Running a red light is negligent, illegal and fatal to other motorists and pedestrians. Running a red light is suspected in one of these types of traffic fatalities in Oro Valley on July 20. An initial police investigation found that a white Chevrolet truck was traveling west. At around 6:20 p.m., it drove through a red light at the intersection of La Cholla and West Lambert. The truck then crashed into a Volkswagen Beetle that was traveling south on LaCholla, according to an Oro Valley Police Department spokesperson.
Police said that the 48-year-old Volkswagen driver died at the scene of the accident. His passenger also suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed by emergency crews to UAMC’s trauma center by helicopter.
The driver of the pickup truck was not injured and refused medical treatment, according to officers at the crash scene. The police investigation is ongoing and it appears that drugs or alcohol were not a factor in this fatal car accident.
Red light running, speeding and violating other traffic laws is not only illegal but may constitute the grounds for a negligence or wrongful death lawsuit. Victims of these accidents and their families should seek guidance on determining fault and pursuing their legal right to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering and other losses incurred in these crashes. This compensation could help victims have the resources to move forward from the accident. It could ensure that they have the money necessary to pay for their physical recovery so they can focus on the emotional side-effects of the accident.
Source: KOLD 13, “1 recovering, 1 dead in Oro Valley crash,” Lydia Camarillo and Colton Shone, July 21, 2014