Augusta car accident attorneys know that people run red lights frequently on American roads. In 2019 alone, there were about 846 deaths from red light crashes. In addition, red-light running also resulted in several other collisions that left victims with severe injuries. Therefore, red-light running is a significant cause of fatal and severe accidents.
Fortunately, suppose you ever survive an Augusta red light collision. Then, you may be eligible for compensation. Red light crashes often result from negligence. So, you can sue this negligent driver for damages. However, hiring the best Augusta car accident lawyers will be best. Without an experienced attorney, your chances of success are very limited.
What Is Red-Light Running?
Intersections exist on many Georgia roads. Therefore, the government installs traffic lights at these points to direct traffic. Once the signal turns red at the intersection, drivers on a particular lane must stop. Therefore, any driver that ignores this red light has violated the law. This traffic violation is called red-light running. Sadly, though, many Augusta drivers disregard the law and cause devastating collisions.
Why Do Drivers Run Red Lights?
There’s often a reason why drivers act the way they do. Sometimes, though, they could merely be reckless, believing that the police won’t catch them. Other times, such a driver may have reasons for running a red light. Whether this reason is legitimate or not is now a different issue.
Some of such reasons include:
- Being late to work, school, or some other appointment
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driver inattention
- Driver fatigue and lack of sleep
- Distracted driving, such as using phones and other devices
- Over-speeding
Causes of Red Light Accidents
Red light collisions occur in many ways. So, below are some of the causes of red light crashes.
- Speeding to beat a yellow light before it turns green
- Driver inattention to traffic lights
- Attempting an illegal right turn at a red light
- Rolling through a red light without stopping completely
- Moving through a red light without stopping at all
Red light accidents can also manifest in different ways. These include:
- Rear-end accidents
- Pedestrian collisions
- Bicycles hit by vehicles
- Side-impact crashes
- Frontal collisions
- Rollover accidents
Notably, all these collision types also affect liability in an Augusta red light accident.
Determining Liability After an Augusta Red Light Accident
After an Augusta red light crash, the next step is to determine responsibility. This step is crucial because Augusta, Georgia, operates a fault-based accident system. Therefore, the liable driver will pay the victim damages. Notably, though, liability isn’t exactly straightforward in red light accidents.
For example, having the right of way doesn’t absolutely exclude you from liability. In Georgia, you must drive through intersections carefully, even if you have the right of way. Therefore, suppose a pedestrian already committed to crossing the road at the wrong time. You must still yield your right of way to such pedestrians.
Finally, determining liability greatly depends on finding the accident’s cause. An Augusta car accident lawyer can help you here with a thorough investigation. Once they discover who caused the crash, they can get you the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Augusta Red Light Accidents
Like other car crashes, you don’t have all the time to file a red light claim. Instead, you must institute this action within a definite period. This is called the Statute of Limitations. The Georgia statute allows you to file your claim only within two years. Therefore, suppose you miss this deadline. Then, you may lose your right to compensation.
It’s noteworthy that this statute starts counting from the accident date. This is another reason why hiring an Augusta car accident attorney is crucial. An excellent lawyer will ensure that you start your claim early. Early filing even ensures that you don’t lose critical case evidence. This, in turn, increases your chances of winning the suit.
Augusta Car Accident Attorneys Help You Get Compensation!
Have you been in an Augusta car accident? Did it occur at a traffic light stop? Then, you may be eligible for compensation. If you think the other driver was responsible, it is easier to recover compensation. First, however, you’ll need the best Augusta car accident attorneys.
Fortunately, Ted A. Greve & Associates is exactly what you need. We have a diverse team of experienced legal professionals and medical experts. Therefore, we can ensure you get adequate compensation and medical treatment. With our excellent track record of case successes, it’ll be best to call us today for a FREE consultation.
