Posted on behalf of Anderson Cummings on Jan 05, 2022 in Auto Accidents
Running a red light is one of the most dangerous traffic infractions and one of the most preventable. When a person drives through a red light, he or she is putting multiple people at risk of serious or fatal injuries.
If you were injured by the actions of a reckless driver who ran a red light, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages, but first, you must prove the driver ran the traffic light and caused the crash that resulted in your injuries. This is when calling an auto collision attorney in Fort Worth may be in your best interest. We offer a free consultation to discuss your claim, and there are no upfront fees while we work on your case.
Below, we discuss some key pieces of evidence that may help your attorney prove a driver ran a red light before crashing into your vehicle.
Red Light Camera Video
Although red light traffic cameras may have been one of the strongest pieces of evidence to strengthen your accident case, these cameras are now mostly banned in Texas.
However, while the use of red light cameras is illegal, some municipalities are allowed to have these working cameras at traffic intersections until their contracts expire. This means that red light-runners may not be ticketed for their actions, but the video evidence of the person running the light might still be useful during your injury case.
Getting access to red light camera videos may require some extra work, such as making an official public records request from the municipal government where the accident occurred. Fortunately, our attorneys are prepared to do this on your behalf.
Surveillance Video from Nearby Establishments
Since not every intersection has a traffic camera, you may need to look for alternative video footage proving a driver ran a red light. Sometimes, a nearby establishment like a gas station or parking lot may have surveillance cameras that provide a shot of the street close to it.
It is important that, if you can and it is safe to do so, you look around the area of the accident to see if there are any cameras around. Take note of those cameras and where they are, as this may be helpful to your case in the future if your attorney needs to request surveillance footage from the scene of the crash.
If no nearby establishments have cameras, you may be able to use footage from a dashboard camera if you have one in your vehicle.
Eyewitness Testimony
People who witnessed the accident may be able to provide a sworn statement, or affidavit, stating they saw a driver run a red light before the collision.
To do this, however, you need to get the contact information from these potential witnesses who may be interviewed later and who may agree to testify at trial if the case goes to court.
Eyewitnesses can be anyone from other drivers or bystanders to people patronizing a nearby business who saw what happened during the crash.
Police Report
It is very important to always call the police after an accident, as it is a police officer’s job to act as an objective third party to help determine who caused the crash. This includes determining whether one driver ran a red light.
Everything the responding officer observes and statements he or she collects from bystanders should be included in the police report, which can then be submitted as evidence for your case.
Damage to the Vehicles
When most other key pieces of evidence to prove a driver ran a red light are unavailable or not compelling enough to strengthen a claim, your attorney may be able to turn to an accident reconstruction expert who may be able to determine the cause of the crash by analyzing the damage to the vehicles involved in the accident.
Generally, vehicles that were hit by a red light-runner might have damage to the front end of the vehicle or will have been t-boned.
Let Us Help. Call Today
If you need help proving a red light-runner caused your accident and injured you in the process, you should strongly consider calling our experienced attorneys.
With over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys are prepared to help gather the evidence you need to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
The consultation is free and there is no obligation to take legal action.
Call (817) 920-9000 to schedule your free consultation.