Two people were hospitalized and two more were injured during a two-car red light crash in Clearwater. A Nissan Frontier pickup was traveling southbound on US-19, against a “steady” red light. When the Frontier entered the intersection, a Nissan Altima sedan turned to go west on Belleair Rd, and the vehicles crashed. The pickup struck the front of the sedan, continued traveling after impact and hit a light pole at the corner of the intersection.
Red light intersection accidents and negligence per se
Determining fault in red light intersection accidents is usually straightforward. Because all drivers have a legal obligation to obey traffic laws, running a red light is evidence of negligence per se.
Negligence per se simply means that there is a rebuttable presumption the person violating the law is guilty of negligence. While a defendant can offer evidence to the contrary, if they are unable to demonstrate an intervening cause or other explanation, they will likely be found liable for negligence.
Intervening causes in a red light accident might include mechanical failure, such as problems with the braking system, or a rear-end accident which pushes the vehicle out into the intersection.
When you’re involved in a red light intersection accident, make sure to take photos of the damage, your injuries and the scene of the accident. Write down the time, date and your observations and call law enforcement right away.
What kind of damages are available?
If you’ve been injured in a red light intersection accident, there may be compensation available. Depending on the extent of your injuries and property damage, you may be eligible to receive compensation for past and ongoing medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other associated expenses.
When you’re injured in an accident, contact a trusted Sarasota, FL auto accident lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh right away.