Texas intersections can be dangerous. According to state statistics, almost one-third of fatal car crashes occur at intersections. Intersection collisions can happen for many reasons, but one of the most common involves traffic signals. All too often, drivers ignore red or yellow lights, leading to devastating collisions that leave victims with serious injuries and losses.
Fortunately, state law gives victims the right to seek compensation from negligent drivers who cause red and yellow light accidents in Galveston, Texas. If you were hurt in one of these crashes, a Galveston car accident lawyer from The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers can help you build a strong case to seek the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured, call 409-207-9299 today to schedule a free consultation.
How The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After Red And Yellow Light Accidents In Galveston, TX
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers has been fighting for car crash victims in Galveston, TX, for decades. Over the firm’s lengthy history, we have recovered over $500 million in compensation from at-fault parties and their insurers.
When you hire our Galveston personal injury lawyers after sustaining an injury in an intersection crash, we can assist you in these key ways:
- Evaluate the details of your accident and guide you on your legal options
- Prepare an insurance claim using medical records, crash reports, and other evidence
- Discuss a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer
- File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to settle fairly
Crashes resulting from red and yellow light violations can cause serious injuries that affect your life for years to come. Contact us to schedule a free case review with a Galveston personal injury attorney to find out whether you’re eligible to pursue compensation today.
Texas Traffic Laws Concerning Red and Yellow Lights
Many intersection crashes happen because a driver fails to obey a traffic signal. In Texas, motorists have a duty to use reasonable care, which includes following traffic laws. A driver who violates a traffic signal and causes a crash may be liable for the injuries and losses that result.
Red Lights
Drivers facing a steady red light must stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection and remain stopped until they can legally proceed. Before entering the intersection, they must also yield to pedestrians and any traffic lawfully within the intersection.
Because running a red light is a clear traffic violation, these cases are often more straightforward than other intersection crashes. However, proving who had the right of way may still require evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness testimony, police reports, or other evidence from the crash scene.
Yellow Lights
A steady yellow light warns drivers that the signal is about to turn red. It does not automatically require a driver to stop, nor does it give drivers permission to speed through the intersection. Whether a driver acted reasonably depends on the circumstances.
As a result, liability in yellow light crashes is often less clear. A driver who speeds to beat a yellow light, makes an unsafe left turn, or otherwise fails to use reasonable care may be found negligent if those actions cause a collision. In many cases, investigators will examine the timing of the traffic signal, the drivers’ actions, and other evidence to determine who was at fault.
Common Causes of Red and Yellow Light Accidents in Galveston
Traffic signals are designed to ensure that drivers take turns at intersections. They are often more efficient and safer than stop signs and yield signs, but traffic lights only prevent car accidents when drivers obey them.
Red and yellow light accidents happen when drivers disobey traffic lights in these common ways:
- Failing to stop at a red light
- Turning when an approaching vehicle has the right of way
- Accelerating at a yellow light
The underlying cause of these violations may include distractions, inattention, intoxication, and impatience.
Common Injuries in Red and Yellow Light Crashes
Because many red and yellow light accidents occur at intersections, they often involve side-impact or T-bone collisions. These crashes can expose occupants to significant force, resulting in severe or even life-threatening injuries.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in intersection accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Cuts, lacerations, and burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fatal injuries in the most serious cases
The severity of these injuries often depends on factors such as the speed of the vehicles, the point of impact, and whether the occupants were wearing seat belts. Many victims require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.
Contact Our Galveston, TX, Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
The skilled team at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers has over 58 years of combined experience protecting accident victims in Galveston, Texas. You don’t pay us unless we win. If you were hurt in a crash, contact us for a free consultation with a Galveston car accident attorney to discover how we can fight for you today.
