Being hit by a driver who runs a red light can be a terrifying and life-altering experience. These collisions often occur without warning, leaving victims with serious injuries, significant property damage, and mounting medical bills.
If you have been involved in a red light accident at a Jackson intersection, understanding your rights and the steps to take afterward is crucial for protecting your legal claim. Consulting with our experienced red light accident lawyer in Jackson, MS, can help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation and holding the negligent driver accountable.
Understanding Red-Light Accidents in Jackson
Intersections are among the most dangerous places on Jackson roads, where vehicles move in different directions at varying speeds. When drivers ignore traffic signals and run red lights, they put everyone at risk of a motor vehicle accident.
Red-light running often happens due to distractions like mobile phones, speeding through yellow lights, or impaired driving from alcohol or drugs. Some drivers also act aggressively or deliberately disregard traffic laws.
These behaviors lead to severe accidents, especially side-impact or T-bone crashes, which occur at high speeds. Such collisions frequently cause serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries.
Because vehicle sides offer little protection, occupants are especially vulnerable in these types of impacts. Preventing red-light violations through awareness and safe driving habits is vital to reducing these devastating accidents and protecting lives on Jackson’s busy streets.
Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident
Taking quick action after a red-light accident helps protect your health and legal rights. Call 911 to report the crash and get medical help, even for minor injuries, to document your condition.
Wait for the police, obtain the report number, and avoid admitting fault. If possible, photograph the scene and gather contact information for any witnesses. Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid recorded statements or early settlements until you speak with an intersection accident attorney in Jackson.
Compensation Available for Red-Light Accident Victims
Victims of a running a red light accident may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, and permanent scarring in accidents caused by running red lights.
Mississippi’s pure comparative negligence rule, established in Mississippi Code § 11-7-15, allows victims to recover even if partly at fault. However, compensation is reduced by their share of responsibility, ensuring recovery reflects both financial and personal losses.
Why You Need a Jackson Car Accident Lawyer
Red-light accident cases require careful investigation and strong proof to show who was at fault. A red light accident lawyer in Jackson, MS, reviews police reports, interviews witnesses, and collects traffic camera footage to build a clear case. Jackson car accident attorneys handle insurance company negotiations for fair compensation and ensure personal injury claims are filed within Mississippi’s three-year limit.
Get Legal Help After a Jackson Red-Light Accident
If you have been injured in a red light accident, do not navigate the car accident claims process alone. Contact Derek L. Hall, P.C. today by calling 601-202-2222 or submitting a form online to schedule your free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer.
An intersection accident attorney in Jackson can handle all legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovery, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation available for your injuries and losses.