No, you cannot legally run red lights even if no one is coming. If you were hit by a driver who ran a red light, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help.
Below, we’ll discuss the laws surrounding red lights and the rare instances where running them may be allowed.
Can You Legally Run a Red Light When No One Is Coming?
Even when there is no traffic, you are still required to come to a stop at red lights. There are a few exceptions to this.
These exceptions are:
Right Turns on Red
In Florida, you are legally allowed to make right turns while the light is red. However, you must still come to a complete stop before turning.
Additionally, there can be no bicyclists or pedestrians in your path. You also must not make a right turn on red if there are posted signs saying “No Turn on Red.”
Left Turns on One-Way Streets
You can make a left turn when there is a red light if you are making a turn from a one-way street to another one-way street. As with right turns, you must still make a complete stop before doing so and must pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists.
When Red Lights Are Flashing
Flashing red lights should be treated like traditional stop signs. You should come to a complete stop and only proceed once it is safe to do so.
What if Someone Runs a Red Light and Causes an Accident?
If someone runs a red light and causes an accident, it is often considered a negligent act. When someone else’s negligence causes you harm, you may be able to recover compensation from them for your losses.
However, negligence isn’t always clear, and a driver may deny running a red light at all. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident to prove that negligence occurred.
How Is Negligence Proven After Someone Runs a Red Light?
Negligence is often proven through careful investigation by your lawyer.
They may:
Interview Witnesses
Eyewitnesses, like other drivers or pedestrians, may have seen the driver run the red light. Their testimony can be vital to a successful car accident claim.
Gather Evidence
Helpful evidence to prove negligence can include:
- Video footage
- Phone records, which may show that the driver was distracted by a text and ran the red light as a result
- Police reports
- Physical evidence and photos of the accident scene
- Blood alcohol content results
- Field sobriety test results
Consult With Experts
In some cases, your attorney may consult with an expert. For example, an accident reconstructionist can use evidence to show how an accident most likely occurred.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered After a Car Accident?
If negligence can be proven, then you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. Your lawyer will seek fair compensation that addresses all of the effects of the accident.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Emergency room visits
- Doctor appointments
- Diagnostic imaging
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Medications
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Home or vehicle modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If a loved one lost their life in the accident, we are sorry for your loss. Our wrongful death lawyers can seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial and emotional support, end-of-life medical care expenses, and pain and suffering.
Call or text 800-431-9252 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
How Can a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Help After an Accident?
Having a lawyer means having peace of mind, knowing you don’t have to deal with lowball offers from insurance companies or pressure to settle quickly.
Your attorney can:
- Investigate the accident to prove negligence
- Gather evidence to strengthen your claim
- Consult with medical professionals to fully understand your losses and their long-term impacts on your life
- File all necessary paperwork
- Fight for fair compensation
- Represent your case in court when necessary
- Offer advice on any settlement offers you receive
Your lawyer will also keep you supported with updates on your case’s progress and answers to your questions.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
In Florida, many personal injury lawyers work on contingency. With contingency fees, you only pay an attorney when they recover compensation for you. If they are unable to recover compensation, then you won’t owe them anything.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been in an accident caused by a negligent driver, there are a few steps to take to protect your safety and your legal rights.
They are:
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Report the accident to the police.
- If safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene.
- If possible, get contact information from any witnesses.
- Contact a lawyer.
- Do not delay or stop medical treatment.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Today
Can you legally run a red light if no one is coming? No, and if a driver did so and it resulted in your injuries, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers can help. We will fight for fair compensation for the losses you’ve suffered.
Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. We are here to support you and help you take the next steps forward.
Contact Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers today to get started on your case with a free initial consultation.
