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Intersection Accident Information

The U.S. Departments Federal Highway Administration recently conducted a study indicating that 2 million intersection-related auto accidents occur each year. Sadly, these intersection collisions are the cause of 700,000 crash-related injuries and 8,000 traffic fatalities annually. Failing to stop at a red light has become a serious concern in the United States and, more specifically, throughout the state of California.

Running a red light not only places the driver and their passenger occupants in danger, but it also places every other motorist traveling through that intersection at risk. Sacramento traffic intersection accidents are some of the most severe and often result in catastrophic injuries to the occupants of all vehicles involved. As more and more injuries and fatalities emerge as a result of red light crashes, technology advancements in the form of red light cameras has become standard in many cities, including Sacramento, CA.

Arnold Law Firm has seen thousands of injured clients who suffered at the hands of a negligent driver. At our personal injury law firm, we strongly believe that when the negligence of another driver causes harm to you and your loved ones, this person must be held accountable for their careless actions. We work diligently to build a case that leads to the maximum compensation possible for our clients.

Sacramento Traffic Intersection Accidents

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), estimates that about 165,000 people suffer from injuries annually as a direct result of a red light runner. In fact, about half of all red light fatalities due to red light running are not the red light violator. This means that for every two intersection traffic fatalities, one of which was an innocent driver suffering at the hands of a negligent motorist.

Some of the most reckless drivers on the road are said to be red light runners. This is because complete disregard of traffic signs and lights indicates that the driver either believes that the rules of the road do not apply to them or that they choose to knowingly disobey the law. In either case, the negligent driver is the cause of injuries and harm to innocent drivers passing through an intersection.

California motorists fail to stop at red lights for a number of reasons, some of which fall under the category of negligence, while others are a direct result of reckless driving behavior. The following are some of the most common causes of Sacramento traffic intersection accidents:

  • Frustrated drivers

  • Tailgating the car in front and cannot see the light change

  • As a driver approaches the intersection, they speed up to make the light, even when there is clearly not enough time to safely pass through the intersection

  • Texting and driving

  • Driving distraction disallows the motorist from seeing a red light ahead

As one of the most recent contributors to running red lights, little information currently exists in regard to texting and drivings effect on the rate of Sacramento traffic intersection accidents. However, it is clear that this cause of collision has become one of the fastest growing issues in traffic crashes. Regardless of the cause, however, the NHTSA estimates that 97 percent of all drivers believe that red light runners are a serious threat to safety. As such, the following outlines the most typical description of a red light runner:

  • Young motorist

  • Driving alone, with no passengers, especially no children

  • In a rush of some kind, to get to work or school

  • Has less education

  • Has most likely received a ticket in the past for running a red light

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Sacramento traffic intersection accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. As more and more motorists enter the roads and highways of California, traffic congestion arises and motivates people to make reckless decision on the roads. Our auto accident lawyers believe that these reckless drivers must pay for the damages in which they cause.

For more information, please fill out a Free Case Review on this page.

Red Light Cameras in Sacramento

The Sacramento County Sheriffs Department approximates 4,000 collisions each year on the streets throughout the city. Of these crashes, over 50 percent take place a traffic signal and half of those involved suffer from injuries. In reaction to the growing number of Sacramento traffic intersection accidents, advanced technology was established to place red light cameras at the intersections in many California communities.

The following are the 10 intersections with red light cameras:

  • Arden Way & Challenge Way

  • Broadway & 21st Street

  • 16th Street & W Street

  • 5th Street & I Street

  • Mack Road & La Mancha Way/Valley Hi Drive

  • El Camino Avenue & Evergreen Street

  • Folsom Boulevard & Howe Avenue/Power Inn Road

  • Howe Avenue & Fair Oaks Boulevard

When a vehicle crosses a red light, a photograph is taken to which reports the vehicle in which broke the law, the time of day, date, the vehicles speed, and the amount of time that has elapsed since the light turned red. As a pioneer in the red light camera industry, the state of California has had red light cameras since the early 1990s and has led the way for many other state programs.

Hurt In An Intersection Accident?

Arnold Law Firm is a strong believer in the red light camera program established in Sacramento. There are currently red light cameras at 10 intersections in Sacramento, all serving the same purpose: to reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities associated with intersection collisions. If you or a loved one has suffered in a Sacramento traffic intersection accident, our crash attorneys are prepared to guide you through the litigation process.

To learn more about your legal options, please complete a Free Case Review today.