Metairie Red Light Accident Lawyer

One of Metairie’s Most Common—and Most Dangerous—Crash Causes

Intersections are some of the most dangerous places on the road, especially when drivers misjudge a yellow light, become distracted, or fail to notice a signal change. In Metairie, crashes caused by running red lights happen more often than most people realize. A single moment of impatience or distraction can lead to devastating collisions that change lives in an instant. Victims of these accidents often face serious injuries, costly medical bills, and emotional trauma that lasts for years.



Car accident attorney Donald D’Aunoy Jr. represents victims of red light accidents in Metairie and across Jefferson Parish, helping them hold at-fault drivers accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.

Negligent vs. Reckless Red Light Violations

Most drivers who run red lights do so unintentionally. Some misjudge the timing of a yellow, are distracted by a phone or GPS, or simply fail to notice the signal change. These actions are negligent, or careless mistakes that still put others at risk.

In contrast, reckless behavior involves a conscious disregard for safety. A driver who races another vehicle through an intersection or knowingly ignores a red signal is acting with willful indifference to the danger they create.

This distinction matters when seeking compensation. Negligent drivers can be held liable for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, but reckless conduct may open the door to punitive damages, which is additional compensation meant to punish extreme misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future.

Lawyer Don investigates every crash to determine the difference between human error and willful disregard, ensuring the legal strategy reflects the seriousness of the driver’s behavior.

Common Causes of Red Light Accidents in Metairie

Red light crashes happen for many reasons, but most stem from driver negligence or distraction. In Metairie, common causes include:

• Speeding through intersections: Drivers often accelerate to beat a yellow light, misjudging timing and entering the intersection after it turns red.
• Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or checking a navigation app can prevent drivers from noticing red lights until it’s too late.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and impair judgment, making it harder to stop in time.
• Fatigue: Drowsy drivers may drive through intersections without realizing the light has changed.
• Aggressive driving: Although less common than many other causes, some reckless drivers deliberately run red lights out of impatience or frustration with traffic.