Atlanta Failure to Obey Traffic Signal Accident Lawyer

It might sound like you’re back in driving school, but failing to follow road signs is a common contributing factor to many of the car accidents that happen on Atlanta’s roadways every day. If you’ve been in a car accident, if someone you loved was injured or died in a car accident, call our personal injury lawyers today at 404-975-1775 or contact us online.

Understanding Failure to Obey Traffic Signals

Atlanta’s bustling urban environment contributes to a unique set of common traffic offenses. Traffic signs can blend into the background, but they serve a purpose and when they are ignored every driver on the roadway shares an increased risk of accidents.

Drivers exceeding posted speed limits

Among the most frequent is speeding, driven by the city’s often congested highways and the pressure to get to work on time or to make a flight out of Atlanta airport. Drivers exceeding posted speed limits, particularly on I-285 and I-75, are a persistent issue that drivers should constantly be aware of.

Drivers ignoring red lights

Running red lights is another prevalent offense, especially in densely populated areas and busy intersections. Oftentimes drivers are facing a sense of urgency to get where they are going faster, but being in a rush just makes a driver more of a liability on the road. Secondly, arriving to your destination quickly is not noticing the red light because you were distracted with your phone. Despite legal restrictions, texting while driving is still as significant factor in running red lights.

Failure to yield

Finally, failure to yield, particularly at intersections and during lane changes, is a common offense, often stemming from driver impatience or inattention.

If you find yourself the victim of a car accident that is caused by someone who has violated a traffic law and are seeking compensation for your injuries, contact an Atlanta failure to obey traffic signal accident lawyer at 404-975-1775 to discuss your case during a free consultation.

Why Traffic Signal Violations Happen

Traffic signal violations are usually either a result of the following thought patterns: (1) “I didn’t see it”, or (2) “I saw it and didn’t think it applied to me.” An example of number one is distracted driving. Distracted drivers may fully intend on stopping at the red light,but since they can’t see it because they are looking at their phones, they cannot follow it. Texting, browsing social media, and even adjusting music settings can cause a driver to miss a changing light or disregard a stop sign entirely.

Another significant contributor is speeding. Drivers who exceed the speed limit often find themselves unable to react in time when a traffic signal changes, leading to red-light running even if that wasn’t the original intention.

Impaired driving is an example of the second train of thought. People who drive under the influence know they should not, but do it anyway. Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol or drugs, severely diminishes a driver’s judgment and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of traffic signal violations.

Long commutes, late nights, and inadequate rest can lead to drowsy driving, causing lapses in attention and delayed reactions. This can result in drivers missing signals or misjudging the timing of intersections. Driver inexperience or unfamiliarity with an area can also contribute to traffic signal violations. New drivers or those navigating unfamiliar roads may struggle to anticipate signal changes or misinterpret signage, which may cause them to drive erratically or make a sudden stop, causing an accident which may cause severe injuries.

Finally, sometimes, traffic signal violations result from simple negligence or disregard for traffic laws. A driver may be running late or simply impatient, choosing to ignore a red light or stop sign. This reckless behavior puts everyone on the road at risk. In Georgia, with its bustling urban centers and extensive highway networks, these factors combine to create a significant risk of traffic signal violations, making it essential for drivers to remain vigilant and for victims to seek legal recourse when necessary.

About Stop Sign Accidents

Stop sign accidents are a common and often preventable occurrence on roadways. These accidents typically happen when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way, disregarding the clear mandate of a stop sign. This negligence can lead to devastating collisions, impacting not only the negligent driver but also innocent victims. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we understand the complexities of these cases. We’ve seen firsthand the life-altering consequences that result from a moment of inattention or disregard for traffic laws. Stop sign accidents can occur in various scenarios, including intersections, parking lots, and residential areas.

The most common causes include distracted driving, impaired driving, and simple carelessness. Drivers may fail to come to a complete stop, roll through the intersection, or misjudge the timing of oncoming traffic. The resulting impact can lead to severe injuries, including whiplash, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.

We meticulously investigate each case, analyzing police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to establish liability and ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our commitment is to hold negligent drivers accountable and help our clients rebuild their lives after such a traumatic event.

About Running Red Light Accidents

Running a red light is a blatant disregard for traffic safety, often resulting in severe collisions. These accidents frequently occur at busy intersections where the potential for high-speed impact is significant. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we recognize the serious consequences of these negligent actions. Drivers who run red lights often do so due to impatience, distraction, or a miscalculation of timing. The impact of such collisions can be catastrophic, leading to extensive property damage and severe injuries. The force of a vehicle striking another at high speed can cause life-altering injuries and, in tragic cases, fatalities.

We understand the emotional and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families. Our team of experienced attorneys are dedicated to thoroughly investigating each case, identifying the responsible party, and pursuing maximum compensation for our clients.

Types of Injuries Caused by Accidents from Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

Accidents caused by running red lights or stop signs can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Common injuries include whiplash, soft tissue damage, fractures, and lacerations. More severe injuries can include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and even death. The force of impact in these collisions can cause significant physical trauma, leading to long-term medical complications and disabilities.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we understand the profound impact these injuries can have on our clients’ lives. Even seemingly minor medical concerns can impact how you run your life, your business and your family. It is always our goal to work closely with medical experts to accurately assess the extent of injuries and ensure that our clients receive the necessary medical care and compensation they deserve.

We recognize that the effects of these injuries go beyond physical pain, often impacting emotional well-being and financial stability. Our goal is to provide comprehensive legal support and advocate for our clients’ rights to ensure they receive the full compensation they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in an Accident Due to a Traffic Signal Violation

If you’ve been involved in an accident due to a traffic signal violation, your immediate actions can significantly impact your case for compensation. First and foremost, you should prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. You should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, the intersection, and any visible injuries if it is safe to do so. Gather contact information from any witnesses.

Avoid discussing fault or liability with anyone at the scene, including the other driver or their insurance company. Contact Merritt & Merritt Law Firm as soon as possible. Our experienced and dedicated attorneys will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected. We will investigate the accident, gather crucial evidence, and handle all communications with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on what matters, your recovery and getting back to your life.

How Traffic Signal Cameras and Witnesses Can Strengthen Your Case

Traffic signal cameras and witness testimonies can be invaluable in strengthening your case after an accident caused by a traffic signal violation. Traffic cameras provide objective evidence of the incident, capturing the sequence of events leading up to the collision. This footage can confirm who ran the red light or failed to stop at the stop sign, establishing clear liability. Witness testimonies can provide additional perspectives and details about the accident, corroborating the evidence from the cameras and police reports.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we understand the importance of securing this evidence promptly. We work diligently to obtain traffic camera footage and interview witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.

Speak with an Atlanta Failure to Obey Traffic Signal Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a driver failing to obey a traffic signal, Merritt & Merritt Law Firm are here to help. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to advocating for your rights.

We will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today at 404-975-1775 to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate this challenging time.