A driver running a red light or speeding up to “beat” the yellow in Las Vegas can result in high-speed collisions, severe injuries and costly damages. If you get hurt in a red light accident, it is important to know that you have the right to recover financial compensation from the at-fault party. Contacting an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help you successfully navigate the claims process.
What Is a Red Light Accident?
A red light accident refers to a car crash that occurs due to one of the most dangerous traffic violations in Las Vegas: a driver running a red light. Nevada drivers are legally required to come to a complete stop when faced with a steady or blinking red light, and to remain there until the light turns green. The failure to stop is an offense that can lead to a serious accident, such as a T-bone crash or head-on collision.
Why Do Red Light Accidents Happen?
Negligence is behind red light car accidents in Clark County. If a driver is negligent, it means he or she failed to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel. If a driver is careless or reckless while driving, he or she may run a red light, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Oftentimes, red light accidents are due to distracted driving, texting while driving, speeding or racing, drunk driving, drowsy driving, road rage, failing to yield, and drivers attempting to evade police. Broken traffic signals and vehicle malfunctions can also contribute to these collisions.
Typical Injuries From Red Light Accidents
When a Las Vegas collision takes place at an intersection due to someone running a red light, the injuries suffered by victims can be catastrophic, life-threatening or fatal. Common examples include:
- Bone fractures
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Joint and ligament damage
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Internal injuries or bleeding
- Damaged organs
- Permanent disability
Sadly, many red light accidents are deadly for one or multiple victims. If someone passes away due to a fatal red light accident, surviving family members may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim in Las Vegas.
Steps to Take After a Red Light Accident
In Nevada, car accident victims have the right to claim financial compensation from the driver or party at fault for causing the crash. However, it is the victim’s task to prove fault and liability using evidence.
Build your claim by documenting everything as much as possible. Start by calling the police to report the red light accident. Get medical care for your injuries immediately and keep copies of your medical records and hospital bills. Take pictures at the crash scene and collect information from eyewitnesses.
Look for traffic or surveillance cameras that may have recorded the other driver running the red light. When you’re ready to file a claim against the at-fault driver, be sure to consult with an attorney before accepting a fast settlement.
How a Red Light Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas Can Help
A local car accident lawyer can step in to preserve and collect key evidence for you, including hiring expert witnesses and crash reconstructionists. Your lawyer can take over negotiations with insurance claims adjusters to help you achieve a fair settlement. If necessary, a lawyer can take your red light accident case all the way to court in Clark County to pursue justice.
Koch & Brim, LLP provides car accident victims with the legal support and representation they need in the aftermath of major intersection accidents in Las Vegas. Discuss your red light crash at no cost today when you contact us.