Chicago Red & Yellow Light Accidents

Red and yellow light accidents happen often in Chicago. These accidents are usually caused when a driver runs a red light or misjudges the timing of a yellow light. The results can be severe, leading to serious injuries, damage to vehicles, and even fatalities.

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Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps victims of red and yellow light accidents recover compensation for their injuries. We understand how significantly these accidents can affect your life, and we are here to guide you through the legal process.

If you’ve been involved in a red light accident, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our experienced car accident attorneys will work with you to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. With the right legal team by your side, you can get the help you need to recover from your injuries.

Common Causes of Red & Yellow Light Accidents

Accidents at red and yellow lights are often caused by drivers making poor decisions or not paying attention. Some common causes of red and yellow light accidents include:

Running a Red Light

Running a red light is one of the most common causes of accidents at intersections. When a driver ignores a red light, they risk colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians. Red light violations can cause severe injuries, especially when high speeds are involved.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone running a red light, you may have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Misjudging a Yellow Light

Misjudging a yellow light is another common cause of accidents. Some drivers may think they can make it through the intersection before the light turns red, but they miscalculate. This can lead to dangerous collisions with oncoming traffic. If you were involved in an accident due to a driver misjudging a yellow light, an experienced car accident attorney can help you with your claim.

Left-Turn and Right-Turn Accidents

Left-turn and right-turn accidents at red and yellow lights can be serious. When turning, drivers need to check for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Failing to do so can cause crashes. In some cases, the driver may be at fault for not giving the right of way to others. If you’ve been injured in a left-turn or right-turn accident, a skilled lawyer can help prove who is at fault.

Reckless and Aggressive Driving

Reckless and aggressive driving often leads to accidents at red and yellow lights. Drivers who speed, tailgate, or fail to follow traffic signals put everyone around them at risk. These drivers may cause accidents when they don’t stop at red lights or try to rush through a yellow light. If a reckless driver injured you, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

Malfunctioning Traffic Signals

Malfunctioning traffic signals are another cause of red and yellow light accidents. Sometimes, the lights may stay red too long or not change at all, confusing drivers. Other times, the timing of the yellow light may be too short. If a malfunctioning signal causes your accident, the responsible party, such as the city or the company in charge of maintaining the signals, may be liable for your injuries.

Types of Accidents at Red & Yellow Lights

• Rear-end collisions: When a car crashes into the back of another car that has stopped at a red light.
• Side-impact collisions (T-bone): Occurs when one car runs a red or yellow light and crashes into the side of another car.
• Pedestrian accidents: When a driver fails to stop at a red light, hitting pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Bicycle accidents: Cyclists may be struck when drivers run a red light or misjudge the timing of a yellow light.

These types of accidents can result in serious injuries, including head trauma, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries.

Who Is Liable in a Red & Yellow Light Accident?

In red and yellow light accidents, the driver who caused the accident is usually responsible. However, there can be situations where multiple parties share fault. Here’s a look at how liability is determined in these cases.

Determining Fault

The at-fault driver is usually the person who caused the accident. This can be because they ran a red light, misjudged a yellow light, or were driving recklessly. If the driver was not following the traffic laws, they may be held liable for the accident. However, fault may also be shared if multiple factors contributed to the crash, such as poor road conditions or malfunctioning traffic lights.

Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence in Illinois

In Illinois, fault can be shared between multiple parties. This is called comparative negligence. If you are partially at fault for the accident, it can affect the amount of compensation you receive. For example, if you were partially responsible for the crash but the other driver was more at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation, but it may be reduced based on your level of responsibility.

Liability of Other Parties

In some cases, other parties may be liable for the accident. This could include the government or a company responsible for traffic signal maintenance. If the accident was caused by a malfunctioning traffic light, the responsible party for maintaining the light may be held accountable. Similarly, if another driver or pedestrian was partially responsible, they may also share liability.

Evidence Used to Prove Fault in a Red Light Accident

To prove fault in a red light accident, evidence is crucial. This can include:

• Red light camera footage: This video shows whether a driver ran a red light.
• Eyewitness testimony: People who saw the accident can provide valuable details about how it happened.
• Police reports: These reports outline the details of the accident and who was at fault.
• Medical records: These records show the extent of your injuries, helping prove the severity of the accident.

Gathering strong evidence will help strengthen your case and increase the chances of getting fair compensation.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Red & Yellow Light Accidents

• Whiplash: Neck injuries caused by sudden movement in a collision.
• Concussions: Brain injuries from hitting your head during the crash.
• Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, or ribs.
• Spinal cord injuries: Serious injuries that can affect movement or cause paralysis.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains and strains caused by the force of the crash.

These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and even surgery.

What to Do After a Red or Yellow Light Accident in Chicago

1. Seek medical attention: Your health comes first. Seek medical treatment immediately, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms right away.
2. Call the police: Always report the accident to the police. They will create a report, which can be vital in proving fault.
3. Gather evidence: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, damages, and any injuries. Get the contact information of any witnesses.
4. Contact a lawyer: Reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your case. They can help guide you through the next steps and ensure your rights are protected.
5. File an insurance claim: Report the accident to your insurance company. Your lawyer will help with this process to make sure you get fair compensation.

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Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a red light accident, don’t hesitate to get legal help right away. A Chicago red light accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. At Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers, we specialize in car accident cases and are here to guide you through the process.

Our experienced legal team will work with you to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We are committed to fighting for your rights and holding the negligent driver accountable.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact our office today for a free consultation. Let us help you get back on your feet after a red light accident.