Most South Bend drivers assume that running a red light automatically makes someone fully responsible for any resulting intersection crash. However, Indiana law recognizes that assessing fault involves more complex factors than identifying who had the red light.
At Pfeifer Morgan & Stesiak, our dedicated South Bend car crash attorneys protect all drivers in Indiana when they face unfair fault determinations and injuries after car accidents. With decades of experience, our legal team protects clients from insurance company tactics that attempt to assign wrongful blame in complex intersection crashes. Contact us today or fill out our confidential online form for a lawyer to reach out to you within 24 hours.
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Is The Driver That Ran a Red Light Always At Fault?
No, the driver who runs a red light is not always entirely at fault for an intersection crash. In most cases, the driver who runs a the driver who runs a red light typically bears primary responsibility for most South Bend intersection crashes. However, Indiana law recognizes that multiple factors can contribute to vehicle collisions. Other drivers may share partial fault if they were speeding, distracted, or violated traffic laws.
Due to complex liability, insurance companies investigate all contributing factors and may try to shift fault to lower payouts. This highlights the importance of having an experienced Pfeifer Morgan & Stesiak car accident attorney that can examine every detail to protect you from unfair fault determination and maximize your compensation.
Can You Share Fault For a Red Light Car Accident?
Yes, you can share fault for a red-light crash under Indiana comparative negligence laws. Even if the other driver ran the red light, your actions may contribute to the collision. Courts examine factors like:
- Excessive Speed: Driving over the posted speed limit, reducing your ability to stop safely at intersections.
- Distracted Driving: Using cell phones, eating, or other distractions that prevent you from noticing changing traffic signals properly.
- Following Too Closely: Tailgating the vehicle ahead leaves insufficient stopping distance when traffic lights change unexpectedly.
- Defective Vehicle Equipment: Operating cars with worn brakes, broken headlights, or damaged turn signals contributes to crash severity.
- Failure to Yield: Driving through intersections without confirming the right of way despite having a green light.
- Aggressive Driving: Making sudden lane changes or speeding up to beat yellow lights increases collision risks.
- Driving Under Influence: Alcohol or drugs significantly reducing reaction times and decision-making abilities at intersections.
Indiana courts carefully examine all contributing factors when determining fault percentages in red light crashes. Drivers who understand these potential liability issues can make safer decisions at intersections throughout their daily commutes.
Who Can Be Liable for a Red Light Intersection Collision?
Multiple parties may share responsibility for red light intersection crashes. Indiana law recognizes various people can contribute to intersection collisions and resulting injuries.
The Driver Who Ran the Red Light
The driver who violated traffic signals bears primary responsibility for most red light intersection crashes. This includes running traffic signals that were clearly red, trying to beat a yellow light that is already turning red, or failing to come to a complete stop for other reasons. Indiana traffic laws require drivers to obey all traffic signals at intersections throughout South Bend.
The Other Driver Involved in the Crash
The victim driver may share partial liability for red light collisions under comparative negligence laws. Courts examine whether the other driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to exercise reasonable care. These contributing factors may include entering intersections without checking for oncoming traffic or proceeding against traffic signals.
Government Entities Responsible for Traffic Signals
Indiana Department of Transportation and local authorities can face liability for poorly maintained traffic signals. Malfunctioning lights or inadequate signal timing may also contribute to intersection crashes. Government entities must maintain traffic infrastructure, keeping them reasonably safe from hazards that could lead to a crash.
Vehicle Manufacturers for Defective Parts
Car manufacturers may bear responsibility if defective brakes, accelerators, or other safety systems contribute to a red light crash. Faulty vehicles may prevent drivers from safely navigating intersections and endanger other motorists. Product liability laws hold manufacturers accountable for design defects and manufacturing flaws they knew of or should have reasonably known about.
Employers When Drivers Are Working
Companies may face vicarious liability when employees cause red light crashes during work hours. This includes delivery drivers, sales representatives, and other workers operating vehicles for business purposes. Employers may also bear direct liability for inadequate driver training or vehicle maintenance.
Bars and Restaurants Under Dram Shop Laws
Indiana dram shop laws hold alcohol establishments liable for crashes caused by intoxicated costumers they served. Bars and restaurants in may face responsibility when they continue serving visibly intoxicated customers who later cause red light collisions. These laws aim to protect innocent victims from drunk driving crashes.
Construction Companies in Work Zones
Construction companies can bear liability for red light crashes in improperly marked work zones. Inadequate signage, poor traffic control, or confusing lane markings contribute to intersection collisions. Contractors must follow Indiana Department of Transportation work zone safety requirements.
Evidence That Proves Fault in Red Light Running Accidents
Multiple types of evidence can be used to determine fault in red light intersection crashes. Physical evidence, witness testimony, and official documentation create a complete picture of collision responsibility.
- Traffic Cam Footage: Video recordings from intersection traffic cameras may show the timing of traffic signals and which driver ran a red light.
- Police Crash Reports: In these reports, officers document observations and key details, as well as any citations issued or preliminary assessment of fault.
- Witness Statements: Bystanders who witness the crash may be able to testify about driver behavior, traffic signal colors, and events leading up to the crash.
- Traffic Signal Timing Records: Indiana Department of Transportation maintains precise records of traffic light cycles and signal duration.
- Skid Mark Analysis: Tire roadway marks may reveal vehicle speeds, braking patterns, and driver reaction times before impact.
- Vehicle Damage Patterns: Impact locations and damage severity may indicate point of contact and which vehicle struck the other.
- Cell Phone Records: Mobile device usage data may show whether drivers were distracted by texting or calling prior to the collision.
- Crash Reconstruction: Professional analysis combines physical evidence to recreate collision sequences and determine fault percentages.
- Medical Records: Emergency room reports document injury patterns that correspond with specific types of intersection impacts.
What Are Signs I Need a Lawyer For My Red Light Intersection Crash?
Serious injuries requiring hospitalization or ongoing medical treatment are signs you need legal representation for your South Bend crash. Insurance companies deny claims or offer inadequate settlements when significant medical expenses and lost wages accumulate. Multiple parties sharing fault or disputed liability issues require experienced legal knowledge to protect yourself from unfair claims of fault leading to lower compensation.
Complex cases involving government entities, commercial vehicles, or defective traffic signals demand professional legal assistance. You should contact Pfeifer Morgan & Stesiak when insurance adjusters pressure you to accept quick settlements before understanding injury severity. Permanent disabilities, wrongful death, or cases where fault is unclear benefits from thorough legal investigation and representation.
Injured In a Car Accident? Contact Our Trusted Truck Accident Lawyers Today
At Pfeifer Morgan & Stesiak, our dedicated car accident attorneys fight for maximum compensation and have a proven track record securing favorable compensation for our clients in South Bend. We can investigate all contributing factors, challenge insurance company tactics, and hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Our legal team handles every aspect of your case while you focus on recovery from your injuries.
Contact our South Bend office today or complete our online form for a free consultation.
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