Tampa Red Light Accident Lawyer
Running a red light is one of the most common traffic violations we see in the Tampa region. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. Indeed, ignoring stop signals often has deadly consequences for innocent victims.
If you have lost a loved one in a red light accident, or been a victim yourself, then you have the right to demand accountability and justice through the legal system. Our experienced Tampa red light accident lawyer is here to help. Anderson & Anderson is a team of Florida personal injury attorneys who have over 35 years experience in representing accident victims and their families.
The Dangers of Running a Red Light in Tampa
The National Safety Council estimates there are over 42,000 people killed each year in red light accidents. Hundreds of thousands more sustain serious, life-threatening injuries. Yet despite the fact that every person who drives a car knows not to ignore a red light, many drivers still ignore the risk.
Obviously, running a red light is a traffic violation and a reckless act. So why does it occur? Some of the more common reasons we see in red light accident cases include:
- the driver is running late or simply in a hurry to get to their destination;
- the driver is distracted by their smartphone or something else that diverts their attention from the road;
- the driver misjudges the traffic signal’s timing and thinks they can “beat” the red light; or
- the driver is just reckless and does not care that their actions may put someone else in danger.
Most red light accidents that occur within an intersection are T-bone crashes. That is, the vehicle running the red light impacts the side of a vehicle that is lawfully in the intersection. Such crashes are far more likely to seriously injure or kill an innocent person, thus triggering Florida’s legal threshold for stepping outside of the “no-fault” insurance system that covers most auto accidents. Additionally, drivers who run red lights are far more likely to hit a pedestrian or bicyclist, and such accidents are also typically not covered by no-fault insurance. This means the negligent driver can be held directly and personally liable for any deaths or injuries.
Contact Anderson & Anderson Today
Running a red light often carries a number of legal consequences. The driver can be ticketed and receive points on their driver’s license. If someone is injured or killed, the driver may also face criminal prosecution. And of course, the victims may file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for their own losses arising from the red light accident.
Compensation for such accidents is often substantial given the horrific nature of a T-bone collision at an intersection. So if you, or someone that you care about, has been harmed through the acts of a reckless driver, you should seek out legal advice as soon as possible following the crash. To speak with a skilled Tampa red light accident lawyer, call Anderson & Anderson today at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.
