Mississippi Car Accident Attorney: How to Handle Red Light Violation Crashes and Maximize Your Compensation

Understanding Red Light Violation Crashes in Mississippi

🚦 Common Causes of Red Light Violations
Red light violations are among the most dangerous traffic infractions, often resulting in serious accidents. Some common reasons drivers run red lights include:

- Distracted driving (texting, eating, or adjusting controls)
- Speeding to "beat" the yellow light
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Drowsy driving or fatigue
- Brake failure or poor vehicle maintenance

🚗 Types of Accidents Caused by Red Light Violations
Collisions caused by running a red light can lead to severe injuries and vehicle damage. The most common types of crashes include:

- T-bone Accidents – One vehicle crashes into the side of another, often at intersections.
- Head-On Collisions – If a driver swerves to avoid running the light and enters opposing traffic.
- Rear-End Collisions – When a driver suddenly stops at an intersection, causing the following vehicle to crash into them.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups – High-speed intersections can see multiple vehicles involved in chain-reaction collisions.

Legal Aspects of Red Light Accident Cases in Mississippi

⚖️ Mississippi’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning even if you're partially at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

📜 Traffic Laws Governing Red Light Violations
According to Mississippi law (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-313), drivers must come to a complete stop at a red light. If a driver violates this law and causes an accident, they may be held liable for damages.

🔎 Proving Liability in a Red Light Violation Case
To establish negligence in a red light crash, you need strong evidence, such as:

- Traffic Camera Footage – Many intersections have cameras that capture violations.
- Eyewitness Testimonies – Passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers who saw the crash can provide statements.
- Police Reports – Officers responding to the scene often determine fault and include relevant details in their reports.
- Vehicle Damage and Skid Marks – Analyzing the accident scene can help reconstruct how the collision occurred.

Steps to Take After a Red Light Violation Crash

🚨 Immediate Actions at the Scene
Taking the right steps after an accident can protect both your health and legal case:

1️⃣ Check for Injuries – Ensure that you and others involved receive medical attention if needed.
2️⃣ Call 911 – A police report is crucial for insurance and legal claims.
3️⃣ Take Photos and Videos – Capture images of the crash scene, traffic signals, skid marks, and injuries.
4️⃣ Collect Witness Information – Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
5️⃣ Exchange Insurance Information – Share details with the other driver but avoid admitting fault.

🏥 Seek Medical Treatment Even If You Feel Fine
Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Seeking prompt medical evaluation can strengthen your claim by linking injuries directly to the crash.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

💰 Types of Recoverable Damages
Victims of red light violation accidents in Mississippi may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including:

- Medical Expenses – Covers emergency room visits, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical costs.
- Lost Wages – If the injury prevents you from working, you can claim both current and future lost income.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage – Covers repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Punitive Damages – In cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were reckless or intentional, additional damages may be awarded as punishment.

📉 How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Compensation
If you are found partially responsible for the crash (e.g., speeding through a green light while another driver ran a red), your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000.

Strategies to Maximize Your Compensation

📝 Document Everything Thoroughly
Keep detailed records of:

✔️ Medical bills and treatment records
✔️ Lost wages documentation from your employer
✔️ Accident-related expenses (transportation costs, home modifications)

👨‍⚖️ Hire an Experienced Mississippi Car Accident Attorney
An attorney can:

✅ Gather crucial evidence to prove liability
✅ Handle negotiations with insurance companies
✅ File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary

💬 Be Cautious When Speaking to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts by:

⚠️ Asking leading questions to shift blame onto you
⚠️ Offering lowball settlements early in the process
⚠️ Pressuring you to provide recorded statements that can be used against you

Always consult with your attorney before accepting any settlement offer.

Filing a Lawsuit After a Red Light Accident

📆 Mississippi's Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
Under Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. Failing to meet this deadline could result in losing your right to compensation.

🔍 When to File a Lawsuit Instead of Settling with Insurance
Consider taking legal action if:

- The insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
- Liability is being unfairly disputed.
- The at-fault party was grossly negligent (e.g., DUI or street racing).

⚖️ Proving Damages in Court
To win your case in court, you must prove:

📑 Negligence: The driver violated traffic laws by running a red light.
📑 Causation: Their negligence directly caused your injuries and damages.
📑 Damages: You suffered losses such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain & suffering.

Preventing Future Red Light Violations

🚦 Safe Driving Practices to Avoid Intersection Accidents
Both drivers and pedestrians can take steps to improve safety at intersections:

✔️ Approach intersections cautiously even when you have the right-of-way.
✔️ Do not speed up on yellow lights; prepare to stop instead.
✔️ Avoid distractions like texting or adjusting your GPS while driving near intersections.
✔️ Pay attention to crosswalks and look out for pedestrians or cyclists.

🛑 Technological Solutions That Help Reduce Violations
🚔 Traffic cameras at busy intersections deter reckless driving behavior.
🔊 Collision warning systems alert drivers when they are approaching an intersection too quickly.

By following these steps and understanding your legal rights, you can protect yourself after a red light violation crash and ensure you receive full compensation for your damages.