St. Louis Car Crash Attorney - Running a Red Light

When a motor vehicle collides with another when running a red light, the damage and injuries caused are often catastrophic.

In the United States, drivers running red lights are one of the most common causes of car accidents and result in more than 700 deaths and more than 100,000 injuries.

Hurried and Distracted Drivers

Red lights may be seen as an inconvenience for those who are in a hurry. When a hurried driver sees a yellow light, they may speed up when they actually should slow down to a stop. Drivers may speed through an intersection even after the traffic light has turned red. Distracted drivers also run red lights. People who are busy checking their cell phones, changing music, grooming, or eating can skip a red light without even realizing their mistake. Running a red light endangers the safety of themselves and others, leading to a large number of car accidents across the nation.

Running a Red Light

Here are some statistics that will shed some light on the dangers posed by those who jump red lights.

• Research shows that while 55 percent of respondents consider jumping red lights a serious threat and another 77 percent agree that it is unacceptable, more than 36 percent continue to take this risk.
• In 2013, close to 7,799 deaths were reported due to red light running accidents.
• Drivers in urban areas are at a higher risk of getting injured in a red light running accident compared to other types of crashes.
• Red light runners are more likely than other drivers to get multiple convictions for speeding.
• Car accidents cost $230 billion per year.
• 50 percent of deaths that occur in red light running crashes are bicyclists, pedestrians, and passengers of other vehicles that are hit by red light runners.
• One in three people in the United States know someone who has been killed or injured by a red light running accident.
• Auto accidents are the leading cause of death in children aged 4 years and second leading cause of death in children in the age group of 5-14.

St. Louis Red Light Accident Lawyer

Running a red light is dangerous and is the perfect recipe for a disaster. If you get injured by a red light runner, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses, including medical costs, repair costs, lost earnings and pain and suffering. Contact a St. Louis car crash attorney from The Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242.