South Carolina Car Accident Attorney’s Guide to Red Light Violation Crashes: Claims, Compensation, and Legal Strategies

Understanding Red Light Violation Accidents in South Carolina

🚦 Running a red light is one of the most common causes of intersection accidents in South Carolina. These collisions often result in severe injuries due to high-speed impacts, making legal representation crucial.

✅ Common causes of red light accidents:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, or adjusting GPS)
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driver fatigue or impairment (alcohol, drugs)
- Poor weather or visibility conditions

⚖️ South Carolina's Traffic Laws on Red Light Violations
Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-970, failing to stop at a red light is a traffic violation that can establish negligence in an accident claim.

Liability and Negligence in Red Light Violation Crashes

🔍 Determining Fault
Establishing fault is crucial in accident claims. The liable party is usually the driver who ran the red light, but multiple factors can influence responsibility.

📝 Key evidence in proving negligence:
- Traffic camera footage – Many intersections have surveillance cameras that can capture the violation.
- Eyewitness statements – Bystanders or other drivers can provide testimonies.
- Accident reports – A police report may indicate citations issued for running the light.
- Vehicle damage analysis – The point of impact can often support your claim.

💡 Comparative Negligence in South Carolina
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule (§15-38-15), meaning if you are less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Compensation for Red Light Accident Victims

💰 Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Victims of red-light accidents can seek compensation for both tangible and intangible losses.

✅ Economic damages:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation costs)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)

✅ Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life

⚠️ Punitive Damages
In cases of egregious negligence (such as DUI-related red light running), South Carolina courts may award punitive damages to punish reckless behavior.

Steps to Take After a Red Light Accident

📌 Immediate Actions for Your Claim:
1. Call 911 – Ensure medical assistance and an official police report.
2. Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
3. Obtain Witness Information – Collect names and contact details of bystanders.
4. Seek Medical Attention – Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
5. Consult a Car Accident Attorney – Legal guidance helps maximize your claim.

⏳ Statute of Limitations in South Carolina
Under South Carolina law (§15-3-530), you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Legal Strategies for Maximizing Compensation

📋 Building a Strong Case
To strengthen your claim and ensure fair compensation:

🔎 Investigate Thoroughly:
- Obtain traffic camera footage or dashcam recordings.
- Hire accident reconstruction experts if liability is disputed.

📝 Negotiate Effectively with Insurance Companies:
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney can challenge low settlement offers and push for maximum compensation.

⚖️ Consider Litigation if Necessary:
If the insurance settlement is insufficient, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to secure fair damages.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Red Light Accident

📞 Communicating with Insurers:
When speaking with insurance adjusters:

🚫 Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the accident.
✍️ Stick to factual statements and avoid recorded statements without legal counsel.

💡 Understanding South Carolina’s At-Fault Insurance System
South Carolina operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident must compensate victims through their insurer.

⚠️ Common Tactics Used by Insurance Adjusters:
🚧 Downplaying injuries or claiming pre-existing conditions caused them.
🚧 Offering quick lowball settlements before full medical evaluations are done.

✅ Best Practice: Have an attorney handle negotiations to avoid manipulation by insurers.

Special Considerations in Hit-and-Run Red Light Violations

🚔 If the at-fault driver flees the scene:
- Report the incident to law enforcement immediately.
- Check if nearby businesses or traffic cameras captured footage.
- Consult an attorney about filing an uninsured motorist claim under your policy.

📌 Uninsured Motorist Coverage in South Carolina:
South Carolina requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage (UM), which helps compensate victims when hit by uninsured or unidentified drivers.

Conclusion

🔹 Red light violation accidents can cause devastating injuries and financial burdens. Understanding traffic laws, proving liability, and seeking legal representation are crucial for securing compensation.

📞 If you’ve been injured in a South Carolina red light crash, consulting a knowledgeable car accident attorney increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation.