Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney before making decisions.
Detailed Answer
When a driver runs a red light and causes a collision in Utah, you must show four core elements of negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Utah law requires all drivers to obey traffic-control signals. Under Utah Code § 41-6a-305, a driver facing a steady red signal must stop at the marked line or before entering the intersection (U.C.A. 41-6a-305).
Here’s how to prove each element:
1. Duty and Breach
- Show the other driver had a duty to obey the red light under U.C.A. 41-6a-305.
- Prove they breached that duty by running the red light. Use evidence such as:
- Traffic camera or dashcam video timestamps.
- Photos of the signal showing a red light at the moment of entry.
- Official police or traffic collision report stating signal violation.
2. Causation
- Link the breach directly to your crash. Identify:
- Point of impact matching the intersection path.
- Skid marks or debris indicating evasive maneuvers.
- Expert reconstruction diagrams.
3. Damages
- Document physical injuries, vehicle damage, and lost wages.
- Use medical records and repair estimates.
Gathering and Preserving Evidence
Follow these steps immediately after the collision:
- Call law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Take photographs of the scene, traffic lights, road markings, and vehicle positions.
- Collect witness names, contact information, and written statements.
- Retrieve video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses.
- Keep all medical bills, repair estimates, and receipts.
Legal Standards in Utah
Utah applies a pure comparative negligence rule. Under U.C.A. 78B-5-818, you can recover damages even if you share some fault. The court reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault. Ensure your evidence clearly shows the red-light runner was primarily at fault.
Helpful Hints
- Act quickly: evidence can disappear, cameras get overwritten, and memories fade.
- Hire a qualified accident reconstruction expert to support causation.
- Review your own actions to minimize comparative negligence.
- Request all video recordings under Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA).
- Keep a detailed incident diary while preparing your claim.
By following these steps and citing the applicable Utah traffic statutes, you can build a strong case to prove another driver’s liability after a red-light collision.