It only takes a split-second decision to change someone’s life forever. The consequences can be devastating when a driver runs a red light, whether from distraction, poor visibility, or simple error. The risk of injury in a red light crash is significant in a city like Indianapolis, where intersections are busy and traffic flows quickly. Here’s what happens if you run a red light and cause an accident.
Blackburn Romey is here to explain the legal, financial, and personal implications that follow. Understanding how Indiana law handles red light crashes is vital, especially when they result in injury. These situations can escalate quickly, causing harm to others and putting your driving record and financial stability at risk. Knowing your responsibilities and the potential outcomes helps you make informed decisions after a traffic violation.
Causing an accident by running a red light often leads to serious legal and financial consequences. Drivers can expect to be held responsible through fines, license points, and potential increases in auto insurance premiums. Beyond traffic penalties, you may also bear civil liability for harm caused to others, including compensation for medical treatment, missed income from work, and damage to personal property.
Roads are often most slick during a rainstorm’s first moments. In Indiana, running a red light is considered a traffic violation and can immediately place you at fault if an accident occurs. These collisions often result in severe injuries because they usually involve side impacts, where vehicles are struck at high speeds. In addition to police citations, you might be pursued in civil court for compensation by anyone harmed in the crash.
Red light infractions come with steep penalties, particularly when bodily harm is involved. Drivers in Indiana may face:
If the violation is deemed reckless or repeated, criminal charges could follow. These include misdemeanors or even felonies if someone is seriously injured or killed in the collision. Courts may also factor in aggravating elements like excessive speeding, driving under the influence, texting while driving, or prior convictions.
Sometimes, the court may impose probation, community service, or mandatory driving education. Regardless of intent, legal accountability is enforced strictly, and defendants should expect serious repercussions in civil and criminal proceedings.
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Liability typically falls on the driver who failed to obey the traffic signal. Indiana’s traffic code makes it clear: a driver facing a red light must stop completely before proceeding.
According to Indiana Code Title 9, Article 21, Chapter 3, Section 9-21-3-7, “vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red or red arrow signal shall stop at a marked stop line. However, if there is no marked stop line, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the intersection and remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown.”
While fault generally lies with the red light runner, Indiana follows a comparative fault system. This means if the other driver also contributed to the accident, their percentage of fault reduces the compensation they can collect. For example, the court might assign them partial blame if they were speeding.
Red light accidents are among the most dangerous and frequently lead to devastating outcomes. Side-impact or T-bone crashes commonly occur at intersections and can cause extreme trauma, especially when vehicles are traveling at full speed and safety systems like airbags or crumple zones fail to absorb the full impact. Victims may suffer:
These types of injuries often require emergency medical attention, prolonged hospitalization, and multiple surgeries. Recovery may involve physical therapy, rehabilitation programs, and, in some cases, permanent disability. The emotional toll on victims and their families is equally significant, disrupting daily life, employment, and personal relationships for months or even years.
Damages can include economic and non-economic losses. These may involve:
Compensation also extends to legal fees and court costs in many cases. Each element is considered when a personal injury claim is filed after a red light collision.
Yes, even if the act was unintentional, you can be sued for the resulting damages. In civil court, intent is often less important than the consequences. Victims have the right to pursue restitution for injuries and financial harm. You may be liable if your action directly caused the crash, even if you didn’t mean to break the law.
Negligence is the cornerstone of civil liability. Running a red light typically meets the criteria of negligence, as it breaches the duty of care owed to other road users. Plaintiffs only need to show that your action led to the accident and that they suffered harm. Because of this, having legal representation becomes crucial to navigate claims and defend your rights.
If you or someone you love was injured in an intersection collision due to a red light violation, Blackburn Romey can help. These situations are complex, and liability isn’t always as clear-cut as it seems.
Our team understands Indiana’s laws, how local courts interpret them, and what it takes to build a strong case. Contact us at 833-FOR-HELP to discuss your situation and how we can protect your interests after a serious accident in Indiana.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.
