What Happens if You Accidentally Run a Red Light and Cause Injury in New York State

Ran a Red Light by Accident in New York State

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in New York after running a red light, it’s critical to understand your legal rights and potential liabilities. A red light accident in New York can lead to serious injuries and may result in both civil and criminal consequences, including substantial financial damages and long-term costs.

These cases often raise questions like “What happens if you run a red light and cause an accident in New York?” or “Am I liable if I accidentally ran a red light in NYC?” The answer depends on the circumstances, but victims may pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, while at-fault drivers may face lawsuits and penalties.

Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best way to protect your interests. At Curan & Ahlers, our attorneys investigate red light crash cases, gather critical evidence such as traffic camera footage and police reports, and handle negotiations with insurance companies. Whether you were a driver, passenger, or pedestrian injured in a red light car accident in New York, our legal team will fight to minimize liability and maximize the compensation you deserve.

What to Do if You Accidentally Ran a Red Light and Caused an Injury 

If you ran a red light and caused an injury in New York, your first priority should always be safety. Check yourself and others for injuries, call emergency services, and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. Cooperate with police, but avoid admitting fault on the spot—liability for red light accidents in New York is determined through the official investigation.

Be proactive in protecting your case: document the accident scene with photos, gather witness information, and notify your insurance company promptly. Because New York red light injury accidents often involve complex issues of liability and compensation, consulting a skilled personal injury lawyer is essential.

At Curan & Ahlers, our experienced New York car accident attorneys know how to build a defense strategy, handle communications with insurers, and pursue fair outcomes. Even if you are found partially responsible under New York’s comparative negligence laws, we fight to minimize liability and secure the maximum compensation for victims of red light accident claims.

Who Is Liable in a New York Red Light Accident with Injuries?

In most cases, liability in a New York red light accident with injuries falls on the driver who failed to stop at the traffic signal. Running a red light is considered negligence under New York traffic laws, and drivers who ignore or violate a signal often cause devastating red light car accidents that injure other motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Proving fault in these cases typically relies on traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements, all of which are crucial in a New York red light injury accident claim.

However, determining liability in a red light accident is not always straightforward. Under New York comparative negligence law, responsibility may be shared between multiple parties. For example, another driver may be partially liable if they were speeding, distracted, or failed to take evasive action to avoid the collision. In rare situations, even third parties—such as municipalities responsible for defective traffic lights or poorly maintained intersections—may bear responsibility.

Because red light accident cases in New York can involve multiple defendants and insurance companies, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential. At Curan & Ahlers, our attorneys investigate every angle of a red light crash claim, gather evidence, and fight to hold all responsible parties accountable so you can recover full and fair compensation.

Common Injuries from Red Light Accidents in New York

Red light car accidents in New York intersections often cause severe and life-changing injuries due to the high speeds and sudden impacts involved. Some of the most common New York red light accident injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries from sudden jolts

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by head impacts

• Fractures and broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs

• Spinal cord injuries that may lead to partial or permanent disability

• Internal bleeding and organ damage requiring emergency medical care

In the most serious red light crashes, victims may face long-term rehabilitation, permanent disability, or even wrongful death claims.

Pedestrians and cyclists hit in a New York red light accident are especially vulnerable, often suffering catastrophic harm such as pelvic fractures, spinal damage, and severe head trauma. Because they lack the protection of a vehicle, these injuries are often more devastating and require significant medical treatment and recovery time.

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a red light accident, an experienced New York car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

Legal Consequences of Accidentally Running a Red Light and Causing Injury

Running a red light and causing an accident with injuries in New York carries both civil and criminal consequences. On the civil side, the at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for the victim’s medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Injured parties may file a New York personal injury claim to recover damages, and under the state’s comparative negligence law, liability may increase significantly if the driver is found primarily at fault in a red light accident claim.

Criminal penalties can also apply. Drivers may face traffic violations, fines, license points, or suspension. In cases involving severe injury or death, charges such as reckless driving or even vehicular manslaughter could be filed, bringing heavier fines, probation, or possible jail time. Evidence of impairment at the time of the red light crash in New York will escalate penalties further.

Beyond legal sanctions, drivers often face increased insurance premiums and lasting impacts on their driving record. Because the stakes are so high, it’s critical for at-fault drivers to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands both the civil and criminal aspects of New York red light accidents. At Curan & Ahlers, our attorneys can protect your rights, defend against excessive liability, and pursue fair outcomes in cases involving red light injury accidents across Westchester and NYC.

Can You Be Sued for Running a Red Light Accidentally?

Yes. Even if the violation was unintentional, running a red light in New York is considered negligence, and you can be held liable for any resulting damages. If a red light accident causes injuries or property damage, the injured party has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Under New York’s comparative negligence laws, you may still be responsible for a portion of damages even if the other driver shares some fault in the crash. For example, if both drivers contributed to the accident, liability is divided based on each party’s percentage of fault. This means you could be sued for accidentally running a red light in New York, even if you weren’t entirely at fault.

Compensation You May Owe After a Red Light Accident Injury

After a red light accident resulting in injury, the at-fault driver may owe compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage including costs for emergency care, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. If the accident caused severe injuries or negligence, punitive damages may also apply. The total compensation depends on the severity of the injury and the level of fault.

Impact of New York’s No-Fault Insurance on Red Light Accident Claims

New York’s no-fault insurance system allows drivers and passengers to receive compensation for medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Claims are filed with the injured party’s insurance provider, covering medical bills up to the policy’s limits. No-fault insurance doesn’t cover pain and suffering. Significant disfigurement, fractures, or severe injuries must have occurred to receive more compensation. Drivers who run a red light can still face legal consequences and financial liability for serious accidents.

When to Consult a New York Personal Injury Lawyer After a Red Light Accident

After a New York red light accident, speak to a New York personal injury lawyer soon after it happens. A skilled attorney who can negotiate with insurance companies is best because your attorney can fight for your rights. They will also ensure important evidence isn’t lost which could impact the outcome of your case. You need a qualified attorney to manage your legal case. Your case is more likely to have a favorable result if you hire Curan & Ahlers as soon as possible.

How a Lawyer Can Help with a Red Light Accident Injury Claim

Skilled personal injury lawyers can secure a red light accident settlement by gathering valuable evidence, to build a strong case. They protect your rights throughout the process and handle negotiations with insurance companies for fair compensation. If fault is disputed, a lawyer can develop a solid defense strategy to counter claims of shared liability and reduce the impact of comparative negligence. By managing the legal complexities, a lawyer maximizes your chances of achieving a favorable settlement while allowing you to focus on recovery.

Legal Defenses for Accidental Red Light Violations Causing Injuries

Legal defenses for accidental red light violations causing injuries often emphasize that the accident or violation was beyond the driver’s control. Common defenses include malfunctioning traffic signals, limited visibility due to weather or obstructions, or emergency situations. Drivers’ attorneys can challenge the accuracy of traffic camera footage or officer reports. In some cases, demonstrating comparative negligence can prove the plaintiff contributed to the accident which can reduce liability. 

How Red Light Cameras Affect Personal Injury Claims

Red light cameras impact personal injury claims by providing objective evidence of fault in an accident. Camera footage confirms whether a driver ran a red light, establishing liability when fault is disputed. This evidence can strengthen the injured party’s claim by demonstrating that the at-fault driver violated traffic laws, making it easier to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

For the defense, red light camera footage can show mitigating factors, such as another driver’s actions contributing to the accident, supporting a comparative negligence argument. Red light cameras can influence the outcome of personal injury claims, especially when they prove who is actually at fault. 

Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in New York

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If your case involves a wrongful death claim, you have two years from the date of death to file. Claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines—requiring a notice of claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within one year and 90 days.

Special circumstances, such as claims involving minors or individuals who are incapacitated, may extend the filing deadline. Acting quickly is crucial, as hiring our team early allows us to preserve critical evidence and build a stronger case for maximum compensation.

At Curan & Ahlers, we handle all types of personal injury claims, from car accidents to slip and fall injuries, and we don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.