Running a red light is one of the most dangerous and reckless decisions a driver can make, and when it results in a collision, the consequences can be devastating. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light running killed 1,086 people in 2023 alone. If you were injured in a crash caused by a driver who blew through a red light, you may be wondering whether that driver is automatically responsible for your damages and what your legal options are.
At Callahan & Blaine, PC, our personal injury attorneys have spent over 40 years fighting for victims of serious motor vehicle accidents throughout California. We understand how physically and financially devastating these crashes can be, and we are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Who Is at Fault If Someone Ran a Red Light and Caused an Accident?
The driver who ran the red light is typically at fault for the accident. Running a red light is a traffic violation, and the at-fault driver can be held liable for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A police report, traffic camera footage, and witness statements serve as key evidence. In some states, the other driver may share partial fault under comparative negligence rules.
Does Running a Red Light Mean the Driver Is Always at Fault?
In most cases, a motorist who runs a red light and causes a collision will be found at fault. Under California law, drivers are required to stop at red traffic signals, and failing to do so is a violation of the California Vehicle Code. This violation is powerful evidence of negligence, and in many cases, it will be the primary basis for establishing liability.
That said, fault in a car accident is not always black and white. California follows a pure comparative negligence standard, which means that more than one party can share responsibility for a crash. Even if the red light runner is clearly the primary cause of the collision, the other driver’s conduct may also be examined. For example, if the injured driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to take reasonable evasive action, their percentage of fault may reduce the compensation they are able to recover.
When Might a Red Light Runner Not Bear Full Liability?
Here are the following scenarios when red light runners may not bear full responsibility:
Shared Fault Scenarios
There are situations where the driver who ran the red light is not the only party bearing responsibility. Consider a scenario where both drivers enter an intersection simultaneously and each claims to have had the green light. Without sufficient evidence, fault can become a disputed issue that requires a thorough investigation.
Other scenarios that can complicate liability include distracted driving by the victim, malfunctioning traffic signals, or road conditions that contributed to the crash. A malfunctioning signal, for instance, could shift partial liability onto a government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway infrastructure. These situations can be complex, and identifying every potentially liable party is critical to maximizing your recovery.
Third-Party Liability
In some red light accident cases, a party beyond the drivers themselves may bear responsibility. If the red light runner was operating a commercial vehicle or a company car within the scope of their employment, their employer could be held vicariously liable. Similarly, if a defective vehicle part contributed to a driver’s inability to stop in time, a manufacturer could also be named as a defendant. Our attorneys investigate every angle of a car accident claim to ensure no responsible party goes unaccounted for.
How Is Fault Proven in a Red Light Accident?
Proving that a driver ran a red light requires evidence, and the strength of your case will depend largely on what can be gathered in the aftermath of the crash. Key forms of evidence in these cases include:
- Traffic camera footage: Many intersections in California are equipped with red light cameras or nearby surveillance systems that may have captured the violation on video.
- Eyewitness testimony: Statements from bystanders or other drivers who witnessed the crash can be compelling evidence of the other driver’s conduct.
- Police reports: An officer’s on-scene observations and any citations issued to the at-fault driver can support your claim significantly.
- Accident reconstruction: Expert analysis can recreate the sequence of events to establish which driver had the right of way and what caused the collision.
Gathering this evidence quickly is essential, as surveillance footage can be deleted and witness memories can fade. Understanding what steps to take after a car accident in the immediate aftermath of a crash can make a significant difference in your ability to build a successful claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of red light accidents in California may be entitled to recover a range of economic and non-economic damages. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In cases involving catastrophic injuries or long-term disability, the value of a claim can reach into the millions of dollars. California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, though your recovery will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault. The Irvine car accident attorneys at Callahan & Blaine, PC are experienced in calculating the full scope of your damages to ensure nothing is left on the table.
Hire Callahan & Blaine, PC to Handle Your Litigation Matter
If you were injured in a red light accident, you deserve aggressive legal representation from a firm with a proven record of results. Callahan & Blaine, PC has been California’s premier litigation firm since 1984, and our team of 29 accomplished trial attorneys each brings a minimum of eight years of litigation experience to every case we handle. Our managing partner, Edward Susolik, is one of the leading insurance experts in the United States, having overseen more than 1,500 mediations, and our firm has secured the highest personal injury settlement in United States history at $50 million.
We understand what is at stake when you are seriously injured due to another driver’s recklessness, and we are prepared to take your case as far as necessary to secure the outcome you deserve. Contact us to submit your potential case and speak with a member of our team today.
