Traffic jams on the road seen through the car windshield.

Intersection accidents are widespread in Athens and throughout Georgia, especially crashes involving drivers’ failure to stop at a red light. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians can suffer catastrophic injuries in these accidents. Oftentimes, it can be hard to prove who was at fault; you, or the other driver, unless there was an independent witness who stopped and gave a statement to the police.

If you recently suffered injuries in a red-light accident, it will be essential to work with an experienced red-light accident lawyer who will know how to thoroughly investigate it to determine why it happened and who should be held responsible for your physical, emotional, and financial harm.

An experienced Athens car accident lawyer at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation for your losses after you have been injured in a red-light accident. We will do everything we can to pursue the compensation you need to address the impact on your life. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Do Red Light Accidents Happen?

As we have seen through the years, the most common causes of red-light accidents in Athens include:

  • Distractions — Traffic lights can change quickly at intersections. Drivers eating, talking to passengers, or texting on their phones may not see the light change.
  • Impatience — Drivers in a hurry often try to “beat the light.” When the light turns yellow, they may accelerate instead of slowing.
  • Impairment — Intoxicants like drugs and alcohol can impair reaction time and judgment, making a driver less able to stop when a traffic signal changes.

What Sort of Accidents Happen When Drivers Run Red Lights?

Running a red light can lead to the following types of dangerous accidents.

  • Head-on collisions — When drivers speed through an intersection, they risk hitting oncoming traffic head-on. Due to the combined force of the two vehicles, these accidents often result in serious injuries and property damage.
  • T-bone accidents — One of the most common outcomes of red-light violations, T-bone accidents occur when a driver crashes into the side of another vehicle. Due to the lack of protection on the sides of cars, these crashes are particularly dangerous for passengers seated on the impacted side.
  • Collisions with bicyclists or pedestrians — Intersections are crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians. Drivers who do not stop at red lights put vulnerable road users at serious risk. These collisions often lead to devastating injuries because pedestrians and cyclists have no protection against a vehicle’s impact.

What Types of Injuries Occur in Red Light Accidents?

Red light accidents can leave victims with serious injuries that affect the rest of their lives.

Some of the most common types of injuries in red light accidents include the following:

  • Broken bones — Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are all likely to suffer multiple broken bones in red-light accidents.
  • Spinal cord injuries — Nearly 50 percent of all spinal cord injuries diagnosed in the country each year result from motor vehicle accidents. Victims involved in red light accidents are at a heightened risk for these injuries due to the point of impact.
  • Internal organ injuries — Blunt force trauma can cause damage to the lungs, liver, spleen, and other internal organs. These injuries can be life-threatening, especially if victims do not receive timely medical care.

These injuries typically require considerable medical treatment and long-term care, which results in expensive medical bills.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from Red-Light Accidents?

Being cautious as you enter red light intersections.  If you are the first car at a red light, wait a second or two after it turns green before entering the intersection. Assume cross traffic vehicles approaching will not stop at the light before you cross in front of them to make sure they are slowing down and stopping. Buy an inexpensive dash camera so that if you are in a collision, you will have proof of what happened so it’s not just your word against the other driver’s.

What Should You Do If You Have Been in a Red-Light Accident?

What you do in the wake of a red-light accident will affect your ability to recover from your injuries and seek fair compensation for what happened. After you report the accident to the proper authority, take photos of the accident scene, and seek medical attention, you can lay the groundwork for a strong case by:

  • Alerting your insurer — Let your auto insurance provider know about the accident within the next few days. If you fail to report it, you could jeopardize your coverage. However, keep your statements to a minimum. Do not say anything that might suggest who was at fault. Insurance companies can and will use your words against you.
  • Keeping track of your expenses — Hang onto any bills and invoices related to the accident, from medical bills to repair estimates to proof of incidental costs. These documents can help establish medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages in a personal injury claim.
  • Creating an evidence file — You should also track the pain and limitations your injuries cause you in a daily “pain journal.” Write down an account of what happened while your memory is still fresh.

Finally, reach out to an attorney. A skilled personal injury attorney with R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, can investigate what happened to determine everyone responsible for your injuries and seek maximum compensation for you.

What Compensation Can You Recover from an Athens Red Light Accident Case?

If someone else’s actions caused the red-light accident, you could be entitled to compensation that includes the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium
  • Property damage.

We can evaluate your case and help you pursue fair compensation for the harm you have experienced.

Does Georgia Have a Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases?

Yes, Georgia sets a deadline for filing personal injury claims, including those related to traffic signal accidents. In most cases, you must take legal action two years from the accident date. However, certain circumstances may shorten or extend this deadline.

If you wait too long to act, you could lose the opportunity to seek compensation entirely. A trial court could dismiss your claim as untimely filed. So, you should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Contact our Athens red light accident lawyer today.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Athens, GA

At R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, we know how overwhelming it can feel for car accident victims to deal with an injury from a red-light accident or other type of car crash. Our team is here to provide personalized guidance and legal support to help you move forward. We have a proven record of achieving successful case results, with more than $150 million recovered for our clients.

From investigating accidents to negotiating with insurance providers to presenting cases at trial, our attorneys will work tirelessly to help you seek fair compensation. To learn more, contact us today and discuss your case in a free consultation.