West Palm Beach Red Light Accident Lawyer

One of the first things every driver learns is to obey traffic signals. Indeed, it does not take a comprehensive understanding of the “rules of the road” to know you stop at a red light or stop sign. Yet we all know people who treat such signals as mere “suggestions” and brazenly proceed into an intersection without even bothering to check for other vehicles.

The results of such reckless behavior are often a completely avoidable collision. Far too many people are seriously injured–even killed–by these accidents. And if you are among the victims, an experienced West Palm Beach red light accident lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation from the negligent driver. Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather is a team of skilled Florida personal injury lawyers who represent car accident victims throughout Palm Beach County seeking civil justice in these cases.

Florida’s Rules of the Road When It Comes to Red Lights

Florida law is clear: Drivers must come to a complete stop at a steady or flashing red signal, or at a stop sign, before entering an intersection or the crosswalk at the near side of an intersection. A right turn on red is permitted when there is not a “No Turn on Red” sign posted and the driver continues to follow the applicable right-of-way rules. A left turn on red is only allowed at a red light controlling the intersection of two one-way streets. It is not against the law to enter an intersection at a yellow light so long as it has not yet turned red.

Red light accidents often lead to “he said/she said” accounts where each driver tries to blame the other for an accident. This can make determining liability for a red light accident more complicated. That is why it is important to work with an attorney who can help you conduct a full investigation into the accident. This can include reviewing an official police report, looking at surveillance footage from nearby cameras, and identifying potential eyewitnesses who saw what happened.

It is also important to note that before you can sue a driver for entering an intersection on a red light, you typically must first look to your own no-fault insurance coverage. Florida law requires all motorists to carry a minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage will pay for some of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other monetary damages following a relatively minor accident. But if you suffered more serious injuries, Florida law permits you to go beyond the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim directly against the negligent driver.

Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Today

Red light accidents are often some of the most horrific and devastating traffic crashes that we see in Palm Beach County. So if you, or someone you love, has been seriously injured, you should never hesitate to seek out timely legal advice regarding your rights. If you need to speak with a West Palm Beach red light accident lawyer as soon as possible, contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather today to schedule a case evaluation.