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According to the Federal Highway Administration, running a red light or other traffic control is the most common cause of all urban crashes. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that in 2022 alone – 1,149 individuals were killed in collisions related to red light running.
Red lights and stop signs are designed to keep traffic flowing in an orderly manner and reduce the risks of collisions on Utah roads. Failing to obey these signals can lead to serious crashes, life-changing injuries, and heavy financial burdens.
It is crucial to follow red lights and stop sign laws in Utah to avoid accidents. Yet even the safest drivers can find themselves injured because of another motorist’s unlawful actions.
If you face medical bills, lost wages, or ongoing rehabilitation expenses after a crash caused by someone who ignored a red light or stop sign, our Salt Lake City injury lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates can provide guidance on holding the at-fault party accountable.
Utah law mandates that drivers must come to a complete stop at a steady circular red signal. Before proceeding, motorists must ensure that it is safe and permissible to do so.
In all cases, a full stop is required, followed by a careful evaluation of oncoming traffic and pedestrians to ensure the move is safe.
When a driver encounters a stop sign, Utah law mandates a full stop at the clearly marked stop line, or if there is no line, before entering the crosswalk, or if there is no crosswalk, at the nearest point before entering the intersection. After stopping, a driver must yield to other vehicles or pedestrians who have already entered the intersection or are approaching close enough to pose a hazard.
Utah’s red light law applies to all drivers, but there are unique considerations for motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles at intersections.
If a motorcycle, moped, or bicycle is unable to trigger a traffic signal sensor at a red light after waiting at least 90 seconds and yielding to other traffic, the rider may carefully proceed through the intersection. This exception to the standard red light law in Utah addresses situations where the sensor fails to detect lighter vehicles, helping prevent unnecessary delays and ensuring the safe flow of traffic.
While this rule offers some flexibility, riders must exercise extreme caution and yield the right-of-way. Failure to follow Utah traffic rules at signals or stop signs may result in penalties or complicate potential injury claims after an accident.
If you ride a motorcycle, moped, or bicycle in Utah, understanding the rules for traffic signs in Utah is essential for your safety and for protecting your rights after a collision.
Under Utah Code §§ 41–6a–301 to 41–6a–305, failing to stop at a red light or stop sign could result in fines, points added to a driver’s record, and a potential increase in insurance premiums.
The consequences can be costly, both financially and legally, especially for repeat offenders or drivers involved in accidents. Taking these rules seriously helps protect your driving record and your wallet, while also reducing the risk of harm to others. If you’ve been involved in a traffic-related incident, consult a Utah accident attorney to discuss your options and protect your rights.
When traffic signals are not working in Utah, drivers must follow the stop sign law in Utah. According to Utah Code § 41-6a-305, if a traffic light is inoperative, each vehicle must come to a complete stop, yield to any traffic or pedestrians already in the intersection, and proceed only when safe. Ignoring these Utah traffic rules can lead to confusion and serious accidents.
Whether you’re questioning if you can turn right on red in Utah if the light is out or what to do at a broken signal, the answer is to treat the intersection as a stop sign. This rule protects everyone on the road.
If an accident occurs because someone failed to obey traffic signs in Utah or disregarded the stop sign law in Utah at a non-functioning light, they may be held liable for injuries and damages.
Red light and stop sign accidents often result from a combination of inattentiveness and risky driving behaviors, such as:
Safe driving habits not only help you avoid legal consequences but also protect lives, including your own. If you have questions about your rights or responsibilities after a traffic accident, reach out to a Utah traffic attorney for guidance.
Running a red light in Utah is a leading cause of devastating collisions. The most common accidents caused by ignoring the red light law in Utah include:
Understanding the types of crashes that stem from running a red light in Utah highlights the importance of following all traffic signs in Utah. These incidents not only lead to legal penalties but also open the door for personal injury claims, especially when someone’s reckless driving causes harm to others.
Traffic signals exist to regulate traffic flow and protect drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. When these signals are ignored, a variety of severe injuries can occur:
Medical bills, lost wages, and prolonged treatment can leave victims with significant financial strain. In many situations, the best way to seek compensation is to work with injury lawyers in Salt Lake City who focus on holding negligent drivers liable.
Being involved in a red light accident is stressful and disorienting. After any crash caused by running a red light in Utah or failing to stop at a stop sign, your priority should always be safety. Move to a safe area if possible, check for injuries, and call 911 to report the accident. Seek medical attention even if injuries are not immediately apparent, as symptoms can develop later.
It’s also vital to document the scene. Take photographs of vehicle positions, traffic signs in Utah at the location, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses, and obtain a copy of the police report. These steps can be crucial for establishing fault under Utah traffic rules and supporting your injury claim later on.
Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene, as your statements may be used against you in legal proceedings. Instead, focus on protecting your health and documenting evidence. A personal injury attorney can use this information to help you pursue compensation after a collision involving a red light law in Utah or violations of the stop sign law in Utah.
When another driver fails to obey red light and stop sign laws in Utah, your path toward a financial recovery may require legal action.
The amount of compensation you could recover depends on factors such as:
Punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault driver’s behavior is extremely reckless. However, Utah has guidelines regarding when and how punitive damages can be granted. An injury lawyer in Salt Lake City can go over what to expect in your particular situation.
If you have been injured due to someone running a red light in Utah, it is important to act quickly. You generally have 4 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Utah. Missing this deadline means you could lose your right to recover compensation, regardless of how clear the other driver’s fault may be under Utah traffic rules or red light law in Utah.
There may be exceptions, such as claims involving government vehicles or minor plaintiffs, which can shorten or extend the statute of limitations. To preserve your rights, consult a legal professional as soon as possible after a red light or stop sign crash in Utah.
In Utah, the concept of “fault” is critical in determining how damages are awarded.
The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages as long as your percentage of fault for the accident is below 50 percent. If your share of fault is 50 percent or more, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
When a motorist disregards a red light or stop sign, liability often falls on that driver because they violated a traffic safety rule. If two or more drivers ignored signals or contributed to the accident, each driver’s degree of fault is assessed under this system.
Gathering proof, such as witness statements, police reports, traffic camera footage, and expert accident reconstruction, can strengthen a claim and help determine liability. A qualified injury lawyer in Salt Lake City knows which evidence can be most persuasive in establishing fault.
It is vital to seek legal guidance if another driver’s recklessness caused a crash. Whether it’s collecting evidence, dealing with insurance companies, or preparing to bring your claim to court, support from experienced attorneys is often a key factor in achieving a favorable outcome.
By understanding red light and stop sign laws in Utah and working with Salt Lake City injury lawyers, you can pursue the compensation and sense of justice you deserve. At Craig Swapp & Associates, every injured person’s journey matters. It all starts with “One Call, That’s All” – so you can focus on regaining control of your life.
If you believe you have a claim, reach out to us to review your situation and guide you forward. Call our office today at 1-866-308-3822 or fill out our online contact form to have your free consultation scheduled.
Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp