Red Light Accidents: What You Should Know?
Posted on: December 11, 2023
No matter where you travel in New Jersey, people run red lights. It is a common traffic offense and one of the most dangerous. It happens when drivers speed through them because they do not want to stop or are distracted.
New Jersey drivers must stop completely at a red light, whether it is solid or flashing. Making a right turn after stopping is legal, but not if a sign says No Turn On Red. Drivers are prohibited from making left turns at solid red lights and should also be cautious and follow right-of-way rules before moving.
As for yellow lights, drivers can pass through as long as they are so close to the intersection that stopping would be unsafe. Bear in mind that 50 feet from an intersection is considered a safe stopping distance for a vehicle traveling at 20 miles per hour. Unfortunately, many drivers will increase their speeds to make yellow lights and run red ones.
The Garden State no longer uses intersection cameras, but you could still receive a violation, points, fines, and other penalties if you run a red light. These tickets can be hard to fight in court when they are your word against a law enforcement officer.
If another driver ran the light and hit your vehicle, you might have serious injuries and significant property damage that may be covered through an auto insurance policy.
Can I Sue the Driver Who Caused the Red Light Accident?
You would typically go to your insurance company for coverage after a red light car accident. The settlement offered by the insurer might not be adequate to cover the medical expenses and other financial losses, so signing the documents and accepting the payment without reviewing it carefully is not recommended. Consulting with a car accident lawyer if you are seriously injured is generally safer.
There may be an option for suing the at-fault driver, but you must prove that they acted negligently and that your injuries are catastrophic and exceed your policy limits. This involves gathering evidence showing that their actions directly led to your injuries and property damage. If the case is successful, the amount awarded in damages will reflect the seriousness of your injuries, past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you have experienced.
Our Freehold Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Help Clients After Red Light Accidents
A red light accident can change your life forever. Contact our skilled Freehold car accident lawyers at Ellis Law today. Call us at 732-308-0200 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.
