Yes, almost always. In Maryland auto accidents, “red light runners” are almost always liable for injuries and damage caused if a crash is caused when they run their red light. The only contrary situation that might exist is with what might be called a “green light jumper” — where someone is in such a hurry that he or she “jumps” the green light. You see this mostly where a car has gotten to the intersection line in the far right lane (which might be a turn lane) and, once the light turns green, will accelerate to “beat” the car next to them to “get around” slow traffic. Sometimes, those drivers will “jump” the green by a second or two. But, practically speaking, that driver is a red light runner since they have entered the intersection on a red light. Fortunately, those types of accidents are exceedingly rare.

Under normal circumstances, a red light runner in St. Mary’s County, MD., will be held liable for any injuries and/or damage caused. In this article, the Maryland auto accident attorneys here at the Law Office of Robert Castro explain why red light runners are almost always held liable. If you have been injured by a red light runner in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, call us at (301) 870-1200 or use our contact page.

The outcome of your case depends on many factors unique to the case, which may be complex and nuanced. This is one reason to consult with and retain experienced, tough, and driven Maryland auto accident lawyers. Contact us. No fee unless we win.

St. Mary’s County red light runners

In Maryland, those injured in car accidents must prove their case. That is, Maryland is NOT a no-fault accident State. To prove their case, victims must show the four legal elements of negligence: duty, breach of that duty, causation, and injury/damage. In red light runner cases, proving the first two elements of negligence is often “easy” because, in Maryland, EVERY driver has a duty to obey traffic laws. This includes the duty to obey traffic signals like lights at an intersection. Once it is proven that the at-fault driver ran the red light, the other elements must be proven. It must be shown that running the red light caused the accident, that injuries occurred, and that those injuries were caused by the accident.

Often, the red-light-runner will try to claim that they entered the intersection “on a yellow.” However, there are many types of evidence that bear on this question, including:

• Traffic camera footage
• Onboard vehicle cameras and video footage — these photos and video might be from one or both cars or even from other vehicles at the intersection
• Vehicle “black boxes” — modern vehicles have “black boxes” recording various data like speed, acceleration, etc.
• Eyewitness testimony
• Vehicle damage — where the impact occurred on the vehicles is often probative; the victim’s vehicle is usually hit somewhere on the side; if the impact zone is further to the rear of the victim’s vehicle, that is often very good evidence of red-light-running
• Police reports

Contact Waldorf, MD Personal Injury Attorney Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Personal Injury lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601.