Red-light and stop-sign runners can cause serious accidents, such as T-bone or side-impact collisions, that have devastating consequences. Often, victims of these collisions suffer permanent injuries and are left with significant medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you have been injured in a Florida car accident after the other driver ran a red light or stop sign, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation. However, you must prove that the other driver committed the violation before you can recover compensation.
Below, we discuss how to prove the other driver ran a red light or stop sign in your Florida car accident case.
Why Do You Need To Prove a Driver’s Traffic Violation?
In a Florida car accident claim, the burden of proof is on the plaintiff. You must prove that another driver’s negligence caused your accident and injuries to be awarded compensation. Drivers are legally obligated to stop at red lights and stop signs. If a driver ignores this duty and causes an accident, their actions are considered negligent. This negligence makes them legally responsible for any resulting injuries and damages. Successfully proving that the other driver ran a red light or stop sign and caused your accident is crucial for recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages and losses.
How To Prove Your Claim
You need to gather evidence to prove that the other driver ran a red light or stop sign and caused your accident. The following are some of the key pieces of evidence to gather for your case;
- Eyewitness Testimony
One of the easiest ways to prove that the driver who caused your accident ran a red light or stop sign is through eyewitness testimony. People who saw your collision, such as other drivers, passengers, and bystanders, may have seen the other driver running through a red light or stop sign. Ensure you get the names and contact information of witnesses. Your attorney can follow up for formal statements or depositions.
- The Police Report
The police report is a vital piece of evidence in your claim. The police officer who conducted a preliminary investigation at the accident scene may have noted things such as skid marks that can support your claim. They may even have issued a citation to the other driver for running a red light or stop sign.
- Traffic and Surveillance Footage
Footage from red light cameras, other traffic cameras, and nearby businesses or homes can be highly effective in proving a motorist ran a red light or failed to stop at a stop sign. A skilled car accident attorney can help you request this footage before it is too late.
- Severity of Damage To Involved Vehicles
Severe damage to the vehicles involved in the accident may indicate that one of the drivers was speeding to make it through the intersection before oncoming cars and failed to obey traffic signals, causing the accident.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you prove that the driver who caused your accident ran a red light or stop sign. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Bradenton, Ocala, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Melbourne, and Daytona Beach areas.
