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Hit by a Driver Who Ran a Red Light? We Can Help.
A recent AAA survey claims 26% of drivers admitted to running a red light in the previous month. In reality, that number may be much higher. Many of us have been rushed and thought we’d make a yellow light in time. Many of us have been wrong.
Driving through a red light is not uncommon, but that does not mean it isn’t dangerous. On average, two people are killed every day in the U.S. from red light accidents, with even more people injured.
What To Do If a Driver Ran a Red Light and Hit You
You could be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured in a crash because another driver ran a red light in Illinois. Contact an experienced Chicago red light accident attorney at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. for help.
Call (312) 236-2900 or use our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.
Types of Accidents after Running a Red Light
If a driver runs a red light or turns illegally during a red light, they could cause the following accidents and more:
These accidents can cause significant damage to your vehicle and put your safety at risk. If you are involved in any Chicago car accident, seek emergency medical attention.
Common Injuries in a Red Light Accident
Red light accidents are serious, and injuries can be severe. If a motorist disregards a traffic light signal and hits you or your vehicle, you might experience:
These injuries may require lengthy and expensive treatment. Wondering how to cover the costs of your recovery can be highly stressful. Additionally, some injuries can be fatal. If you’ve lost a loved one in a Chicago intersection accident, you might be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.
An understanding and experienced lawyer for car accidents can help you recover financially to carry on with your life debt-free.
Compensation After a Chicago Red Light Accident
The first step towards compensation is to begin filing your claim. Notify your insurance company and the other party’s company about the accident as soon as possible. If you wait too long, your claim might be denied. You do not have to answer any questions or make a formal statement. This is simply to document the accident and help secure compensation later.
Taking legal action after a red light accident can be overwhelming. Let a Chicago car crash attorney manage the stressful details so you can focus on recovery. They can handle essential steps such as:
Calculating Damages
Your lawyer can help you figure out the value of your claim. The evidence they gather can prove the extent of your injuries and other losses so you can be reimbursed financially. Damages vary in car accident cases, but your attorney should consider every factor in yours to help maximize your claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are one type and are typically easy to calculate. These are monetary losses with physical values associated with them.
Economic damages in a red light accident can include:
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more abstract. They don’t equate to an exact dollar amount, so they may be harder to prove. Regardless, these intangible losses deserve acknowledgment and compensation.
Non-economic damages include:
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be available in extreme situations. These damages serve as additional punishment for an intentionally reckless party. For example, if the other driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they ran the red light, they may be held liable.
However, punitive damages are rare, especially in smaller claims.
Establishing Liability if a Driver Ran a Red Light
Since Illinois is an at-fault state, liability for most Chicago car crashes is based on negligence. Negligence means a party owed a duty of care but failed to uphold it, ultimately causing harm. The negligent party is responsible for covering your damages.
When it comes to a stoplight accident, whoever ran the red light is the negligent party. Their failure to drive safely directly caused the accident and your injuries. However, you may need proof of their behavior in order to hold them liable and have a successful claim. Evidence may include:
Sending a Demand Letter
Your claim officially begins once your attorney sends a demand letter. This is a brief but carefully crafted letter to the liable parties, declaring that they are responsible for your injuries. In the demand letter, your lawyer will request compensation based on your damages calculation.
Most Chicago red light car accident cases are resolved through the claims process. However, if needed, your attorney will help you file a lawsuit and fight to recover total compensation in court.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Red Light Accident?
In Illinois, you have two years after the date of a car crash to file a claim. It is crucial to adhere to this time period so you do not miss out on the chance for compensation.
Our Chicago Red Light Accident Lawyers Can Help
If your Chicago accident happened because another driver ran a red light, you deserve to hold them accountable. Fight for financial relief—but don’t do it alone. A Chicago red light accident attorney can help you secure the maximum compensation. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. has won countless cases for car accident victims throughout Illinois, and we won’t charge any fees unless you win too.
Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today to discuss your red light accident case and learn your rights. Reach out to our Chicago team at (312) 236-2900 or online today.
