Can I Sue a Driver Who Ran a Red Light and Hit Me?

Getting hit by a driver who runs a red light can leave you shocked, injured, and overwhelmed. These types of crashes often happen at full speed, causing devastating damage.

However, you often can take legal action against a driver who ran a red light and caused your injuries. But as with all personal injury cases, success depends on proving fault, documenting damages, and navigating your state’s legal system. RTRLAW’s experienced car accident injury attorneys can guide you every step of the way to ensure your rights are protected and your case is strong.

Why are Red Light Accidents So Dangerous?

Running a red light is not a minor, harmless driving strategy. This careless act is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors on the road. These crashes typically happen at intersections, where multiple traffic flows, and often pedestrians, converge. When you combine speed, unexpected movement, and confusing angles, the result is often catastrophic.

Recent figures highlight just how serious these crashes are:

The reason why these numbers keep rising stems from the following types of crashes that happen all too often when drivers blow red lights:

  • T-bone (Side-Impact) Collisions: One vehicle slams into the side of another, often resulting in serious injuries to occupants.
  • Head-On Collisions: If a driver runs a light turning left, it can result in a head-on crash with oncoming traffic.
  • Pedestrian Strikes: Red light runners may hit pedestrians crossing legally in a crosswalk.
  • Multi-Car Pileups: One red light violation can cause chain reactions affecting several vehicles.

These dynamics make red light crashes not just common, but often fatal; and the statistics back it up.

How Do You Prove That the Driver Who Hit You Ran a Red Light?

In most cases, the driver who ran the red light is clearly at fault, but proving that fault takes evidence and legal skill. To successfully sue a red light runner, you need to prove they broke the law and that their actions caused your injuries. While it may seem obvious, insurance companies often dispute or minimize fault especially if the other driver denies running the light.

Evidence to support your claim may include:

  • Traffic Camera Footage: Many intersections are equipped with red light cameras that capture violations & crashes in real time.
  • Dash Cam Video: If your vehicle (or a witness’s vehicle) has a dash cam, it may show the light sequence and the moment of impact.
  • Eyewitness Testimony: Passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers who saw the crash can confirm the red light violation.
  • Police Report: Officers typically investigate and document fault, including whether a citation was issued for running the red light.
  • Intersection Design & Signal Timings: Sometimes expert analysis of signal patterns can help establish fault.

Gathering and preserving this evidence is critical. That’s why contacting an attorney as soon as possible is in your best interest.

Can You Sue Even if You’re in a No-Fault State Like Florida?

If you live in a no-fault insurance state like Florida, your initial medical bills and lost wages are typically covered by your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of who caused the crash. However, PIP only covers a portion of your expenses and doesn’t include pain and suffering.

You can sue the at-fault driver in Florida if:

  • Your injuries are considered serious under state law (e.g., permanent injury, significant disfigurement, or death), or
  • Your damages exceed the limits of your PIP coverage.

On the other hand, in Texas, which follows a fault-based system, you can sue the at-fault driver directly for any injuries or losses resulting from the crash, without needing to meet a “serious injury” threshold.

What Types of Damages Can You Recover in a Red Light Accident Lawsuit?

Suing a red light runner allows you to pursue compensation for more than just medical bills. Depending on your injuries and how the crash affected your life, you may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages.

Compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Vehicle damage or replacement costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress or trauma
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In cases involving drunk driving, or road rage and extreme recklessness, punitive damages may also apply to punish the wrongdoer and deter future behavior.

What are the Seven Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Driver Who Went Through a Red Light?

When you’re struck by a driver who disregarded a red light, the aftermath can be chaotic. But the actions you take immediately after the crash, and in the days that follow, can play a major role in your recovery and your legal case.

Here’s what you should do to protect yourself:

  • Alert Authorities Right Away: Call emergency services to report the accident. Let them know if anyone appears injured, and wait for law enforcement to arrive on the scene.
  • Prioritize Your Health: Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not show symptoms until hours or days later.
  • Take Photos and Video: Use your phone to document damage to both vehicles, traffic signals, skid marks, and anything that may have contributed to the crash.
  • Talk to Bystanders: Witnesses can make or break your case. Ask for their names and contact info in case they’re needed for a statement later.
  • Secure a Police Report: The report will likely indicate fault and whether any citations were issued, which can support your claim.
  • Keep Quiet With Insurance Reps: Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve consulted an attorney. What you say could be used to shift blame.
  • Reach Out to RTRLAW: Before you take any legal action or accept an offer, talk to our team. We’ll review your situation and explain your rights clearly.

Being hit by a red light runner is traumatic, but you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. Let RTRLAW stand in your corner.

Why RTRLAW is the Right Choice After a Red Light Collision

Not all car accident law firms are the same. At RTRLAW, we understand the unique challenges red light cases bring especially when fault is contested or insurance companies try to lowball your recovery.

Our team goes beyond basic case handling. We take a strategic, aggressive approach to maximize your results.

Here’s what RTRLAW brings to the table:

  • Deep-Dive Investigations: We gather and analyze every available piece of evidence; intersection cameras, signal timing data, witness accounts, and more.
  • Hands-Off Insurance Negotiations: Leave the phone calls and paperwork to us. We handle all communication with insurers so you don’t have to.
  • Accurate Damage Valuation: Our attorneys factor in current and future medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and long-term consequences of your injury.
  • No Fee Unless We Win: You won’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you.
  • Statewide Representation: Whether you’re in Florida or Texas, our experienced legal team is ready to serve you.

You Deserve More Than an Apology. If someone ran a red light and turned your life upside down, you’re entitled to justice. We’re here to make sure you get it.

Call 833-HIRE-RTR or fill out our online form to schedule your FREE consultation. You focus on healing and we’ll handle everything else.