Illinois Red Light Car Accident Lawyers

Attorneys for Victims Injured By a Car That Ran a Red Light

Running a red light is one of the most dangerous types of traffic misconduct. When a driver blows through a red signal, the resulting crashes tend to be severe: T-bone collisions at high speeds, left-turn crashes, and crashes that strike pedestrians or bicyclists. In Illinois, these car accidents contribute substantially to intersection injuries and deaths every year.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are dedicated to standing up for individuals and families whose lives have been changed by someone else’s negligence. With decades of experience handling serious personal injury cases throughout Illinois, our team has built a reputation for meticulous investigation, aggressive advocacy, and compassionate client service. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges injured victims face, and we work tirelessly to secure full and fair compensation for their losses. Whether you are recovering from a car accident, a trucking collision, a pedestrian accident, or another act of negligence, our firm is committed to protecting your rights and guiding you through every step of the legal process.

“Intersections should be places we can pass through safely, not places where a single mistake ruins lives. When someone runs a red light and injures another person, the consequences are often life-changing. We help victims hold negligent drivers and insurers accountable so people can focus on recovery.” — John J. Malm, Naperville car accident attorney

How Dangerous Are Red Light Accidents?

• Nationally, red-light running remains a major cause of fatal intersection crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that in 2023 there were 1,086 people killed in crashes that involved red-light running, and more than 135,000 people were injured in red-light running crashes that year. Roughly half of those killed were pedestrians, bicyclists, or occupants in other vehicles struck by the red-light runner.
• In Illinois, motor vehicle fatalities continue to be significant. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) crash summaries show 1,240 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2023, and state reports identify intersection-related crashes as one of the persistent contributors to fatal crashes. For example, IDOT/NHTSA summaries for 2021 cited roughly 338 fatal crashes that were intersection-related that year. These intersection deaths include many collisions where a signal violation, including running a red light, was a factor.
• Signalized intersections account for a disproportionate share of intersection fatalities. The Federal Highway Administration notes that signalized intersections represent about one-third of all intersection fatalities, and a “large proportion” of those involve red-light running. That makes signal compliance and enforcement critical to saving lives.

Why Red Light Accidents Are So Severe

Red light crashes are dangerous for several reasons:

• Angle (T-bone) collisions: a vehicle crossing the path of another at the intersection’s center frequently hits the side of the struck vehicle. Side structures offer less crash protection than the front and rear.
• High closing speeds: when a vehicle accelerates to beat a signal, impact energy increases dramatically.
• Vulnerable road users: pedestrians and bicyclists crossing on a walk signal are especially exposed. IIHS data show many red-light deaths are pedestrians or bicyclists victimized by red-light runners.

Because of those factors, red-light crashes often result in severe injuries (head trauma, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, multiple fractures) and higher medical costs and long-term disability than many other urban crash types.

Where in Illinois are Red Light Cameras Used?

Illinois permits automated red-light enforcement (red-light cameras) in specific counties and local jurisdictions under state law and IDOT policy. IDOT’s automated enforcement guidance and program materials explain that eight counties (including Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, and Will) are authorized to implement red light running (RLR) enforcement systems under the Illinois Vehicle Code and that local agencies must follow IDOT policy when cameras are placed on state routes. Major municipalities, including Chicago, run automated enforcement programs and publish annual reports showing the safety benefits and program results.

Evidence from Chicago’s automated enforcement reports and IIHS research indicates red-light safety cameras, when properly implemented, reduce fatal red-light running crash rates in large cities and reduce fatal crashes at signalized intersections. IIHS research found camera programs reduced the fatal red-light crash rate of large cities by about 21% and reduced all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by about 14% in study cities. Local evaluations like Chicago’s annual automated enforcement report show improvements in safety metrics where the program is maintained.

Common Causes of Red Light Accidents

Research and crash reports identify repeatable causes of red-light crashes:

• Distraction (cell phones, infotainment, in-vehicle tasks).
• Impatience/aggressive driving: drivers trying to make the light.
• Speeding: higher speed increases risk of running the light and increases crash severity.
• Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs): substance impairment degrades judgment and reaction time.
• Complex intersections and geometry: poor sight lines, lane confusion, or short yellow intervals contribute.
• Inadequate signal timing: overly short yellow intervals or ambiguous phasing can increase red-light violations and crashes.
• Time-of-day and lighting: nighttime crashes involving pedestrians are overrepresented in many studies.

Typical Injuries from Red Light Accidents

Red-light collisions often cause:

• Traumatic brain injuries (concussions to severe TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Multiple fractures (pelvis, femur, ribs) and orthopedic trauma
• Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding
• Soft-tissue injuries and whiplash that can become chronic

Because many red-light crashes strike occupants on the side of the vehicle or vulnerable pedestrians, treatment often includes emergency surgery, long hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. This translates into high medical bills, lost wages, and substantial non-economic harms (pain, diminished quality of life). National estimates and IIHS reporting place the annual injury toll in the hundreds of thousands for red-light related crashes.

Liability and Typical Insurance/Legal Issues After a Red Light Accident

• Presumption of fault: In many jurisdictions, a driver who runs a red light and strikes another vehicle or a pedestrian will be presumed negligent and that presumption is a strong basis for a bodily injury claim. However, fault can be contested. For example, by proving the signal was malfunctioning, the other driver ran a red light as well, or there was comparative negligence (e.g., pedestrian darting into traffic).
• Evidence matters: Police crash reports, traffic camera or surveillance video, witness statements, vehicle damage patterns, and reconstruction reports are critical. Preservation of physical evidence (the damaged vehicles, the signal timing logs, video) is often decisive.
• Insurance claims: The at-fault driver’s liability coverage typically pays for the injured party’s medical bills, lost wages, and property damage up to policy limits. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, a victim may claim under their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if applicable).

Because insurers often try to reduce payouts, injured people should consider hiring an experienced Illinois car accident lawyer, particularly when injuries are substantial or liability is disputed.

Steps To Take After a Red Light Accident

• Call 911 and get medical care. Even if injuries appear minor, get checked. Some injuries worsen after the adrenaline fades.
• Report the crash and obtain the police report number. An official crash report documents the incident and any citations issued.
• Collect and preserve evidence:
  • Take photos of vehicle positions, damage, traffic signals, skid marks, and injuries.
  • Get names and contact information for witnesses.
  • Note the signal phase and any camera presence; if a private or automated camera captured the crash, preserve that fact and ask authorities to secure the footage.
• Do not admit fault at the scene. Limit statements to the facts (what happened) and avoid apologies or admissions.
• Notify your insurer but consult an attorney before giving detailed recorded statements if your injuries are serious.
• Contact an Illinois injury attorney experienced in intersection and red light crash cases. Lawyers can preserve evidence, work with reconstruction experts, and negotiate with insurers.

How John J. Malm & Associates Prepares a Case After a Red Light Accident

At John J. Malm & Associates, our dedicated car accident attorneys:

• Secure and preserve evidence: crash reports, signal timing logs, surveillance or red-light camera footage, witness statements and photos.
• Work with accident reconstruction experts to model the crash and demonstrate fault and speed/impact dynamics.
• Coordinate medical records and expert medical opinions documenting injuries, prognosis, and future care needs.
• Document economic losses: medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity.
• Negotiate with insurers, or file suit if a fair settlement cannot be reached, and prepare for trial when necessary.
• Assist with claims against public entities when roadway design, signal timing or maintenance contributed to the crash (note: special notice rules and shorter deadlines can apply).

Frequently Asked Questions about Red Light Accidents

Q: If the other driver ran a red light, is that proof they’re at fault?
A: Running a red light is strong evidence of negligence and commonly establishes liability, but every crash has its own facts. Sometimes the signal was malfunctioning, the light changed unexpectedly, or both drivers claim the other ran a light. Evidence (video, witnesses, physical damage patterns, signal timing logs) decides disputes.

Q: Do red light cameras prove fault?
A: Camera footage can be extremely persuasive evidence of a violation and is often used by prosecutors or civil litigants. However, camera images might not show context (e.g., driver reaction or whether the other party contributed), so footage is part of the case but not always dispositive on its own.

Q: What if the intersection signal was not working?
A: If a signal was dark or flashing, liability becomes more fact-specific. A defect in the signal or negligent maintenance can create a claim against the responsible governmental entity, but claims against public entities have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so consult an attorney promptly. I

Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Illinois?
A: Illinois has statutes of limitation that limit how long you have to file a lawsuit, typically two years for personal injury against private parties, but claims against government bodies (for negligent roadway design or signal maintenance) have different notice and filing deadlines. Because deadlines vary and are strict, consult an attorney early.

Q: Are pedestrians often the victims in red light crashes?
A: Yes. IIHS data show that a large share of red-light crash fatalities involve pedestrians and bicyclists who are struck by vehicles running the light.

Contact the Top-Rated Red Light Accident Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, our dedicated Illinois car accident attorneys represent people hurt in intersection and red light crashes. We preserve evidence, work with reconstruction and medical experts, and fight insurers to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact our office today. The sooner evidence is secured, the better your chances of a full recovery of damages. Don’t let deadlines or insurance tactics jeopardize your claim, let our team guide you through the process and help you focus on healing.