Red Light Running Blamed in Fatal Maryland Crash
A recent car accident at the Maryland-Delaware state line is a sobering reminder to all motorists that it is important to obey all traffic signals while driving. According to an article published by Baltimore’s CBS affiliate WJZ News Channel 13, one man was killed in a collision between a Ford Focus and a semi truck in Cecil County, MD on the afternoon of July 21, 2019. Maryland State Police dispatched officers, but the driver of the Focus was pronounced dead at the scene.
Though the investigation continues into the crash, officials point to one key factor that was likely a primary cause of the crash: The driver of the Focus failed to stop at a red light, and was struck by the truck. If you suffered injuries in this type of incident, retaining a Maryland car accident attorney is essential. Some background information on the risks of red light running may also be helpful.
Important Factors About Red Light Running
If you are not one of them, you have likely seen another driver travel through a red light. More than 42% of motorists admitted in a survey that they continued through an intersection when the light was turning red within the last 30 days – even when they could have stopped safely and easily. The risks are considerable:
- Every year, there is an average of 800 fatalities and 137,000 victims hurt in collisions involving the failure to stop at a traffic signal.
- The most common fatalities are pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of vehicles that were not in the car that disregarded a red light.
- In up to 40% of all injury-causing crashes, victims are hurt because another motorist did not obey traffic signals.
Why Drivers Fail to Stop at a Red Light
The most common reason motorists disobey traffic signals is that they are in a rush, and they intentionally push the limits of the traffic laws. Other factors behind red light running include:
- A driver “zones out,” especially during a long trip;
- The motorist is distracted by texting, talking on the phone, using a GPS, or other activities;
- The person is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and,
- A driver does not see a traffic signal that’s obstructed or not readily visible.
Your Rights as a Victim
If you were hurt because another driver ran a red light or ignored other traffic signals, you may be entitled to compensation for such losses as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your rights are very different if YOU were the person who violated the law. Maryland follows the rule of contributory negligence, so you cannot recover any monetary damages if you disobeyed traffic signals, even when the other motorist was also negligent.
Contact a Baltimore County Car Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Claim
To learn more about your rights and remedies after a red light crash, please contact attorney Michael A. Freedman. We can schedule a no-cost case evaluation to discuss your circumstances at our office in Baltimore County, MD. After reviewing your case, we can provide additional details on your legal options.
