Everyone knows red means stop, but not everyone follows that simple rule. When drivers ignore traffic signals, they turn intersections into dangerous collision zones where innocent people pay the price for someone else’s reckless decision. If another driver ran a red light and hit you, you have the right to file an insurance claim or lawsuit and hold them accountable for the losses you suffered. Make sure to speak with an experienced McAllen car accident attorney.
Why Do Texas Drivers Run Red Lights?
Drivers run red lights for various reasons. Some are simply distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or passengers and don’t notice the signal change. Others are running late and make the dangerous gamble that they can beat the light or that cross traffic will wait. Aggressive drivers deliberately speed up when they see a yellow light instead of slowing down, often misjudging their timing. Impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and poor judgment that leads to these preventable crashes.
None of these reasons justify the risk to others’ safety. What makes red light running particularly reckless is that drivers know the rules. They understand that running a red light means entering an intersection when they do not have the right of way, putting everyone around them in immediate danger.
Types of Injuries from Red Light Car Accidents
Red light accidents frequently result in severe injuries because they typically involve high speeds and sudden, violent impacts. Common injuries from these accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Chest and rib injuries
- Cuts and lacerations from broken glass
Recovering Compensation After a Texas Driver Runs a Red Light
Texas follows a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the driver who caused your crash is responsible for your damages. When someone runs a red light and hits you, proving fault is typically straightforward. Running a red light violates traffic laws and thus breaches the driver’s duty of care to others on the road.
You have several legal options for recovering compensation. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit if their coverage is insufficient. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and any other way that the accident has affected your life.
A McAllen personal injury attorney can investigate your accident, gather evidence like traffic camera footage and witness statements, and build a strong case that proves the other driver’s liability. Your lawyer will calculate the full extent of your damages and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation that reflects the true impact of this accident on your life.
Contact Us for Help with Your Red Light Accident Case
When someone runs a red light and crashes into you, they’ve broken the law and shattered your sense of security. At De La Garza Law Firm, we know exactly how to prove fault in red light accidents and fight for the full compensation you deserve. We will not rest until justice is served and you have the resources you need to recover. Contact us at (956) 201-8453 for your free consultation and discuss your options with a Texas car accident lawyer.