Hit by a Driver Who Ran a Red Light While You Had a Green Turn Arrow? Here's What to Do
Getting hit by a driver who runs a red light while you have a green turn arrow can cause serious injuries and confusion. These crashes happen quickly and leave little time to react. Knowing the right steps after a red light accident can help protect your health and your rights.
At The Pelham Law Fir, we have experience representing clients in Tallahassee, Florida, who've been injured in crashes caused by drivers running red lights. We understand how overwhelming this situation can be and work to support you throughout the process. As your Florida car accident lawyer, our goal is to help you recover and move forward after the accident.
Your Options When a Driver Runs a Red Light During Your Protected Left Turn
When a driver runs a red light while you have a green turn arrow, it means they’ve ignored traffic signals and entered the intersection unlawfully. This often results in a sudden collision since you have the right of way and are moving through the intersection legally. These crashes can cause serious injuries because the impact usually occurs at high speed and with little warning.
The nature of these accidents can vary, but they generally involve a driver failing to stop or yield at the proper time. This can lead to T-bone or side-impact collisions that cause significant vehicle damage and harm to the occupants. Recognizing what happens during these accidents helps you understand your legal options.
Common Causes of Red Light Accidents at Turn Arrows
Several factors contribute to drivers running red lights during green turn arrows. Distraction is one of the leading causes, as drivers may not notice the signal change. Other reasons include speeding, impaired driving, and aggressive behavior at intersections.
Common causes that often lead to red light accidents include:
Driver distraction: This can include using phones, adjusting controls, or talking to passengers diverts attention.
Speeding through intersections: This can happen when a driver is trying to beat the light and runs through it.
Impaired or fatigued driving: This includes driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or while tired.
These causes create dangerous situations where drivers fail to obey traffic laws. Understanding why these crashes happen can help you anticipate how fault might be assigned. Knowing the reasons behind these accidents, you can better focus on what to do immediately after one occurs.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Red Light Accident
If you’re hit by a driver who ran a red light during your green turn arrow, safety should be your first concern. Move to a safe area if possible, but don’t leave the scene. Call emergency services right away if anyone is injured or if there’s significant property damage.
Next, you want to preserve the scene and gather information that could be crucial later. This includes taking photos, collecting witness details, and exchanging information with the other driver. These actions will help establish the facts of the red light accident.
Following these immediate steps can protect you physically and legally. The next step is to properly document the accident scene.
How to Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
Documenting the scene thoroughly is key in red light accident cases. You should take clear photos of all vehicles involved, the traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Videos can also provide helpful perspectives if it’s safe to record.
It’s important to collect the following evidence at the scene:
Photos of damage: Capture vehicle dents, broken glass, and skid marks.
Details of traffic signals: Show which light was green or red at the time.
Witness contact information: Obtain names and phone numbers of people who saw the crash.
These records will support your version of events when dealing with insurance or legal claims. Once you have this evidence, it’s time to notify the proper authorities and your insurance company.
Reporting the Red Light Accident to Authorities and Insurance
You must report the red light accident to law enforcement, especially if there are injuries or serious damage. The police report is an official record that can verify your claims and describe the scene objectively. Always request a copy of the report for your records.
Contacting your insurance company promptly is also critical. Provide all the gathered information and cooperate with the claims process. Keep detailed notes about your communications with insurers to avoid misunderstandings.
Reporting the accident correctly builds a solid foundation for any claims or legal steps you may take. After this, it’s vital to get medical care even if injuries seem minor.
Medical Care and Monitoring After a Red Light Accident
Red light accidents often cause injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, like whiplash or internal trauma. Seeking medical evaluation as soon as possible can identify these problems early. Timely treatment can also improve your recovery outlook.
Even if you feel fine, watch for symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or pain in the days following the crash. Document all medical visits and treatments, as this information will be important if you pursue compensation.
Proper medical care supports both your health and any claim for damages. Once your physical health is addressed, understanding fault becomes the next focus.
How Fault Is Determined in Red Light Accidents Involving Turn Arrows
Fault in red light accidents is usually based on traffic laws and the evidence collected at the scene. Because you had a green turn arrow, the driver who ran the red light is often considered at fault. However, investigators review all factors, including driver statements and any traffic camera footage.
Negligence is often clear in these situations, but insurance companies may still challenge liability. That’s why solid evidence and accurate documentation are vital to prove fault in your case. Understanding how fault is determined helps you get ready for the claim process after a red light accident.
What to Expect When Filing a Claim After a Red Light Accident
When you file a claim, expect a thorough review by the insurance company. They’ll examine the police report, your medical records, and the accident evidence. It’s common for adjusters to ask detailed questions to evaluate the claim’s validity.
While the process can feel overwhelming, staying organized and providing clear information will help. Attorney Randy V. Pelham typically recommends keeping a detailed record of all expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills and car repairs.
Filing a claim is just one step. Protecting your rights after an accident is essential for a successful outcome.
Get Help After Your Accident
At The Pelham Law Firm, we’re here to support you after a red light accident. We serve clients across Florida, providing guidance and assistance through every step. If you’ve been hit by a driver running a red light while you had a green turn arrow, contact us today to discuss your situation.
