Red and Yellow Light Accidents in St. Louis

Being involved in a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, can be a confusing and frustrating experience. If you find yourself injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. 

The process can be confusing, so it’s always a good idea to hire a St. Louis red and yellow light accident lawyer. Let us help you. Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at (314) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation.

How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Red and Yellow Light Accident in St. Louis

How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Red and Yellow Light Accident in St. Louis

After a car accident in St. Louis, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer so you can get the compensation you deserve. Here’s how our experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers can help you: 

  • We will collect evidence from the scene of the accident, such as photographs or videos. 
  • We will contact witnesses who saw what happened and record their testimony about the incident.
  • We will review all relevant insurance policies to determine what compensation may be available
  • We will investigate whether any traffic violations were committed leading up to the accident, which is relevant in determining fault for the accident.
  • We will handle all of the negotiations, paperwork, and communications with the at-fault party
  • We will file a lawsuit against the opposing party on your behalf if necessary

For help after a red or yellow light accident in St. Louis, MO, contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Car Accident Statistics for St. Louis, Missouri

Car accidents are a serious issue in Missouri and in St. Louis specifically. Some recent statistics are as follows:

  • In 2021, 178 people were killed, and more than 14,000 people were injured in traffic crashes in St. Louis City and County.
  • In 2022, more than 1,000 people were killed on Missouri’s roads – the highest number since 2006.
  • The year 2022 saw the second most pedestrian deaths in St. Louis’s history. 

Unfortunately, many of these injuries and deaths were likely preventable.

Overview of St. Louis Red and Yellow Light Accidents

A red or yellow light accident occurs when a driver fails to stop at a red light or attempts to pass through an intersection during a yellow light, mistiming the signal change. These accidents can involve two or more vehicles colliding or a single vehicle hitting a pedestrian or cyclist.

How Do They Happen?

There are several scenarios that can lead to red or yellow light accidents:

  • A driver speeds up to pass through a yellow light, colliding with a vehicle that has already entered the intersection from another direction.
  • A driver fails to stop at a red light and hits a pedestrian or cyclist who has the right of way.

These are just a few examples of how a red and yellow light accident can happen.

What Causes Red and Yellow Light Accidents?

These accidents are mainly caused by:

Many other conditions can lead to a red and yellow light accident as well.

Types of Injuries Resulting From Red and Yellow Light Accidents in St. Louis, MO

Red and yellow light accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, such as:

Victims of these accidents might require hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care depending on the severity of their injuries.

Understanding Liability in St. Louis Red and Yellow Light Accidents

In St. Louis, comparative fault rules are applied in determining fault and liability in traffic accidents. This means that more than one driver may share the blame for an accident. Key parties that can be held liable are:

  1. The driver who runs a red or yellow light

Breaking traffic laws by running a red or yellow makes that driver liable for the accident. Evidence such as witness testimony, traffic camera footage, and police reports will be crucial in proving this driver’s fault. 

  1. The turning driver

A driver who failed to yield properly or misjudged the distance and speed of oncoming traffic may be held liable for the accident. In some instances, the turning driver might share partial liability with the driver speeding through the light. 

  1. The municipality or traffic department

Poorly designed intersections, faulty traffic lights, or lack of signage could lead to accidents. In such cases, the municipality may be held responsible for the accident. 

  1. Vehicle manufacturers

If a car’s brakes fail, preventing the driver from stopping in time, the vehicle’s manufacturer may be held responsible for negligence or faulty design.

Pure Comparative Negligence

Pure comparative negligence is a legal principle followed by some states, including Missouri, that allows injured parties to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for an accident. Each party can recover damages relative to the percentage of fault attributed to the other involved parties. Here’s an overview of how it works:

  • Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 30% at fault for a $10,000 accident, you can still pursue compensation for the remaining 70% of the damages, which amounts to $7,000.
  • There’s no cutoff for your responsibility. You can recover compensation even if you are up to 99% at fault.

This system of contributory fault is more victim-friendly than most other states’ systems.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our St. Louis Car Crash Lawyers

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your case ensures a thorough investigation of the accident, a fair evaluation of fault distribution, and adequate representation throughout the process. We’re here to help. 

Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our St. Louis car crash lawyers. 

We handle all types of car accident claims, including:

Additional St. Louis Car Accident Resources

Learn more about car accident FAQs: