What To Do After Being Struck By A Driver Blowing Through A Red Light
Being hit by a driver who disregarded a red light can leave you with significant injuries, costly vehicle repairs, and stress about how to handle the aftermath. In Maryland, running a red light is not just a traffic violation but a serious offense that can lead to both criminal charges and civil liability.
While nothing can erase the incident, there are steps that can help bring you closer to a fair resolution. If you find yourself in this situation, have a conversation with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer about ensuring your rights are protected and pursuing compensation for your losses.
Criminal Penalties and Claims for Financial Relief
The consequences for running a red light range from fines to criminal charges. While zipping through a red light might initially seem like a minor offense, if it results in an accident that causes injury or property damage, the penalties can be much more severe. Depending on the severity of the incident, the driver may face reckless driving charges.
Beyond legal penalties, injured parties and people with vehicular damage because someone ran a red light have the right to seek financial compensation. A personal injury claim can help cover costs related to a traffic accident.
- Medical bills. Compensation for hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any long-term treatments you might require.
- Lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost income.
- Vehicle replacement or repair. The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover the costs to repair your vehicle. If the damage is severe, your vehicle may be declared a total loss, entitling you to the fair market value of the car.
Of course, before pursuing any of these efforts, the first step is to get a medical evaluation. Sometimes, injuries from car accidents, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms immediately. Visiting a doctor right away not only safeguards your health but also creates an official medical record of injuries connected to the accident, which will be useful in any legal proceedings or insurance claims.
Contact Law Enforcement and a Legal Professional
Also, when a driver blows through a red light and causes an accident, the police should be called to the scene. The police can assess the situation, document what happened, and may issue a citation or arrest the at-fault driver if they suspect reckless or negligent driving. Running a red light can result in fines, points on the driver’s license, and even more serious penalties if someone was hurt.
You don’t need to work through the recovery process alone. Working with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer is beneficial as they can help you gather evidence, file claims, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If the driver’s insurance company refuses to provide adequate compensation, an attorney can file a lawsuit, too.
How are you doing after being struck by a driver running a red light? Partnering with the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP can make a world of difference in your recovery and financial stability. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.
