Traffic lights are essentially the road referees. They have been bossing us around for ages to make sure that people and cars do not just engage in bumper cars at every intersection.
However, some people still treat traffic lights as optional. Many cities have therefore put up red-light cameras that are constantly observing and taking photos when one decides the rules do not apply to them.
Stay tuned to learn just how these cameras operate and their effects on Florida motor vehicle collision claims.
Understanding Red Light Cameras
Red-light cameras hide at busy intersections, biding their time until some daredevil blows the red and the sensors of these cameras spring to life to take photographs and video evidence of the driver’s car, number plate, and face.
They can usually be spotted where the activity is highest or where car accidents often happen. America began installing them in the early 2000s to make the highways safer and hold people accountable.
The video comes in very handy when debating who hit whom following a collision.
How Red Light Cameras Impact Your Case
Red light cameras can be either your saving grace or completely throw you under the bus; it just depends on what is caught on video. Imagine this scenario: someone comes flying through a red light and slams directly into you. That video makes it clear that the other driver was at fault.
However, if the tables do turn and it is you who has been discovered zippering the intersection, things are not quite so rosy anymore. You can be sure insurance adjusters will be swarming all over it, looking to place some of the blame on you, perhaps avoiding payout altogether.
Bottom line: the camera is not interested in narratives; it simply records whatever transpired, and that raw, unedited video is more compelling than whatever it is that you have to show afterward.
Safety Beyond Red Light Cameras
“Not every intersection has a red-light camera, but that doesn’t mean drivers can ignore red lights. Running lights endangers lives, including your own,” says attorney Jimmy Fasig of Fasig | Brooks Law Office.
You may think that you are saving thirty seconds, but meanwhile, you are taking a gamble on destroying someone’s day or their entire life. Intersection car accidents can be fatal. T-bone accidents are not just fender benders; people get seriously injured, or worse.
The Role of the Attorney in Red Light Cameras Litigation
Video evidence on its own is not always enough to settle your case. Insurance companies may try to argue that the camera footage doesn’t paint the full picture, and they may try to shift the blame towards you. This is where having a car accident attorney on your side can pay off. They can collect and present evidence on your behalf, fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Selecting the Best Lawyer
Determining the appropriate car accident lawyer for the car collision is not rocket science, yet it is something that should not be hastily decided upon, either. You need someone who has real-world knowledge of the ins and outs, particularly where red-light cameras are involved.
Review their history of successful cases. Check client feedback, but don’t get caught up in the noise of glowing five-star ratings. Try to set up an initial consultation to get a sense of how they will communicate with you. If you cannot trust them, move on. You want the person who genuinely cares on your side, not one who is just looking for a paycheck.