Houston Red Light Accident Attorney
Drivers have to follow traffic laws at all times. These laws are not only in place to improve traffic flow. They also keep motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians safe and help prevent accidents. Traffic signals are a good example. When a light is green, you can go. When it’s red, you need to stop. However, not all vehicles stop. For some reason or another, a driver will keep going. Sometimes this results in serious accidents. In fact, more than 100,000 people are injured in red light accidents every year. Hundreds more are killed. Are you a victim? If so, seek legal help from a Houston red light accident attorney who can handle your case and ensure your rights are protected.
What is Running a Red Light?
Running a red light refers to entering an intersection at any point after the signal light has turned red. When this happens, the driver has committed a violation. The only exceptions are motorists who are in the intersection waiting to turn left, for example, when the signal changes to red. They are not considered to be running a red light.
What about turning red on a red light? In some areas, this is allowed. However, the drivers must come to a complete stop before turning right. When a right turn on a red light is not permitted, and a driver does it anyway, they are considered to be running a red light. So it’s important to follow the laws in your area.
Why Do Red Light Accidents Happen?
When a motorist approaches an intersection with a green light, they will likely proceed through the intersection. When a nearby driver runs their red light at the same intersection, it will likely result in a car accident. This is a risk you should never take, no matter if you’re in a hurry or you don’t see any other vehicles. Running a red light is unsafe and against the law.
So why do people run red lights? Here are some common reasons:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue
- Driving under the influence
Red light runners tend to fall under certain demographics. They are most likely to be young men with prior crashes or DUI convictions. They are also less likely to have a valid driver’s license but more likely to be speeding or under the influence of alcohol while running the red light.
Contact a Houston Red Light Accident Attorney Today
Running a red light is not a safe driving maneuver. It’s a serious traffic violation that can lead to head-on and T-bone accidents. It can also cause catastrophic injuries and death to bicyclists and pedestrians.
Have you or a loved one been a victim? If so, seek legal help from The West Law Office. We can help you file a claim for compensation for the damages you have suffered. Schedule a free consultation today. Speak with a Houston red light accident attorney by calling 281-347-3247 or filling out the online form.