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Nearly 4.4 million U.S. drivers ran red lights in 2022. Data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV) shows it issued more than 1 million violation notices for red-light running in 2021-2022, and Florida ranks third for deaths caused by red-light running, higher than many other states, including California and Texas. In a recent report issued by FLHSMV, Florida red-light runners caused 89 deaths, 782 incapacitating injuries, 3,411 non-incapacitating injuries, and 7,001 possible injuries.

Many Florida drivers are impatient on our roadways. Despite gridlock, slow drivers, drivers not familiar with where they are going, and distracted drivers, impatient drivers want to move as soon as traffic lights turn green. They also start entering intersections even when the yellow light indicates drivers should be prepared to stop. Some drivers ride the tails of those in front of them when the light turns from yellow to red. All of these actions can cause serious vehicle accidents and serious injuries.

When drivers enter intersections during yellow lights, they worsen congestion and may get caught in the middle of the intersections. This can increase the risk of rear-end impacts, side-end impacts, and dangers to bicyclists and pedestrians. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that when Florida drivers run red lights, they most commonly cause front-to-side collisions.

What You Should Know About Running Red Lights

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) said in their pamphlet If You Run a Red Light, You are Betting More Than You Can Afford to Lose, there are 10 things drivers should know before running red lights:

1. You or your loved ones are more likely to be injured due to a red-light running-related crash than any other type of crash.
2. Running a red light or other traffic control is the most common cause of all urban crashes.
3. Someone runs a red light an average of every 20 minutes at urban intersections.
4. In the last decade, red-light running crashes killed nearly 9,000 people.
5. An estimated 165,000 motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are injured annually by red-light runners.
6. Half of the people killed by red-light runners are not the signal violators — they are passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
7. Nearly 93% of drivers believe running a red light is unacceptable, yet 1 in 3 drivers reported doing so in the past 30 days.
8. There are an average of 7 fatal crashes and over 1,000 injury crashes EVERY DAY at signalized intersections across the United States.
9. The cost to society of all crashes exceeds $230 billion annually.
10. The tragedies and costs resulting from red-light running are preventable!

Serious Injuries in Red-Light Running Accidents

Florida drivers are expected to exercise a duty of care when driving and not drive in such a way that would injure or tragically kill others. When they run red lights, they egregiously breach that duty of care.

People who are injured in red-light running accidents caused by the negligence of another can incur any number of serious injuries, including, but not limited to, back and neck injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, emotional trauma, internal injuries, organ damage, broken bones, and multiple or more complex bone fractures.

Damages For Injuries Caused by Red-Light Runners

Victims of red-light accidents may expect to receive compensation for economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, non-medical expenses associated with the accident, lost wages and benefits, and pain and suffering.

After seeking medical attention, accident victims should not try to negotiate with insurance companies on their own. Insurance company representatives are encouraged to investigate accidents quickly, especially when the accident is caused by another insured driver. They may contact the accident victim directly and offer a settlement before the accident victim can contact a personal injury attorney and file a claim. The offer the insurance company makes is often much less than the accident victim’s case is worth. 

Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. Assists Red-Light Accident Victims

If you have been injured because of the negligence of another, after seeking medical attention,  please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 24/7 at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or contact us online at SpiveyLaw.com. There are no costs or attorney fees until Spivey Law Firm receives a monetary recovery for you.  

We assist accident victims throughout Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and Port Charlotte providing personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. When we handle your personal injury or wrongful death case, we begin by conducting an investigation with your best interests in mind. During the investigation, we will collect evidence, review medical records, and calculate the damage you may have suffered, or may suffer in the future. 

Florida Personal Injury Attorney Randall Spivey is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney and has been recognized by Martindale Hubbell as a Preeminent Attorney, the highest rating standard of professional excellence and ethical standards.