Intersections controlled by traffic lights are vital for managing traffic flow and ensuring road safety. Despite these precautions, accidents at intersections are alarmingly common. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and even fatalities. The complexity of traffic light accident cases often makes determining fault a challenging process. Multiple parties may be involved, and evidence can be conflicting or unclear. In such situations, having skilled legal representation is essential.
Common Causes of Traffic Light Accidents
Understanding the common causes of traffic light accidents can help drivers be more vigilant and prevent collisions at intersections. Here are some of the most common reasons these accidents occur:
- Running Red Lights
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Failure to Yield
- Improper Turns
- Drunk Driving
- Tailgating
- Pedestrian Errors
- Defective Traffic Signals
- Poor Weather Conditions
Being aware of these factors can contribute to safer driving practices and reduce the likelihood of accidents at intersections.
Determining Fault in Traffic Light Accidents
Establishing who is at fault in a traffic light accident is crucial for pursuing compensation and resolving legal matters. Fault determines which party is responsible for damages resulting from the accident. Below are important aspects to consider when determining fault in these situations.
Gathering Evidence
Collecting evidence immediately after the accident is essential to build a strong case. Gathering the right information can help prove liability and support your claim. This often includes photos and videos, witness statements, police reports, traffic camera footage, expert witness reports and testimony, and medical records.
Collecting comprehensive evidence strengthens your position when dealing with insurance companies or if the case goes to court with the help of a Louisville car accident attorney.
Understanding Shared Fault Scenarios and Comparative Negligence
In some traffic light accidents, more than one party may share responsibility. Understanding how shared fault and comparative negligence work is important in these situations.
In Kentucky, traffic accidents are governed by pure comparative negligence. This means that each party involved in the accident can be assigned a percentage of fault based on their contribution to the incident. Even if you are partially at fault for the traffic light accident, you can still recover damages; however, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
411.182 Allocation of fault in tort actions — Award of damages — Effect of release.
(1) In all tort actions, including products liability actions, involving fault of more than one (1) party to the action, including third-party defendants and persons who have been released under subsection (4) of this section, the court, unless otherwise agreed by all parties, shall instruct the jury to answer interrogatories or, if there is no jury, shall make findings indicating: (a) The amount of damages each claimant would be entitled to recover if contributory fault is disregarded; and (b) The percentage of the total fault of all the parties to each claim that is allocated to each claimant, defendant, third-party defendant, and person who has been released from liability under subsection (4) of this section. (2) In determining the percentages of fault, the trier of fact shall consider both the nature of the conduct of each party at fault and the extent of the causal relation between the conduct and the damages claimed. (3) The court shall determine the award of damages to each claimant in accordance with the findings, subject to any reduction under subsection (4) of this section, and shall determine and state in the judgment each party’s equitable share of the obligation to each claimant in accordance with the respective percentages of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident and the other driver is 70% at fault, you can still recover 70% of the total damages awarded.
Contacting an Attorney
Another essential step you need to take after an accident is to contact a Louisville injury attorney. A lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your accident and help you gather the important evidence listed above. They can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you’re truly entitled to.
Traffic light accidents can have serious repercussions, leaving victims to pick up the pieces. Determining fault is essential for securing the compensation needed to recover from such an incident. Following a traffic light accident, reach out today to Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.