Traffic signal and stop sign violations remain one of the most dangerous driving behaviors in San Marcos, Texas, leading to severe intersection crashes that often result in devastating injuries or fatalities. These accidents frequently occur along high-traffic corridors like Wonder World Drive, Interstate 35, and Hopkins Street, where drivers rushing through yellow lights or deliberately running red lights put others at serious risk. The consequences extend beyond immediate physical trauma to include long-term medical complications, lost wages, and significant emotional distress. When drivers disregard traffic signals, they may face both criminal penalties and civil liability through personal injury claims. Victims often suffer injuries ranging from whiplash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, particularly in T-bone collisions that commonly result from these violations. Understanding your rights as an accident victim becomes crucial, especially when dealing with insurance companies and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other damages sustained in these preventable crashes.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas Transportation Code § 544.007-544.008, running a red light or stop sign constitutes a traffic violation and can serve as evidence of negligence in personal injury claims. Texas follows a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar rule, meaning victims can recover damages as long as they are not primarily at fault for the accident. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Texas is two years from the date of the accident (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003). Compensation may include economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish). Texas law requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 per accident, though victims with severe injuries often need to pursue additional coverage sources. An experienced San Marcos car accident lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

If you've been injured in an accident caused by a red light or stop sign runner, click the links below to get help from an attorney who specializes in your type of accident:

• San Marcos drunk driving accident lawyer;
• San Marcos distracted driving accident law firm;
• San Marcos T-bone accident lawyer;
• San Marcos teen driver accident attorney;
• San Marcos reckless driving accident law firm;
• San Marcos uninsured driver accident attorney;

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• Hays County District Court
• San Marcos Municipal Court
• Hays County Justice of the Peace Courts

Support Services:

• Hays County Victim Services Division
• Central Texas Medical Center Trauma Services
• San Marcos Police Department Accident Investigation Unit
• Texas Brain Injury Alliance - Central Texas Chapter

Legal and Regulatory Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation - Traffic Safety Division
• Texas Department of Insurance - Consumer Protection
• Texas Transportation Code Chapter 544 (Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings)
• Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16 (Limitations)

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