New York City Traffic Signal Violations Lawyers

Experienced Traffic Signal Violation Lawyers in NYC

In a city as busy as New York, traffic signals are essential for maintaining order and safety on the roads. When drivers ignore red lights, fail to yield at intersections, or misinterpret traffic signals, the results can be catastrophic. These violations are not just minor infractions—they often lead to serious accidents that can leave victims with life-altering injuries. Whether it’s a driver running a red light or failing to obey a traffic signal while turning, these reckless actions put everyone at risk, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. At The Orlow Firm, our NYC car accident attorneys understand the devastating impact these accidents can have, and we’re here to help victims hold negligent drivers accountable.

How Traffic Signal Violations Lead to Serious Accidents

Traffic signal violations are a major contributor to dangerous accidents throughout New York City. The fast-paced environment, crowded intersections, and high volume of vehicles and pedestrians make even a single mistake potentially deadly. When drivers fail to obey traffic signals, the consequences can be severe and far-reaching.

Common types of traffic signal violations that often lead to accidents include:

• Running red lights or stop signs

• Failing to yield the right of way at intersections

• Making illegal turns on red

• Ignoring pedestrian crosswalk signals

• Speeding through yellow lights

• Blocking the box or intersection

• Turning without a green arrow or proper clearance

Each of these violations can result in serious crashes, including T-bone collisions, sideswipes, and pedestrian impacts. Victims are often left with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. At The Orlow Firm, we work to uncover the full details of the accident and hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Traffic Signal Violation Accident?

Determining liability in a traffic signal violation accident can be complex, especially in a bustling city like New York. While the driver who violated the signal is often at fault, there may be additional parties who share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• The at-fault driver – for running a red light, failing to yield, or disobeying a signal

• Vehicle owners – if the driver was operating someone else’s vehicle

• Employers – if the accident involved a commercial or delivery vehicle

• Municipal entities – in cases involving defective or poorly placed traffic signals

• Other drivers – who may have contributed through distracted or reckless driving

Establishing liability often requires a thorough investigation, including reviewing traffic camera footage, police reports, witness statements, and expert analysis. The Orlow Firm has decades of experience uncovering the facts and pursuing compensation from all responsible parties.

Common Injuries Resulting from Signal Violation Accidents

Accidents caused by traffic signal violations often occur at intersections and involve sudden, high-impact collisions. These types of crashes frequently result in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries

• Broken bones and fractures

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis

• Lacerations and facial injuries

• Internal bleeding and organ damage

• Psychological trauma, such as PTSD or anxiety

These injuries can lead to long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. At The Orlow Firm, we work with medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts to fully understand the extent of your injuries and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a traffic signal violation, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to help restore what you’ve lost—financially, physically, and emotionally—by holding the at-fault party accountable.

Potential forms of compensation include:

• Medical expenses – current and future treatment, hospital bills, surgeries, rehab

• Lost wages – for time missed from work due to the injury

• Loss of earning capacity – if you’re unable to return to your previous job

• Pain and suffering – for physical pain and emotional distress

• Property damage – including vehicle repair or replacement

• Out-of-pocket costs – such as transportation, medication, and caregiving

• Wrongful death damages – if a loved one was killed in the accident

At The Orlow Firm, we evaluate every aspect of your case to pursue the maximum compensation available under New York law.

How The Orlow Firm Can Help

At The Orlow Firm, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident caused by a traffic signal violation. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way—from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to trial.

Here’s how we help our clients:

• Thorough Investigation: We gather evidence, review surveillance footage, obtain police reports, and consult accident reconstruction experts.

• Proving Liability: We identify all potentially liable parties and build a strong case to hold them accountable.

• Maximizing Compensation: We work to ensure all damages are accounted for, including future medical needs and lost income.

• Personalized Legal Support: We treat every client with compassion, offering one-on-one attention and regular updates.

• No Fee Unless We Win: You don’t pay us unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

With decades of experience representing accident victims across New York City, The Orlow Firm is committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why Choose The Orlow Firm for Your Case

When it comes to handling traffic signal violation cases in New York City, not all law firms are created equal. At The Orlow Firm, we bring a unique combination of legal experience, local knowledge, and unwavering client commitment that sets us apart.

Here’s why injury victims trust us:

• Established Track Record: Since 1982, we’ve secured millions in settlements and verdicts for accident victims across NYC.

• Focused Expertise: We concentrate exclusively on personal injury law, giving us deep insight into traffic-related cases.

• Client-Centered Approach: We treat clients like family, offering responsive communication and compassionate guidance.

• Local Insight: As a NYC-based firm, we understand the unique challenges of city traffic laws and municipal liability.

• Respected Reputation: Our attorneys are recognized within the legal community, and our firm is known for ethical, aggressive representation.

Choosing The Orlow Firm means partnering with a team that’s truly invested in your recovery and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I was hit by a driver who ran a red light?
Seek medical attention immediately, call the police to file a report, and gather any available evidence such as witness contact information or photos. Then, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights.

Can I still recover compensation if the driver wasn’t ticketed for the violation?
Yes. While a traffic ticket can support your case, it’s not required to prove liability. Our legal team can investigate and build a case based on other forms of evidence.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you may still be entitled to compensation even if you were partially responsible. However, your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long do I have to file a claim?
In most personal injury cases in New York, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, claims against the city or other government entities have shorter deadlines, so it’s best to act quickly.

Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but The Orlow Firm is fully prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get the compensation you deserve.

Success Stories and Case Results

At The Orlow Firm, our results speak for themselves. We’ve helped countless New Yorkers secure the compensation they needed after being injured by negligent drivers—including those who violated traffic signals. While every case is unique, our commitment to achieving justice remains constant.

Some of our recent successes include:

• • $997,997 for a driver whose taxi was hit head on by a truck. He injured his back which required surgery.
  • $750,000 for a maintenance worker was a passenger in a work vehicle that was involved in an accident with another truck.
  • $675,000 – Client was rear-ended by a tractor trailer. He required arthroscopic surgery for both shoulders.
  • $650,000 for a passenger on a motorcycle that was struck by a police car. She suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured jaw that required surgery.
  • $650,000 for a women who was a passenger on a bus that was struck by a tractor trailer. She injured her hand and shoulder both of which required surgery.
  • $325,000 for a woman who was stopped in traffic when a bus reversed into her vehicle. She injured her shoulder and knee, both requiring surgery.

These outcomes were the result of thorough investigation, aggressive advocacy, and personalized legal strategies. If you’ve been hurt in a similar accident, we’re ready to fight for you too.

Helpful Local Resources for NYC Drivers

Navigating the bustling streets of New York City can be challenging, especially when dealing with traffic signal violations. Fortunately, there are several local resources available to help NYC drivers stay informed and safe on the road.

NYPD Traffic Enforcement Division

The NYPD Traffic Enforcement Division plays a crucial role in maintaining road safety and enforcing traffic laws throughout the city. They offer information on traffic regulations, including signal violations, and can provide assistance if you have questions about a specific incident.

• Address: One Police Plaza, New York, NY 10038
• Phone: (646) 610-5000
• Visit Website

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The New York State DMV is an essential resource for drivers needing information about traffic violations, points on your license, and how to contest a ticket. They also offer defensive driving courses that can help reduce points on your record.

• Address: 366 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001
• Phone: (212) 645-5550
• Visit Website

NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)

The NYC DOT provides a wealth of information regarding traffic signals, road conditions, and ongoing construction projects. Their website offers updates on street closures and detours, helping drivers plan their routes more effectively.

• Address: 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041
• Phone: (212) 839-6210
• Visit Website

Vision Zero Initiative

Vision Zero is an NYC program aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries. They offer resources on safe driving practices and host events throughout the city to educate drivers about road safety.

• Visit Website

Utilizing these resources can aid NYC drivers in staying informed about traffic laws and maintaining safety on the roads. If you find yourself facing a traffic signal violation, these organizations can provide valuable information to help you understand your situation and explore your options.

Contact Our NYC Traffic Signal Violations Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a traffic signal violation, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The Orlow Firm is here to help you understand your rights, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and guide you through every step of the process. There are no upfront fees, and you don’t pay unless we win.

Call (646) 647-3398. Your recovery starts with a call.