Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
Under Connecticut law, you can hold a driver liable for running a red light by proving negligence. Negligence requires four elements: duty, breach, causation and damages.
1. Duty and Breach
Every driver has a legal duty to obey traffic-control signals. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-300a requires drivers to stop at red lights. Section 14-218a further clarifies right-of-way when signals are in place. When a driver knowingly fails to stop at a red light, they breach that duty. (See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-300a; Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-218a.)
2. Causation
Next, you must link the breach to the crash. Prove that running the red light was the direct cause of the collision and your injuries or property damage. Physical evidence—skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, black-box data—and witness accounts can establish this link.
3. Damages
Finally, show that you suffered quantifiable harm, such as medical bills, lost wages or repair costs. Keep records of medical treatments, invoices and pay stubs to document your losses.
4. Gathering Evidence
• Police Report: A crash report from the Connecticut State Police or local department often notes a red-light violation.
• Traffic Signal Timing: Request signal-phase timing data from the municipality or state DOT to confirm the light’s operation at the time of collision.
• Photographs/Videos: Capture damage, intersection layout, signal heads and skid marks. Check for nearby traffic-camera or surveillance recordings.
• Witness Statements: Collect names and contact details of eyewitnesses. Their sworn statements can reinforce your version of events.
• Expert Analysis: Accident reconstruction specialists can recreate the sequence, speed and impact, strengthening causation arguments.
Helpful Hints
- Promptly preserve all evidence, including vehicle damage and signal data.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- File an insurance claim and keep correspondence records.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney early to protect deadlines and rights.
- Consider retaining an accident reconstruction expert when liability is disputed.