inattention
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Being impatient or in a rush
- Traffic signal obscured
- Poor placement of the traffic signal
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Poor weather
The Danger of Beating Yellow Lights
In addition to the above, another common reason why people run read lights is to beat yellow lights. Yellow lights are supposed to warn drivers to slow down, yet many people think this is a signal to speed through an intersection. This kind of reckless action can lead to serious collisions, particularly if someone misses the yellow and barrels through a red light instead.
Always Drive with Caution
When you are behind the wheel, be sure to slow down when you see a yellow light and to come to a complete stop at red lights. Be sure to drive attentively and carefully. In addition, it’s a good idea to look both ways once your light turns green just to avoid anyone who may be running a red light traveling perpendicular to your vehicle.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
If you or a loved one is injured as a result someone running a red light, our team of attorneys can help you in your time of legal need. We will hold the negligent motorist accountable for their actions, and make sure you receive damages to cover medical bills, vehicle and property damage, and other expenses associated with your accident and injury. The peace of mind we can provide during the legal process can be crucial to your case’s success.
Speak with Skilled Auto Accident Lawyers
For more information about your legal options following a serious motor vehicle accident, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The lawyers of Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks are here to help you in your time of legal need.