Port St. Lucie Red Light Accident Lawyer
Anyone who has taken driver’s education should know that they need to stop at a red light at an intersection. Nonetheless, many accidents in Port St. Lucie occur at intersections, often because a motorist refused to yield as required by our law. These motorists clip or outright slam into pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists. The damage is often severe. The worst accident involves some motorist flooring it to beat a light, only to slam into a car while going 30 miles an hour over the speed limit.
We can help. At Smith, Ball & Báez, we can analyze your ability to sue for compensation when struck at an intersection. Our Port St. Lucie red light accident lawyer is prepared to file a claim on the driver’s insurance or sue them personally in court. Reach out to our firm to find out more.
Red Light Accidents
If everyone followed the rules of the road, then there would be no accidents. Sadly, someone usually runs a red light or makes an illegal turn because of:
- Impatience
- Distraction
- Speed
- Recklessness
- Fatigue
- Chemical impairment
Both pedestrians and motorists are hurt when struck by a car that refuses to yield. When these accidents happen at high speeds, they are often deadly.
One challenge with these cases is proving that a driver ran a red light in violation of the law. You certainly can testify that a traffic signal told you to walk or that you had a green light. But the driver who struck you might also claim they had a green light.
This type of case requires careful gathering of evidence. Our lawyers can review the most relevant pieces of evidence, including eyewitness testimony, to prove who is to blame.
Right on Red Turns
It is legal to make a right on red turn, but only if certain rules are followed. You may turn right on red if:
- You have a view of approaching traffic
- You yield to other vehicles and pedestrians
- There is no sign prohibiting a right on red turn
Many motorists fail to make sure that the crosswalk they are turning into is clear. Instead, they quickly turn right and plow directly into someone who is crossing the street at the direction of a traffic signal.
Pedestrians can suffer crushing injuries in a crash. In addition to fractures, they might also suffer traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, neck injuries, and spinal cord damage. These injuries require substantial medical care, and you might be able to step outside the state’s no-fault system and bring a personal injury lawsuit against the driver.
When someone runs a red light intentionally, we can also seek punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the driver for horrifying conduct.
Contact Our Legal Team Today
Our Port St. Lucie red light accident lawyers are eager to help victims in any way that we can. We don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case, so there is little harm in calling us to schedule an appointment. Based on what we hear, we can advise you on the best step to take to secure compensation.
