Red Light Runner Accidents

Attorneys for Victims Injured by Red Light Runners in Arizona

We’ve all been there; approaching an intersection and the driver across from you simply carries on, despite the fact the lights have just changed to red. Red-light runners are sadly very common and whilst many just get away with this reckless and careless act of running reds, some cause horrendous accidents as the other road users simply can’t react quick enough.

A national campaign to stop red-light running concluded that Arizona is No. 1 as the state with a higher-than-average number of drivers running red lights. In fact, about 7,500 people are injured every year by someone running a red light in Arizona, resulting in about 80 fatalities throughout the state. Red-light-runner accidents also frequently result in broken bones and other bone injuries.

As experienced auto accident attorneys, we’ve represented many clients on red-light running cases, and while every outcome has been unique, we work hard to seek a win for every case we represent. Our offices are conveniently located in Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person or over the phone or video call.  You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.

Who’s At Fault In a Red Light Accident? 

Red Light runner cases can be some of the hardest traffic cases to prove with police officers least likely to issue violations for them too as both parties will believe they had right of way. Due to the speed at which lights change, red-light runners rarely admit the lights had changed, and without separate witnesses who saw the traffic lights, where is the evidence?

As a result of this, officers don’t give out tickets anymore which from a legal perspective is very frustrating leaving attorneys trying to obtain the traffic signal report in an attempt to prove who was actually at fault for the accident. 

What Are the Fines for a Red Light Runner?

A violation of a stop sign or a red light in Arizona carries a number of penalties including a fine of approximately $250 and 2 points to your license. Similarly, a red light camera ticket carries a fine of approximately $165 and will also add 2 points to your license.

What Causes Running a Red Light?

There are a number of reasons behind why people run red lights but some of the more common reasons include speed, lack of attention, and distractions such as talking on the cell phone. Most drivers admit they believed they were going to be late for work and there would be no consequences to running a red light but this is a strategy that has terrible consequences. 

Why are Red Light Accidents So Dangerous?

Generally, drivers don’t like red-light cameras at intersections as they automatically create tickets, but they serve a greater purpose to reduce the crashes that tend to be at high-speed and often deadly. Red light accidents tend to have greater injuries for the victims such as traumatic brain injury which has life-changing implications. 

Does Arizona Have Red Light Cameras? 

Yes, as a result of having higher than average red-light runners, Arizona has installed photo enforcement cameras at many intersections which have been found to reduce the number of drivers running red lights. Cities across the state have even reported fewer auto accidents as a result, however, the cameras are unpopular and are considered just revenue generators for cities. 

19 cities in Arizona have red-light cameras but only six cities actively use them and as of 2021, Phoenix City Council is banning red-light cameras. Sadly, the stats indicate injuries and deaths only increase in cities that have banned automated traffic enforcement. The red light cameras in Phoenix are located at the following intersections: 

• 35th Avenue & Cactus Road
• 35th Avenue & Glendale Avenue
• 16th Street & Jefferson Street
• Tatum Boulevard & Thunderbird Road
• 67th Avenue & McDowell Road
• Central Avenue & McDowell Road
• 53rd Avenue & Indian School Road
• 50th Street & Ray Road
• 7th Street & Bell Road
• 12th Street & Camelback Road
• 35th Avenue & McDowell Road
• 24th Street & Thomas Road​

A 2017 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analyzed what happened in 19 cities across the United States that shut off the cameras over the previous decade and found that compared to peer cities that left them on, the fatal crash rate at intersections was 16% higher.

Does the East Valley Have Red Light Cameras?

Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe all use photo enforcement, Gilbert doesn’t. The East Valley Photo Enforcement cameras and vans are as follows: 

• TEMPE

Intersection cameras: 20

Radar vans: 2

• CHANDLER

Intersection cameras: 11

Radar vans: 0

• MESA

Intersection cameras: 30

Radar vans: 4

• SCOTTSDALE

Intersection cameras: 9

Radar vans: 4

If you’ve been involved in a red-light runner accident and want to discuss your legal rights or even start a case against the driver involved, speak to our attorneys today. Our team is always happy to have a free no-obligation consultation to help you understand your legal rights.