Traffic lights play an important role in maintaining order, the flow of traffic, and the safety of road users. When traffic lights are not obeyed, it can lead to serious injuries or even death. When drivers run red lights, drivers of other vehicles or even pedestrians can, unfortunately, face the consequences of another’s actions. In addition, the drivers who run red lights also face the risk of serious injury. Red light cameras have played an important role in discouraging drivers from running red lights, with the penalty of facing fees. According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), “cameras reduced fatal red light running crash rate of large cities by 21 percent and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 14 percent.” Failing to obey traffic signals can result in serious harm, which is why it is important for drivers and pedestrians to play their part by following these signals.
A recent news report revealed that Easton Police responded to a serious crash at the intersection of eastbound Ocean Gateway and Airport Road in Maryland. A 59-year-old man was attempting to turn left in his pickup truck when he had a green arrow. As the pickup truck was turning, a 27-year-old driver of a Chevrolet Tahoe hit his vehicle. According to witnesses, the driver of the Chevrolet was speeding past other vehicles that were stopped on the right shoulder. The Tahoe rolled several times along the road shoulder before crashing in a grass field. The Tahoe driver was ejected from his vehicle. As a result, he was airlifted to a Trauma center and was last known to be in critical but stable condition. The driver of the pickup truck was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.
The Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
The numbers are staggering. IIHS reports that in 2020, 928 people were killed in crashes that involved someone running a red light, and half of those who were killed were bicyclists and people in other vehicles who were hit by drivers running red lights. If you or a loved one are a victim of an auto accident involving a driver running a red light, you may be entitled to compensation and you may be wondering how to go about receiving that compensation. In a case where someone fails to obey a traffic signal, it could be the result of a driver mistakenly doing so or choosing to disregard or ignore the signal. It can range from someone driving while under the influence, driving while extremely fatigued, or even distracted driving.
What Makes a Driver Legally Negligent?
A negligent driver has a duty of care but breaches that duty, and a reckless driver drives a vehicle “with blatant or shameless disregard for the safety and health of other people or property.” Filing a claim after these types of accidents will involve proving that the other driver was either negligent or recklessly driving and caused injuries that you suffered as a result of the accident. There are various elements that need to be met in order to prove your claim. It can be important to connect with an experienced attorney to help you navigate your claim.
Maryland Motor Vehicle Accident? Connect with a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Maryland, contact the dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. Our attorneys are experienced at helping clients navigate the complexities of Maryland laws, and are ready to help you recover the damages you deserve. Navigating a lawsuit after an accident can be a stressful and daunting task, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call us today at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free initial consultation and talk about your case with us.