Red-light running in New York is the cause of many deadly traffic collisions. When a motorist runs a red light, they can collide with another automobile or with a pedestrian or bicyclist in the intersection. In some cases, these collisions result in T-bone or side-impact accidents where another vehicle is struck directly in the passenger or driver's side of the car. At the same time, bicyclists and pedestrians who are traveling through the intersection can be struck in a similar manner and often sustain life-threatening and fatal injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact crashes, including those that result from red-light running, account for nearly one-fourth of all vehicle occupant fatalities.
What do you need to know about red-light running in general? And when a crash results from another motorist’s decision to run a red light, how can you seek compensation?
Learning More About Red Light Running in New York
New York has a range of red light cameras, yet motorists continue to run red lights and cause serious accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), red-light running is the leading cause of traffic crashes in urban areas, and it is the type of urban accident in which vehicle occupants are most likely to be seriously injured. What else should you know about red-light running? Here are some facts from the FHWA and the IIHS:
Approximately 165,000 people are injured each year in accidents resulting from red-light running, including vehicle occupants, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians;
More than 900 people are killed every year in red-light running accidents;
About 33% of all drivers admit that they have run a red light at least once in the past 30 days;
Each day an average of seven deadly accidents and 1,000 crashes involving injuries occur because of red-light running;
More than $230 billion in costs are associated with red-light collisions;
Younger male drivers are most likely to cause a red-light accident;
Motorists who are speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol are more likely than other drivers to run a red light and to cause a collision; and
Urban intersections have, on average, one driver running a red light every 20 minutes.
It is important to know that you may be able to take some steps to reduce your chances of being injured in a red light crash caused by another driver. When the light turns green, you should always look in every direction before you proceed through the intersection. Similarly, before you go through an intersection on a bicycle or on foot, you should look for any drivers that could run the red light and cause a serious accident.
Seeking Compensation After a New York Red Light Accident
Most people injured in red light crashes will initially seek compensation through an auto insurance claim. Since New York is a no-fault state, claims must be filed through your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy.
However, if you can prove that your injuries are serious and that you meet the “serious injury threshold” required to file a lawsuit, you may be able to sue the driver who ran the red light and caused the crash.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer in New York
Were you injured in a collision caused by a driver who ran a red light? Our New York auto accident lawyers can help you to seek compensation. Contact Leitner Varughese, PLLC, today.
