Some of the most dangerous car accidents in San Francisco occur when drivers run a red light. Unfortunately, drivers do this all the time in California due to traffic congestion.
When people are running behind because of traffic or when they get frustrated because they always get stopped at lights, they are more inclined to run red lights and assume it’s not that big of a deal. But it is a huge deal.
In 2020, over 100,000 people were injured in accidents that involved running red lights, and nearly 1,000 people were killed.
Even if the light is still yellow, speeding through an intersection so you don’t get caught at the red light can also be incredibly dangerous because you could still be in the intersection when the light turns green for other drivers. So either way, whether the light is yellow or red, running lights is dangerous and can result in multi-car collisions that lead to multiple injuries and even deaths.
At Sally Morin, we see accident cases involving running a red light all too often in California. Just recently, five people were killed in a horrific Los Angeles car accident when a nurse ran a red light going 90 mph. She ran the light 9 seconds after it had changed and struck multiple vehicles, killing an 11-month-old baby and four adults—one of whom was pregnant.
If you or a loved one are injured in an accident involving a driver who ran a red light, our team can assist you. We understand how devastating the result of red light running accidents can be, and we are dedicated to helping our clients get the help they need. We can ensure your rights are protected and help you get a high-value settlement, as we did for one of our clients who was hit by a rideshare driver who ran a red light.
Don’t hesitate. Reach out to one of our San Francisco Traffic Accident Lawyers today.
The Dangers of Running a Red Light
The problem with running red lights is that drivers often forget just how serious this behavior is because it has become so commonplace for people to run red lights. So instead of slowing down when the light turns yellow, many drivers will speed up to make it through the light. But just because a lot of people do this doesn’t mean it’s okay or that it’s not dangerous.
In fact, speeding through the light is often what makes these accidents worse. If you run a red light by accident while traveling at the speed limit, it’s still not good, but the results might not be quite as severe. But when you purposely try to speed through the intersection to make it through a yellow or red light, you are more likely to hit another car or multiple cars—and when you do this at high speeds, it results in more severe damage and potentially fatal injuries.
Furthermore, not only are you likely to hit other cars when you run red lights, but other cars might also hit you. Either way, it puts your life and the lives of others at risk.
Leading Causes of Running a Red Light
Drivers running red lights in California can happen for many reasons. As mentioned before, traffic is often congested in California, which can increase the likelihood of people running lights. But running red lights can also be due to drivers who are just inherently reckless and who often disobey traffic laws.
Other common causes of accidents involving a driver running a red light include:
- Drivers who are prone to speeding
- Distracted drivers, such as those using a cell phone while driving
- Drivers who “zone out” or daydream while driving
- Driving while fatigued and falling asleep at the wheel
- Driving late at night and assuming it’s not a big deal to run the light because no one is around
- Inexperienced driving
- Driving when your mind is distracted by something that is worrying you or causing you stress
- Intoxicated driving
- Older drivers who get confused while driving
- Drivers who intentionally run red lights
What Happens When You Run a Red Light?
According to California vehicle code 21453, drivers facing a red light must stop before entering an intersection and must remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown (typically a green light).
Thus, if this law is violated, a police officer who witnesses the act can issue a ticket for a moving violation. California also installs red light cameras at intersections to catch drivers in case an officer is not present to witness the action. If the camera captures a driver running a red light, they will likely be issued a citation in the mail.
And it should be noted that California has the highest fine for running a red light compared to most other states. The exact fine or penalty can vary by city but expect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars.
In San Francisco, running a red light can result in a ticket with a fine of around $500.
When a person runs a red light, they are also considered to be negligent, or negligent per se, according to California law. This means they could be held liable if the other injured parties involved decide to file a claim or a lawsuit against them.
If you are the victim of someone who ran a red light, this means you could file a personal injury claim against the guilty driver to recover compensation for damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain & suffering.
We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus On Your Life
If you or someone you love is the victim of an accident involving a driver who ran a red light, our team can help you file your claim. Though you might be entitled to compensation, getting the full and fair compensation you deserve is not a guarantee. You will need the help of an attorney to ensure your rights are protected and to provide sufficient evidence to prove fault and win the settlement you deserve.
At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, our San Franciso Car Accident Attorneys truly care about the people of California. We understand how devastating accidents involving running red lights can be and are dedicated to helping our clients seek justice and win a high-value settlement.
Call us at 877-380-8852 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.