Legal Options After Being Hit by a Red-Light Runner in Tampa
If you were hit by a driver who ran a red light in Tampa, you can hold them liable through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Intersections are among the most hazardous places on Tampa’s roads. Fortunately, you may recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, depending on the specific circumstances of your situation.
At Matthews Injury Law, our Tampa car accident attorneys can help prove fault for your losses, handle your insurance claim, and push for the full value of your damages, whether through settlement negotiations or in court.
Your Legal Options After a Red-Light Collision in Tampa
Florida’s no-fault insurance rules mean your first step is filing a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim with your own insurer. This covers some medical expenses and lost wages. However, PIP benefits are limited and typically capped at $10,000, which rarely covers all the costs associated with serious collisions.
If your injuries are severe enough to meet the state’s injury threshold, you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver directly. This is particularly critical when your medical bills exceed what your PIP covers. Examples include a driver who was hit broadside and suffered broken bones and needs multiple surgeries, and a red-light crash in Hillsborough Avenue, where a victim suffered a brain injury.
In these cases, you may pursue damages for the full range of your losses. This can include emergency treatment, long-term care, lost income, diminished earning ability, and non-economic damages like pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Proving Fault in a Red-Light Accident
The biggest challenge is often proving that the other driver ran the red light. Insurers will not simply take your word for it. Evidence can include:
- Traffic camera footage – Many intersections use red-light cameras, which can provide clear proof
- Witness statements – Pedestrians, other drivers, or nearby businesses may confirm what happened
- Police crash reports – Officers often note traffic signal violations in their official findings
A Tampa car accident lawyer can likewise subpoena camera footage before it’s deleted, track down witnesses, and challenge any attempt by the insurance company to shift the blame back onto you.
How a Tampa Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Even with apparent fault, insurers still try to minimize payouts. They may argue your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim, or that you had a pre-existing condition. In some cases, they may allege that you were partially at fault for speeding or failing to take evasive action to avoid the crash. Unfortunately, many drivers have walked away with far less than they deserve because they tried to handle red-light crash claims on their own. A Tampa car accident lawyer can:
- Push beyond PIP limits to claim full damages when your injuries qualify.
- Preserve video evidence from red-light cameras before it’s lost.
- Bring in accident reconstruction experts to prove how the crash happened.
- Negotiate with insurers who are determined to pay as little as possible.
- Take the case to trial if the insurer doesn’t offer a fair settlement.
Seek Legal Guidance from Our Car Accident Lawyers in Tampa
Whether you’re dealing with your own insurer or another driver’s insurer, our car accident attorneys serving Tampa, FL, can help. To schedule your free consultation, call 813-530-1000 or send us an online request at Matthews Injury Law.