Red light accidents represent some of the most dangerous and legally complex collisions on New Mexico roads, often resulting in severe injuries and heated disputes over fault determination. When drivers run red lights and cause crashes, the question of liability may seem straightforward, but determining true fault requires careful analysis of traffic laws, driver behaviors, and the specific circumstances surrounding each personal injury claim that results from these intersection collisions.
At Dominguez Law, we have successfully handled numerous red light accident cases throughout New Mexico, securing over $30 million in settlements and verdicts with a 99% success rate across more than 300 cases. Our extensive experience with intersection accidents helps us navigate the complex fault determinations and evidence collection challenges these cases present while fighting for maximum compensation for our injured clients.
New Mexico Traffic Light Laws
New Mexico law clearly prohibits drivers from entering intersections after traffic signals turn red. Drivers must come to a complete stop when facing a red light and may not proceed until the light turns green, unless making a legal right turn after stopping where permitted. Yellow lights require drivers to stop if they can do so safely before entering the intersection.
However, the timing of when drivers enter intersections becomes crucial in fault determination. Drivers who enter intersections legally during yellow lights and are still in the intersection when the light turns red are not violating traffic laws. This distinction becomes important when determining fault in red light accidents where timing plays a critical role.
Common Red Light Accident Scenarios
The most straightforward cases involve drivers who blatantly run red lights and strike vehicles lawfully proceeding through intersections. More complex scenarios arise when both drivers claim they had green lights or when yellow light timing creates uncertainty about the legal right of way.
Delayed green light accidents present challenging scenarios where drivers proceed immediately when their light turns green without checking for red light runners still in the intersection. While the red light runner bears primary responsibility, questions may arise about whether the green light driver could have avoided the collision.
Evidence Collection Challenges
Proving fault in red light accidents requires comprehensive evidence collection. Traffic camera footage becomes invaluable when available, providing objective evidence of signal timing and driver behaviors. Intersection cameras, red light enforcement cameras, and nearby business security systems may capture critical moments before and during collisions.
Witness statements carry significant weight in red light accident cases where objective evidence may be limited. Independent witnesses who observed traffic signals and driver behaviors provide crucial testimony for establishing fault and liability.
Shared Fault Considerations
New Mexico’s comparative negligence system allows for shared fault determinations in red light accidents. Even when one driver runs a red light, the other driver may bear partial responsibility if they contributed to the accident through excessive speed, distracted driving, or failure to maintain proper lookout.
Understanding how comparative negligence affects personal injury cases in New Mexico becomes crucial when fault percentages impact compensation amounts in red light accident claims.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often dispute fault in red light accidents, particularly when physical evidence is limited or witness accounts conflict. Adjusters may argue about yellow light timing, intersection entry points, and whether drivers could have avoided accidents through different actions.
Red light accident claims frequently involve multiple insurance companies investigating the same incident with different objectives. Each insurer seeks to minimize their client’s fault percentage to reduce payout obligations, creating complex negotiation scenarios.
Protecting Your Rights After Red Light Accidents
If you are involved in a red light accident, document the accident scene thoroughly, including traffic signal status, vehicle positions, and any visible damage patterns. Avoid admitting fault or discussing accident details with other drivers or insurance representatives at the scene.
Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries. Red light accidents often involve high-speed impacts that can cause serious injuries with delayed symptoms.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation
Red light accidents often result in serious injuries due to the high-speed, perpendicular impact nature of these collisions. Understanding what damages you can recover in New Mexico personal injury cases helps victims pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Cases involving multiple vehicles may require analysis of liability in multi-vehicle accidents to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
At Dominguez Law, we meticulously investigate every red light accident case, gathering comprehensive evidence and working with accident reconstruction specialists to establish clear fault determinations. Our commitment to protecting individual rights against corporate interests drives us to pursue maximum compensation while holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. For a free consultation about your red light accident case, call us at (505) 850-5854. Se habla español.
