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NV 89113
How Running Red-Lights Can Cause Car Accidents
The Dangers of Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Running red lights and ignoring stop signs are two of the most dangerous behaviors drivers can exhibit on the road. Such violations disrupt the flow of traffic and significantly increase the risk of collisions. Understanding the consequences of these actions and knowing how to seek legal help, like from Miller Personal Injury Attorneys in Las Vegas, can be crucial for anyone involved in these types of accidents.
Red-Light Running Fatalities Statistics in U.S. Cities
The National Coalition for Safer Roads has developed an interactive map that highlights the risks and lethal outcomes of red-light running. According to the National Safety Council, road accidents resulted in 42,060 deaths in the U.S. during 2020. Between 2008 and 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 9,227 deaths were due to red-light running, with over 840 fatalities occurring in 2019 alone.
Additional Key Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Annual Injuries: Each year, red-light running results in approximately 165,000 injuries among motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Victim Statistics: Half of the fatalities from red-light running involve individuals other than the violators, including passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- Perception vs. Action: Although 93% of drivers believe that running a red light is unacceptable, one in three admits to having done so within the past 30 days.
- Daily Accidents: Signalized intersections in the U.S. see an average of seven fatal crashes and more than 1,000 injury crashes every day.
How Running Red Lights and Stop Signs Causes Accidents
Increased Intersection Collisions– Intersections are high-risk areas for traffic collisions, and they become even more dangerous when drivers fail to obey red lights and stop signs. This type of reckless behavior often leads to side-impact collisions or “T-bone” accidents, which are frequently severe and result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Reduced Reaction Time for Other Drivers-When a driver runs a red light or a stop sign, it leaves little to no time for other drivers and pedestrians to react. This sudden and unexpected action can lead to panic reactions, causing other drivers to swerve, potentially leading to multi-vehicle pileups.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Risk-Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable to vehicles that run red lights or stop signs. Since these road users rely on drivers to obey traffic signals to safely cross streets, violations can result in tragic accidents involving non-vehicle occupants.
Legal Implications of Traffic Signal Violations
Establishing Fault- In accidents involving a failure to obey traffic signals, fault is typically straightforward to establish. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and police reports play critical roles in determining fault.
Dealing with Insurance Companies -Insurance companies may attempt to reduce liability or deny claims, especially if there is any question about the events leading up to the accident. Experienced attorneys can counter these tactics by solidifying the facts and ensuring that victims receive fair treatment.
Pursuing Compensation– Victims of accidents caused by such violations may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Navigating the complex legal system, however, can be challenging without professional legal representation.
How Miller Personal Injury Attorneys in Las Vegas Can Help
Expert Legal Representation– Miller Personal Injury Attorneys specializes in car accident cases, including those involving the running of red lights and stop signs. We have the expertise to handle complex accident scenes and conflicting accounts of the incident.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering -Our firm conducts comprehensive investigations to gather all available evidence, which is crucial for building a strong case. This includes securing surveillance footage, obtaining witness statements, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
Negotiation and Litigation -At Miller Personal Injury Attorneys, we are skilled negotiators who know how to deal with insurance companies effectively. If necessary, we are also prepared to take cases to trial to ensure that their clients receive the maximum possible compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
We believe in keeping our clients fully informed throughout every stage of the legal process, empowering them to make well-informed decisions about their cases.
Recently Asked Topics
We believe that everyone deserves access to top-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront fees or hourly rates. Our compensation is contingent upon securing a favorable settlement or verdict for you. In other words, we only get paid if you do, aligning our interests with yours and ensuring we’re fully committed to your case.
No, Nevada is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Instead, Nevada follows a “fault” or “at-fault” system when it comes to dealing with car accidents. This means that the person who is found to be legally at fault for causing the accident is responsible for compensating any injured parties for their damages, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Under this system, the injured party has the option to file a claim with their own insurance company, file a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or file a lawsuit in court to seek compensation for their losses.
Nevada has a statute of limitations under Nevada Revised Statutes 484E.10 that says you must file an SR-1 Report of Traffic Accident within ten days of a car accident. You must make the report if anyone is hurt or killed in the crash or if there is apparent damage of $750 or more. But if the police respond to the accident scene and make their own report, you don’t have to file a police report.
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries:
- Spinal cord injuries (paralysis, nerve damage)
- Broken ribs
- Other broken bones (arms, legs, pelvis, etc.)
- Internal bleeding
- Herniated disc
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Knee trauma (ligament tears, dislocation)
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains)
- Chest trauma (bruising, organ damage)
- Facial injuries (fractures, lacerations)
- Dental injuries (broken teeth, jaw fractures)
- Emotional trauma (anxiety, depression)
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Seat belt injuries (bruising, internal injuries)
- Airbag injuries (abrasions, burns)
- Eye injuries (corneal abrasions, retinal detachment)
- Possible wrongful death
- Hand & Foot Injuries
Filing a police report in Las Vegas, especially in the aftermath of a car accident or any other incident, is an essential step for ensuring proper legal documentation and facilitating any subsequent insurance claims. Our team can assist you in obtaining this report and using it to strengthen your claim. Here’s a guide on how to file a police report in Las Vegas:
At the Scene of the Incident:
If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to call 911 immediately if there are any injuries or significant property damage. The dispatcher will send police officers to the scene if necessary.
For minor accidents without injuries, Nevada law requires you to move your vehicle out of traffic if it’s safe to do so. You should still call the police to report the accident and determine if an officer will be dispatched to the scene.
Information to Provide:
When speaking with the police, either at the scene or when filing a report later, be prepared to provide your full name, contact information, insurance details, and a factual account of what happened. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the incident.
Filing a Report After Leaving the Scene:
If the police did not respond to the scene and you need to file a report afterward, you can do so online or in person at a local police station.
For non-emergency situations, such as minor car accidents without injuries, you can use the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s (LVMPD) online reporting system. This can be accessed through the LVMPD’s official website. The online system will guide you through the process, which is straightforward and user-friendly.
If the incident is more serious, involves injuries, or you prefer to file the report in person, you can visit a local LVMPD area command during business hours. It’s a good idea to call ahead to verify hours and any specific requirements.
What to Include in Your Report:
Your report should include detailed information about the incident, including the date, time, location, a description of what happened, and any injuries or damages incurred. Include information about the other party (if applicable) and any witness details.
Obtaining a Copy of the Report:
After filing the report, ask the officer or the police department how and when you can obtain a copy of the report for your records. This will be important for insurance claims and any legal proceedings.
In Nevada, if you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, similar to other jurisdictions but with some nuances specific to Nevada law. Understanding these nuances can help ensure you’re fully aware of your rights and the compensation you might pursue. Here’s an overview:
Medical Expenses: Nevada allows for the recovery of all medical expenses related to the injury. This includes immediate medical costs like emergency care, surgeries, and hospital stays, as well as ongoing expenses such as physical therapy, medication, and any future medical treatments.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for the wages you’ve lost during your recovery period. If your ability to earn money in the future is compromised, Nevada law also allows for the recovery of lost earning capacity.
Loss of Household Services: Loss of household services are a frequent element of damages in a personal injury case. If an injured person cannot perform household services for him- or herself, the injured person may have to hire someone to perform these tasks either on a temporary or perhaps even a permanent basis, especially if the injured person lives alone.
Pain and Suffering: This non-economic compensation is for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced. Nevada does not cap pain and suffering damages in most personal injury cases, except in medical malpractice claims, where non-economic damages are capped at $350,000.
Property Damage: If personal property was damaged as a result of the incident that led to your injuries, you could be compensated for repair or replacement costs, which is common in car accident cases.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, recreational activities, and other life pleasures, you can claim compensation for this loss.
Loss of Consortium: Spouses of injured individuals can claim compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, assistance, and other aspects of the marital relationship affected by the injuries.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless, malicious, or egregious, Nevada allows for punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. There are statutory caps on punitive damages in Nevada, $750,000 with annual steps of $80,000 per year starting on January 1, 2024. After the cap reaches $750,000, the cap increases by 2.1% on January 1st of each year thereafter.
Success Stories
At Miller Personal Injury Attorneys, our commitment to excellence, our individualized approach, legal acumen, transparency, and unwavering advocacy combine to set us apart as a leading force in the field of personal injury law.
We approach each case with compassion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of justice, working tirelessly to secure the compensation and closure our clients deserve.
