What Happens if You Run a Red Light and Hit Someone?

Running a red light is a common enough action that drivers take, with a 2017 AAA Foundation survey finding that more than a third of those surveyed had run a red light in the last month. Running a red light can result in fatal accidents or severe injuries.

According to the AAA Foundation in 2019, 28% of car crash deaths were the result of a fatal accident involving a car running a red light.

Sometimes red lights are run out of a want to speed through light or distracted driving. This action significantly increases the possibility of serious injury or a fatal accident involving a car running a red light to occur. So, what happens if you run a red light and hit someone? Or if you are the person who is hit?

Below, we’ll go through a couple of different questions that relate to red light accidents and injuries.

What Happens If You Run A Red Light And Hit Someone?

For drivers, there is always the question “what happens if you run a red light and hit someone”. If you run a red light and you hit another person, you could face legal liabilities in a few different ways.

Penalty for running a red light and causing an accident

Running a red light can lead to severe legal and financial consequences, as well as physical and emotional harm. The penalty for running a red light and causing an accident can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the jurisdiction. However, the general consequences often include:

1. Traffic citations and fines: You could receive a traffic citation or possibly face criminal charges. Depending on the accident that was caused, the potential consequences might vary from paying a fine to the loss of your driver’s license.
2. License suspension or revocation: Repeated offenses may result in the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges.
3. Jail time: In serious cases, especially if injury or death occurs, you may face jail time.
4. Criminal charges: If your actions result in serious harm or death, you could be charged with a criminal offense.
5. Paying for damages might fall on you and your insurance. Since Ohio is a no-fault state, someone who has been in a car accident has the right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.
6. Post-car accident, your insurance may go up as a result of causing an accident.

Financial Consequences:

• Property damage: If you cause an accident, you may be liable for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property.
• Medical expenses: If someone is injured in the accident, you may be responsible for their medical bills.
• Insurance premium increases: Your insurance rates may rise significantly after a red light running accident.
• Lawsuits and legal fees: You may face legal action from the injured parties, which can lead to substantial financial costs.

Personal Consequences:

• Physical and emotional harm: Accidents can result in injuries to yourself and others involved. This can lead to physical pain, emotional trauma, and long-term health issues.
• Loss of life: In the most tragic cases, red light running accidents can result in death.
• Damage to your reputation: A history of traffic violations, including red light running, can negatively impact your reputation.

How much is a ticket for running a red light and causing an accident in Ohio?

The exact amount of a ticket for running a red light and causing an accident in Ohio can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Severity of the accident
• Your driving record
• Specific Ohio traffic laws

However, as a general guideline, fines for red light running in Ohio can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

It’s important to consult with a local attorney or traffic court for the most accurate and up-to-date information on specific fines and penalties in your area.

How Much Do You Get From A Car Accident Settlement For A Driver Running A Red Light?

There is no specific range that we can offer in regard to a car accident settlement that you might receive. Settlements will depend on each individual case and a number of different factors related to the car accident itself.

What we can take a brief look at is what factors might affect the car accident settlement amount. These factors can include:

• Whether or not you receive any physical injuries
• The amount of damage that happens to your car and other property
• Who and what else is hurt from the accident
• Any further pain and suffering that affects you post-accident

Car accident settlements can vary in what they will cover in the aftermath of an accident. Sometimes they might cover only the cost of car damages or your injuries.

With the various factors that come about after a car accident, the potential settlement you might receive will be determined based on any number of the above.

Can You Sue Someone For Running A Red Light And Hitting You?

The long and short answer to this question is that yes, you can sue someone for running a red light and hitting you. As Ohio is a no-fault state, there will be the question of proving who was at fault for the accident itself. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer with expertise in handling car accidents is recommended here!

They will be able to provide expert advice in pursuing a potential lawsuit.

Alternatively, if the insurance claim that you file after the accident with the driver’s insurance company yields no results (negotiations can take time), you may potentially file a lawsuit in that case as well.

In either case, working with a personal injury lawyer like the experienced team at Heit Law, LLC can be beneficial as you will have help on your side.

Connect With An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

The aftermath of any kind of car accident can be a stressful and frightening time. Having a seasoned car accident lawyer on your side as you start the road to recovery can make a massive difference. The team at Heit Law, LLC is experienced in handling all aspects of personal injury cases. They can provide individualized service and legal advice unique to your case and circumstances.

Connect with us over the phone at 614-898-5300 or online to schedule your free consultation today!