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Speak With a Phoenix Red Light Accident Lawyer Today
Red light accidents are among the most violent and preventable crashes on Phoenix roads. When a driver ignores a traffic signal and enters an intersection illegally, the resulting collision is often sudden, high-impact, and devastating. These crashes frequently cause severe injuries or fatalities—and yet insurance companies still try to dispute liability. If you or a loved one has been injured in a red light accident, working with an experienced Phoenix red light accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Farar & Lewis offer free consultations to red light accident victims throughout Phoenix. Our legal team is prepared to investigate your crash, prove fault, and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Why Red Light Accidents Are So Dangerous
Red light crashes usually occur when vehicles cross paths at full speed. Unlike rear-end collisions, drivers and passengers often have no time to brace for impact.
Red light accidents are especially dangerous because:
- Collisions often involve side-impact (T-bone) crashes
- Occupants are struck where vehicles offer the least protection
- Pedestrians and cyclists are frequently involved
- Multiple vehicles may be hit in chain reactions
- Injuries are often catastrophic or fatal
Phoenix’s wide intersections and high speed limits increase both the force and severity of these crashes.
Common Causes of Red Light Accidents in Phoenix
Most red light accidents are caused by reckless or negligent behavior, including:
Speeding
Drivers attempting to “beat the light” often enter intersections at excessive speeds.
Distracted Driving
Texting, phone use, or inattention can cause drivers to miss traffic signals entirely.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug impairment significantly slows reaction time and judgment.
Aggressive Driving
Drivers who tailgate or rush through traffic are more likely to run red lights.
Fatigue
Drowsy drivers may fail to notice signal changes in time to stop safely.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Red Light Accidents
Because red light crashes typically involve high-speed, side-impact collisions, injuries are often severe.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Broken ribs and internal organ damage
- Pelvic and lower extremity injuries
- Crush injuries
- Wrongful death injuries
Victims often require extensive medical treatment, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
Who Is at Fault in a Red Light Accident?
In many red light accidents, fault appears straightforward—but insurers still try to dispute liability. Fault may depend on:
- Traffic signal timing and compliance
- Whether a driver entered on yellow or red
- Speed of the vehicles involved
- Whether multiple drivers contributed to the crash
- Signal malfunctions or obstructed visibility
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault may be divided among parties. A Phoenix red light accident lawyer works to ensure liability is accurately established.
Evidence Used to Prove Red Light Accident Claims
Strong evidence is critical to proving fault in red light crashes. This may include:
- Police accident reports
- Traffic camera or red-light camera footage
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses
- Witness statements
- Event data recorder (“black box”) data
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Preserving video and signal data quickly can make or break a claim.
Red Light Cameras and Accident Claims
Some Phoenix intersections use red light cameras, which may capture critical evidence. However:
- Footage may be overwritten quickly
- Access may be restricted
- Insurers may attempt to downplay its significance
A Phoenix red light accident lawyer knows how to obtain and preserve this evidence before it is lost.
Compensation Available to Red Light Accident Victims
Victims injured in red light accidents may be entitled to significant compensation.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Ongoing medical care
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In egregious cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Red Light Accident Claims
Despite clear traffic violations, insurance companies often attempt to:
- Dispute signal timing
- Shift partial blame to victims
- Minimize injury severity
- Argue unavoidable accident defenses
An experienced Phoenix red light accident lawyer ensures insurers are held accountable and your claim is fully valued.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Red Light Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand how aggressively insurers defend red light accident claims. Our legal team builds strong cases using evidence, expert testimony, and detailed investigations.
We focus on:
- Preserving traffic signal and camera data
- Identifying all negligent drivers
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Accurately calculating damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Red Light Accidents
Most red light accident injury claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the crash date. Claims involving government entities or signal malfunctions may involve shorter deadlines.
Acting quickly helps preserve critical evidence.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Red Light Accident in Phoenix
If you or a loved one has been injured in a red light accident, do not let insurance companies rewrite what happened.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix red light accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Sources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Red Light Running
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Red Light Crash Research
https://www.iihs.org - Arizona Department of Transportation – Intersection Safety
https://azdot.gov
