Injured by a Driver Who Ran a Red Light? Here’s What You Need to Know

Red lights play a key role in controlling traffic on South Carolina roads. Whether the red light sits on top of a classic green-yellow-red traffic signal or stands alone as a blinking light, it means the same thing: Stop!

When a driver runs a red light, serious injuries and death can result. In 2022, 1,149 people died in the US after a driver ran a red light and caused a collision. Over 107,000 people suffered injuries in red light running crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

If you or someone you love was injured when a driver ran a red light, here’s what you need to know.

Red Light Laws in South Carolina

Section 56-5-970 of the South Carolina Code lays out rules for approaching signal lights on public roads. Subsection (C) specifies that when a driver approaches a “steady red” light on a South Carolina road, the driver “shall stop at a clearly marked stop line.” If there is no stop line, the driver must stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, the driver must stop before entering the intersection. 

The law explains situations in which a driver may proceed through a red light, such as when turning right at an intersection that allows such turns. However, regardless of the situation, one rule remains consistent: Drivers must come to a complete stop at red lights. 

Most drivers agree that running a red light is dangerous. A 2022 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 83 percent of drivers considered running a red light to be “very” or “extremely” dangerous. This included going through a light that had just turned red, when the driver saw the preceding yellow light and could have stopped safely.

But while many drivers said that driving through a red light was very or extremely dangerous, 25 percent admitted to having done just that in the previous 30 days. An analysis of traffic camera data from four states found that drivers run red lights, on average, about every 20 minutes, or 3.2 times per hour. 

Common Red Light Collision Situations and Injuries

Because red light running occurs at intersections, these crashes are often categorized as “intersection collisions.” In 2022, 1,093 deaths, 2,570 serious injuries, and over 47,000 other injuries occurred in intersection collisions, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS).

Of these collisions:

• 7,067 total collisions were caused by a driver who “disregarded signs/signals/etc,” according to SCDPS records.
• 48 people were killed in crashes in which a driver disregarded a sign or signal.
• 194 people were seriously injured by drivers running red lights and other traffic signs or signals.
• 4,346 people suffered mild or moderate injuries in crashes in which a driver disregarded a red light, a sign, or another traffic signal. 

“Disregarded signs/signals/etc.” was one of the top five causes of traffic crashes in South Carolina in 2022. “Failed to yield right of way” also made the top five. A driver who runs a red light fails to yield the right of way, as the signal gives the right of way to other vehicles. 

Drivers who run red lights often do so at a high rate of speed. Consequently, they collide with other vehicles with greater force, causing more devastating injuries. 

Common injuries in red light collisions include:

• Head, facial, and brain injuries 
• Spinal cord, back, neck, and nervous system injuries
• Broken bones
• Amputations or crush injuries
• Internal bleeding organ damage
• Psychological injuries. 

These injuries can prove fatal. Those who survive a collision with a driver who ran a red light may find they face permanent disabilities. 

What To Do If You Were Injured by a Driver Who Ran a Red Light

Safety is the priority after any traffic accident. Do what you can to move vehicles out of the roadway and warn oncoming traffic. Do not move a seriously injured person. 

Call 911 or have someone call 911 for you. If possible, take photos or video, draw a diagram of the scene, or jot down what you remember about the crash. This information can help you piece together what happened. 

If you didn’t get emergency medical care immediately after the collision, see a doctor as soon as you can. A doctor can document your injuries. You’ll also receive treatment for your injuries. Keep your follow-up appointments, even if you’re feeling better. 

Finally, keep all your paperwork related to the crash in one place. These records can help you prove the full extent of your compensation claim. 

You have options after a driver’s red light running causes serious injuries or claims a loved one’s life. To learn more, contact the Steinberg Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney.