Running a red light is not just a minor traffic law infraction , it is a reckless, negligent action that constitutes a clear breach of duty and often leads to major accidents, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or even wrongful death claims. At Ted Law Firm, our experienced attorneys aggressively fight for injury victims, accident victims, and families suffering from personal injuries due to negligent drivers, including uninsured drivers, underinsured drivers, or hit-and-run drivers.
Red Light Crashes: Deadly Traffic Accidents Across Atlanta
Atlanta’s intersections remain hotspots for automobile accidents, especially T-bone collisions, rollover accidents, and motorcycle crashes. The accident scene often tells the story , a negligent party running a traffic light, causing severe injuries, bodily injury, and substantial property damage. Distracted driving accidents, driver inattention, and drunk drivers only worsen the frequency of these devastating crashes.
Whether the fault driver was operating a rideshare vehicle, a larger vehicle, or even driving without insurance, victims must act swiftly to protect their rights.
Understanding Duty of Care, Breach of Duty, and Liability Under Georgia Law
Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-20, traffic laws are clear: drivers must obey traffic control devices, including red lights. A negligent driver who runs a red light breaches their duty of care, creating legal grounds for a personal injury claim, legal action, or full-scale Personal Injury Lawsuit.
To recover financial compensation, accident lawyers must establish:
- A duty of care
- A breach of duty
- Causation linking the breach to the motor vehicle or auto accident
- Medical costs, property damage, painful injuries, repair costs, and emotional distress
Key evidence includes:
- Traffic light camera footage
- Accident scene photos
- Dashcam videos
- Police reports
- Accident claims documents
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Medical records proving medical expenses, medical treatment, and future medical care
Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Rule and How It Affects Your Compensation Claim
According to O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found less than 50% at fault, you may still pursue fair compensation, although your monetary damages or claim for money damages may be reduced accordingly.
Example:
If you are 20% at fault, your compensation claim , including income loss, annual income reduction, or money for injuries , is reduced by 20%.
What Accident Victims Can Recover
Depending on your case, you may recover a wide range of damages:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Property damage
- Lost income and diminished annual income
- Emotional distress
- Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering
- Punitive damages for extreme negligent actions like a drunk driver or hit-and-run accident
- Burial costs (in fatal cases)
- Legal consultation and litigation fees
Insurance Claims, Auto Insurance Policy Disputes & Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Most accident victims begin by filing insurance claims against the fault driver’s auto insurance policy. But insurance adjusters often delay, devalue, or outright deny legitimate claims. If dealings with insurance companies lead to frustration, you have every right to escalate to a Personal Injury Lawsuit.
For cases involving uninsured motorists, underinsured motorist coverage, or a hit-and-run driver, your uninsured motorist policies or bodily injury coverage may provide critical financial relief. Although Georgia does not require uninsured motorist coverage, it’s often included in standard regular auto insurance plans.
Pro Tip:
Consult a personal injury lawyer immediately to navigate insurance negotiations, explore options for compensation, and reduce financial strains from basic insurance limits.
Don’t Miss the Statute of Limitations Deadline
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations to file a legal action for personal injuries in Georgia is two years from the date of the auto accident. Waiting too long risks:
- Losing critical accident scene evidence
- Weakening your legal battle
- Jeopardizing your settlement check
Why You Need a Skilled Accident Lawyer or Auto Accident Attorney
Hiring an accident lawyer, especially one from a reputable personal injury law firm like Ted Law Firm, maximizes your chances of securing a fair settlement. Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies, winning against contributory negligence arguments, and working on a contingency fee basis (no win, no fee!).
Whether you’re dealing with:
- Taxi accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Drivers without insurance
- Major interstate crashes on Interstate 285 or Interstate 75
,we’re here for you.
Injured in a red light crash due to a negligent driver or uninsured driver?
The Ted Law Firm offers:
- Free initial consultation
- Representation on a contingency fee basis
- Help filing your insurance claim, compensation claim, or full Personal Injury Lawsuit
Let Ted Law Firm handle the legal stress while you focus on healing. We proudly help people in Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Athens, Savannah, Warner Robins, and all of Georgia! We advocate for accident victims across South Carolina and Georgia. We fight for fair compensation – even when insurance companies don’t.
Let us fight for your fair treatment, reduce financial strains, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
