Red light running remains one of the most dangerous driving behaviors on Phoenix roadways, leading to devastating T-bone and broadside collisions that often result in severe injuries or fatalities. These crashes frequently occur at major intersections along busy corridors like Indian School Road, Thomas Road, and 7th Street/7th Avenue, particularly during rush hour periods. When drivers disregard traffic signals, they put others at grave risk through their negligent behavior. Common contributing factors include distracted driving, attempting to beat a yellow light, or aggressive driving during peak traffic times. Victims of red light running accidents often face extensive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs. The severity of these intersection crashes frequently leads to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries. Understanding your legal rights is crucial, as these accidents typically involve complex liability issues, multiple insurance claims, and the need to prove the other driver's violation of traffic laws through evidence like intersection cameras, witness statements, and police reports.

Legal Rights and Considerations: In Arizona, running a red light violates A.R.S. § 28-645, which requires drivers to obey traffic control devices. This violation can serve as evidence of negligence in personal injury claims. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning victims can recover damages even if partially at fault, though their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. The state's statute of limitations gives accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Arizona requires minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury, though victims of serious crashes often need to pursue additional coverage through underinsured motorist protection or other sources. An experienced Phoenix car crash lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Side-impact collisions, often called T-bone accidents, are among the most dangerous consequences of red light running because they strike vehicles where occupant protection is weakest. Unlike front and rear impacts where crumple zones and substantial structural barriers help absorb collision forces, side impacts directly threaten passengers with only a door panel and few inches of space between them and the striking vehicle. When a driver runs a red light at typical intersection speeds of 30-45 mph, the resulting lateral impact can cause catastrophic injuries even in modern vehicles equipped with side airbags and reinforced door beams. The physics of these crashes are particularly violent - the striking vehicle's entire forward momentum transfers directly into the passenger compartment of the struck vehicle, often causing it to spin or roll while subjecting occupants to extreme rotational forces. Children and elderly passengers are especially vulnerable in these crashes, as their bodies are less able to withstand the severe trauma. This explains why side-impact collisions from red light running account for a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities and life-altering injuries in Phoenix intersection crashes.

Click the links below to learn more about how an experienced lawyer helps with distracted driving accidents and injuries of all types, including:

• Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer;
• Phoenix distracted driving accident attorney;
• Phoenix T-bone accident lawyer;
• Phoenix rollover accident attorney;
• Phoenix hit-and-run accident lawyer;
• Phoenix uninsured driver accident attorney;

Related Resources: Courts:

• Maricopa County Superior Court
• Phoenix Municipal Court
• Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One

Support Services:

• Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona
• MADD Arizona Chapter
• Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association

Legal References:

• Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 (Transportation)
• Arizona Department of Transportation Traffic Safety
• Governor's Office of Highway Safety Red Light Running Program

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