Virginia Injury Lawyers Blog
When a driver runs a red light, they risk colliding with a vehicle traveling in a different direction. These red light accidents may result in severe injury or property damage to a vehicle. When these serious injuries occur, an accident victim may sue the driver who ran a red light for damages. An experienced Maryland personal injury attorney can help injured victims understand the laws that govern damages suits against a negligent driver.
As a recent news article reported, one person died and three people suffered injuries after a three-vehicle crash in Glen Burnie, Maryland. According to local police, a Toyota was traveling southbound when it ran a red light. The Toyota then drove right into an intersection, where it collided with a Chevrolet making a left turn. Unfortunately, a third vehicle was also turning left, and it was struck by both vehicles. A passenger in the Chevrolet tragically died at the scene. The Chevrolet driver, the Toyota driver, and a passenger in the Toyota were transported to the hospital for their injuries. As local police reported, the Toyota driver may have been driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding when the accident occurred.
How Can You Recover Damages After a Red Light Accident?
When someone causes injuries after running a red light, an injured victim may be able to bring a negligence claim to recover monetary damages. To succeed on a negligence claim, the plaintiff must prove the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care, breached that duty by acting carelessly or failing to act, caused an accident through their carelessness and that the plaintiff suffered consequent injuries, whether to their person or property. Examples of careless or negligent actions may include running a red light, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In fact, driving while distracted or under the influence may cause a driver to run a red light, potentially leading to a serious accident.
To recover damages for their injuries, plaintiffs must bring a case within a certain time frame. Under a statute of limitations, plaintiffs must file a lawsuit within a designated period of time, or else lose their ability to seek redress. In Virginia, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is 2 years after the accident. For negligence claims involving property damage, such as damages to a vehicle, the statute of limitations is five years.
When bringing a negligence lawsuit, you should also be aware that Virginia law prohibits plaintiffs from recovering damages if they were at fault for the accident. Under Virginia’s contributory negligence scheme, a plaintiff cannot receive damages even if they were 1% at fault for the accident. However, an experienced Virginia personal injury attorney can help gather evidence and develop an argument that their injured client was not at fault.
Have You Been Injured in a Virginia Red Light Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or died in a Virginia red light accident, contact The Schupak Law Firm to discuss your case. Our attorneys possess years of experience helping Virginia accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. Through our experience and dedication, we have secured significant damages awards for our clients. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our office at 240-833-3914.