Running a red light in Indiana can lead to life-changing consequences, not only for the driver but for everyone else involved. Drivers often ask what happens if you run a red light and cause an accident. The reality is straightforward: a driver who runs a red light and causes a crash will usually be found responsible and held liable for damages, which may include medical bills, property repairs, and even non-economic costs like emotional distress. Penalties such as fines, loss of driving privileges, or criminal prosecution can also apply, depending on the circumstances and state law.
At Blackburn Romey, we have seen how these cases develop and the impact they can have on victims and their families.
In practical terms, running a red light means entering an intersection after the signal has turned red, whether at a standard or flashing red light. This includes failing to stop completely or attempting to enter the intersection before the light turns green or flashing yellow.
Failing to stop at a red light is not just a minor violation. It can be evidence of negligence if it results in a collision.
When a driver disregards a red light and collides with another vehicle, they face both legal and financial consequences. Depending on the harm caused, these can range from traffic tickets to serious criminal charges.
For many drivers, running a red light will lead to a traffic citation and points on their driving record. However, if the action causes a severe injury or death, prosecutors may pursue charges such as reckless driving or vehicular homicide. These criminal penalties can include fines, probation, license suspension, and even jail time.
Traffic violations for red-light running also come with significant financial costs, including increased insurance premiums. Over time, the combined expenses can be substantial.
In civil court, the driver who ran the red light can be sued for damages by the injured parties. These lawsuits seek compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other losses. State negligence rules may allow the injured party to hold the at-fault driver accountable through a personal injury claim. Even if it was unintentional, what happens if you accidentally run a red light and cause injury is that liability can still fall on the driver.
This is where people often want to know whether the violation alone proves liability. While it’s strong evidence, fault is ultimately determined by the facts of the case, including traffic camera footage, witness accounts, and accident reconstruction reports.
In many of these cases, attorneys are also asked how the outcome of what happens if you run a red light and cause an accident might affect the amount of damages awarded.
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Determining fault in an Indiana red-light accident involves reviewing every piece of available evidence. Police reports, video recordings, and physical evidence from the scene help establish what happened in the moments before impact.
Insurance adjusters and attorneys will also look for traffic signal timing data and eyewitness testimony. This evidence can be used to show that one driver violated the traffic signal, directly causing the collision. Understanding what happens if you run a red light and cause an accident in the context of state liability rules helps victims and drivers know how fault is assigned.
Indiana uses a modified comparative fault system, meaning fault can be shared between multiple persons or entities. For example, if the driver with the green light was speeding at the time of the crash, they might be assigned a percentage of fault.
In Indiana, plaintiffs may still recover damages if their fault does not exceed fifty percent (50%), but their compensation would be reduced according to their share of responsibility. Plaintiffs whose share of fault exceed fifty percent cannot receive any compensation for their injuries. This approach makes accurate fault determination essential in every red-light accident case, and speaking with an attorney is often the best way to understand how fault may be assigned in your situation.
Victims injured by a red-light runner can seek various forms of compensation through a personal injury claim. Depending on the case, this may include:
The exact amount will depend on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s daily life.
After a red-light accident in Indiana, safety and legal compliance come first:
The aftermath of a red-light accident can bring confusion, stress, and uncertainty, particularly when injuries, mounting bills, and disputes with insurers are part of the picture. At Blackburn Romey, we assist individuals involved in these incidents by guiding them through the legal process.
When you need clear answers about what to do if someone runs a red light and causes an accident, our attorneys can explain how the law applies to your circumstances. Call us today at 833-FOR-HELP for a free consultation and let’s discuss your case.
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.
