What to do if You Are in an Accident at a Red Light

A red light means stop. Most drivers know this before ever getting behind the wheel. Yet, red light car crashes are one of the most common car accidents. Learn who’s at fault when a red light crash occurs, what information you need to determine fault, and what your compensation options may be if injured.

What is a Red Light Crash Accident?

A red light crash accident typically occurs when a driver slams on their brakes to prevent running through a red light. The driver behind them may not have been paying attention or may have thought the driver was going to speed through the red light. This can lead to them rear-ending the driver in front of them.

Another common type of red light accident that may occur is when a driver runs a red light and crashes into drivers legally going through the intersection.

Who’s At Fault in a Red Light Crash Accident?

In general, anyone who fails to follow the state’s driving laws is at fault when a car accident occurs. Running a red light is illegal in New Jersey. This means if a driver runs a red light and crashes into other drivers in the intersection, they’re to blame.

Drivers who rear-end another driver who comes to a stop at a red light are also likely to be considered negligent. New Jersey drivers are required to leave sufficient space between them and the vehicle in front of them. They violate that rule if they crash into a driver who stops at a red light. If the driver rear-ends the other driver as a result of being distracted, they’re also likely to be considered negligent. Driving distracted is also illegal in New Jersey.

Consequences of Red Light Crashes in New Jersey

New Jersey law requires all drivers to come to a complete stop at a red light. They must also stay stopped until the light turns green unless turning right. If turning right, all drivers must obey ‘no turn on right’ signs. If there isn’t a ‘no turn on right’ sign, the driver must still come to a complete stop at a red light before then turning right when it’s safe to do so.

Running a red light in New Jersey can lead to expensive consequences, even if you don’t cause an accident. Drivers may be subject to a fine between $50-$200, two points on their driver’s license, and potentially an insurance increase.

A driver who runs a red light and causes an accident may also be subject to paying for an injured driver’s damages. Drivers injured in a red light crash in New Jersey can file a legal claim to recover costs like medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering.

Filing a Legal Claim in a Red Light Crash Accident

If you were injured in a red light crash accident, it may be worth it to reach out to a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you build your case, prove fault, and collect the compensation you need for your damages. New Jersey allows you to pursue a car accident case up to two years from the date of the accident.

Contact a Nutley Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Birkhold & Maider, LLC represent clients injured because of a car accident in Nutley, Union County, Mercer County, Hudson County, and throughout New Jersey. Call 973-947-4670 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 189 Franklin Avenue #1 Nutley, NJ 07710, as well as a satellite office in Hamilton, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.