If another driver hits you after running a red light in Macon, John Foy & Associates can help. You might deserve full compensation for your accident costs. Our Macon red light accident lawyers know how to build a claim for what you need.
We do not collect a fee unless we win you money. We also have a successful track record of over $1 billion for our clients. To learn your legal options today, contact us for a free consultation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get your free consultation.
Can You Sue a Driver for Running a Red Light?
You can sue a driver if:
- The driver ran a red light.
- After running the red light, the driver hit you.
- You suffered injuries because of the accident.
Car accident claims depend on the concept of negligence. According to OCGA §51-1-2, negligence is an absence of care. A negligent driver is too careless towards others.
Running a red light is a type of negligence. If a driver’s actions caused your injuries, you can sue.
However, you might not have to bring a lawsuit. You can often get a settlement through an insurance claim.
Get the strong arm
Insurance Coverage for Red Light Accidents
Georgia is a fault state, which means the negligent driver in an accident is responsible for the costs.
All drivers must carry auto insurance. The insurance minimum is:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
If a driver causes an accident, their insurance company should pay. After a red light crash that you didn’t cause, you can bring an insurance claim.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), red light accidents killed 846 people in 2018. Even though these accidents are often severe, it can be difficult to get fair financial recovery.
Seeking Fair Compensation
Insurance companies don’t like to pay much for accidents. When you file a claim, the insurer will probably take action quickly.
Common insurance tactics include:
- Offering you a meager settlement upfront
- Trying to blame you for the accident
- Downplaying your damages
- Asking you for a recorded statement (that might be against you)
You will probably need to fight for the compensation you deserve. Remember that the first offer is rarely enough to cover your damages. Also, know that you have a right to negotiate.
An experienced lawyer can help. Red light accident attorneys know how to negotiate for a settlement you actually deserve.
Learn about what we can do for your compensation rights. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact our team at John Foy & Associates online for a free consultation.
Who Decides Who’s at Fault for the Accident?
Most of the time, it starts with the accident report.
When the police arrive at an accident scene, they should create a report on the details. Before making the report, officers will:
- Examine injuries and vehicle damage
- Talk to all parties involved in the accident
- Speak with any witnesses
The police might determine fault based on the information they gathered. If it’s clear the other driver hit you after running a red light, officers might easily decide on fault. However, some crashes are more complicated.
The police report is not always enough. For example, the other driver might deny that they caused the accident. If that happens, the insurance company will definitely investigate.
The insurance company will try to say who was at fault. If you file a claim, the insurer might deny it or try to blame you. This is why you’ll want to gather your own evidence and talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Evidence You Should Save
You can help build your injury claim by gathering evidence.
Here are some practical actions that we recommend our clients take (if they can).
Pictures from the Scene
Take pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Injuries of anyone else in your vehicle
- Your vehicle damage
- The entire accident scene, including details like skid marks
Photos from the scene preserve what happened. Even if someone cleans things up or tries to paint a different picture, you’ll have proof.
Talk to Witnesses
Speak with anyone who saw your accident happen. Ask for their contact information so you can give it to your lawyer.
Your lawyer will reach out to witnesses very soon. They’ll get statements that might support your claim.
The Other Person’s Information
The police will get information from each driver. However, there’s no guarantee that an at-fault motorist will stick around. You can protect your rights by getting the information right after the crash.
Exchange the following with the other driver:
- Full names
- Insurance information
- Contact information
- License plate numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
Don’t Apologize for the Accident
Be very careful when talking about the accident. Do not apologize or admit blame, even if you feel partially at fault.
Talk to a lawyer about the details of the accident first. Otherwise, the other driver or their insurer might use something you say against you.
What If the Driver Has No Insurance?
Unfortunately, not all drivers play by the rules. Some unlucky accident victims get into a crash with an uninsured driver.
If the driver has no insurance, you can turn to your own insurer. Most drivers have uninsured motorist insurance to cover uninsured accidents. However, it’s best to also contact a lawyer before handling your own insurance.
You can also turn to your insurance if the other driver fled the scene. If you cannot find the fleeing motorist, insurance treats the driver as uninsured.
How Much Time You Have to Contact a Lawyer
Don’t wait to get legal advice after an accident. The statute of limitations for a lawsuit is usually two years from the accident date. In some cases, you have even less time.
But you should talk to a lawyer much sooner. Your lawyer will need time to:
- Investigate the accident
- Determine fault
- Gather evidence
- Build a strong insurance claim
- Negotiate with the insurer
- Help you file a lawsuit (if necessary)
Talking to a lawyer as soon as possible will protect your rights. You can learn your legal options and get started today.
Contact Our Macon Red Light Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
After an accident involving a red light, call John Foy & Associates. We know what to do. To get a free consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
478-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
