Zephyrhills Auto Accident Attorney Helps Victims Injured by Red Light Runners
Sep 13, 2011
Zephyrhills, FL (Law Firm Newswire) September 12, 2011 – Red light cameras at traffic signals are getting a lot of attention in the greater Tampa Bay area. At least 15 intersections will have them installed soon and violators will receive a $158 ticket when at fault. In the Tampa Bay area, more than 1,200 auto accidents happen because of drivers running red lights. Serious injuries and even death occur due to red light runners. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says that half of the accidents involve pedestrians nationwide.
“Pedestrians and other drivers will benefit from these cameras,” said Zephyrhills auto accident attorney Robert Alston, of Alston & Baker, P.A. “Drivers who care about people will make a change in their habits of running a red light after getting the fine in the mail.”
In cities where red light cameras are used, the IIHS says that crashes decreased 24 percent. Cameras take a picture of any auto that does not fully stop during the red phase. The IIHS says that many red light cameras allow half a second after the red light goes on before a picture will be taken. The cameras are quite sophisticated and show vehicle speed, license plate, day and time, time elapsed in the red phase, and shots of the vehicle approaching the light.
“Bad accidents can happen when a driver does not take the yellow light seriously,” said Alston. “That is what the yellow is there for – to slow you down as the red light is imminent.”
Serious injuries such as brain injuries, shattered bones, and the need for long-term care have happened in red light accidents. While some opponents say the cameras violate privacy or are there just to make money, the victims of red light accidents feel otherwise.
“It is a traumatic accident to go through,” said Alston. “I have had clients who took months and years to recover and others lost their loved one. Did the violators really need to get through traffic a few seconds faster? I think we can all slow down for the benefit of everyone.”
Robert Alston has counseled clients after serious accidents for more than a decade. He fights for a client’s rights to get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other benefits to help them heal. Alston & Baker, P.A. represents auto accident victims against individuals and insurance companies throughout Pasco County and Tampa Bay.
To contact a Zephyrhills accident attorney, Zephyrhills social security lawyer, or Zephyrhills divorce lawyer, visit http://www.alstonbakerlaw.com.
Alston & Baker, P.A.
5518 Seventh Street
Zephyrhills, Florida 33542
Call: 813-779-8895
Toll-free: 1-888-500-5245
