Red-Light and Stop Sign Accidents in Tennessee

Protecting Your Rights After a Collision

At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we proudly serve clients throughout Nashville, Davidson County, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, and the broader Middle Tennessee region. Our mission is to help individuals and families who have suffered serious injuries in crashes caused by drivers who ignore traffic signals and stop signs. These accidents are among the most common and dangerous types of roadway collisions—and they are almost always the result of driver negligence or reckless disregard for the law. While they may seem straightforward, these cases are rarely simple. Insurance companies often challenge liability or try to shift blame, and valuable evidence can be lost if not preserved quickly. That’s why partnering with a legal team that understands Tennessee traffic laws, investigative strategies, and insurance tactics is so critical.

What Is a Red-Light or Stop Sign Accident?

A red-light or stop sign accident occurs when a driver fails to obey a traffic control device and enters an intersection unlawfully, colliding with another vehicle or road user. These accidents most frequently involve T-bone or broadside collisions, which are particularly dangerous due to the limited protection along the sides of vehicles. They may also result in side-swipes when drivers attempt to “beat” the light without fully entering the intersection. High-speed crashes are common when drivers accelerate through yellow lights, and pedestrians or cyclists are especially vulnerable to being struck while crossing legally. These incidents typically occur at intersections controlled by traditional three-light signals, flashing reds, four-way or two-way stop signs, or traffic lights with dedicated turn arrows.

The Consequences of Intersection Collisions

Ignoring a red light or stop sign isn’t a minor error—it’s a serious act of negligence with often devastating consequences. Victims of these crashes may require hospitalization, undergo surgery, and face months or years of rehabilitation. Many suffer permanent disabilities, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or a disruption in family life and employment. Tragically, some of these accidents result in the wrongful death of innocent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), hundreds of people die each year due to red-light running, and tens of thousands more are injured. In most cases, those killed or injured are not the violators themselves but other road users who had the right of way.

Tennessee Law and Your Rights

Tennessee law imposes clear obligations on all drivers to obey traffic signals and stop signs. When these obligations are violated, the consequences extend beyond traffic citations—they can establish legal liability in civil court. T.C.A. § 55-8-110 requires drivers to stop at red lights and remain stopped until the light turns green, and it also governs driver conduct during yellow and green arrows. T.C.A. § 55-8-149 requires drivers to make complete stops at stop signs and yield to cross-traffic before proceeding. Violating either law may also lead to criminal penalties under T.C.A. § 55-10-205, which classifies failure to obey traffic-control devices as a misdemeanor offense. In a civil personal injury claim, these violations often support a finding of negligence per se—a legal doctrine that presumes negligence when a law designed to protect public safety is broken.

Establishing Fault: Proving Who Caused the Accident

Disputes over who had the right of way are common in intersection crashes. To establish fault, our firm conducts aninvestigation using a range of evidence. We review police accident reports, gather witness statements, examine surveillance or traffic camera footage, and analyze the damage to the vehicles involved. Event data recorders (black boxes) and crash reconstruction experts also play a crucial role in explaining how the accident occurred and who was responsible. At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we act quickly to secure and preserve this evidence because the longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to reconstruct what happened accurately.

What If There Were No Witnesses?

Many red-light and stop sign collisions occur without eyewitnesses, but that does not mean the case cannot be proven. In such situations, we rely on other forms of evidence such as intersection camera footage (if available), onboard vehicle data, the physical layout of the crash scene, and vehicle damage analysis. Skid marks, debris fields, and even statements made at the scene can all help establish fault. Our team may collaborate with highly qualified investigators and experts to build a compelling case, even when direct eyewitnesses are unavailable.

Comparative Fault: Tennessee’s Legal Framework

Tennessee operates under a modified comparative fault rule. Under this system, you can recover damages as long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. For example, if you are awarded $200,000 in damages but determined to be 20% responsible, your recovery will be reduced to $160,000 to take into account the determination that your mistake was a 20% contribution to the incident. Insurance companies are well aware of this rule and often attempt to shift blame to the injured party to minimize their financial exposure. That’s why having a skilled legal team on your side from the outset is so important.

Common Insurance Company Arguments

Even in clear-cut cases, insurance companies may attempt to reduce or deny compensation by arguing that the injured party was speeding, ran a yellow or red light, or was distracted and could have avoided the crash. They may also argue that signage was obstructed or confusing, or that the injured party contributed to the accident in some other way. At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we anticipate these strategies and are prepared to counter them through careful evidence collection and expert analysis.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of intersection collisions in Tennessee may be entitled to several types of damages. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost wages or income, loss of earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and any scarring or disfigurement. If the crash resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship or parental guidance. Our firm thoroughly documents each type of damage to ensure that no aspect of your loss is overlooked.

The Deadline to Act: Statute of Limitations

Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country for personal injury cases. Under T.C.A. § 28-3-104, you have just one year from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the timeline also  begins on the date of the crash (not the date of death, unless the date of the crash and death were the same day).. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, regardless of the strength of your case. Acting quickly to get the help of an experienced lawyer improves the chances of preserving vital evidence and securing witness cooperation.

Our Approach: What Sets The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. Apart

Led by attorney John Day, our firm is dedicated to helping injured Tennesseans rebuild their lives after a devastating accident. We approach each case with clarity, compassion, and determination. When you work with us, you can expect a free and thorough case evaluation, direct access to your legal team, clear communication throughout the process, and aggressive representation in both negotiation and trial settings. We take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Our offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro make us easily accessible to clients across Middle Tennessee.

What To Do After a Red-Light or Stop Sign Accident

If you’ve been involved in an intersection crash, it is important to take certain steps to protect your health and legal rights. Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Remain at the scene and cooperate with law enforcement. If possible, collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers, and take photos of the vehicles, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened, and do not speak with the insurance company before consulting an attorney. Many injuries take time to develop, and having proper documentation early on can make a significant difference in your case.

Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

If you or someone you love has been injured because another driver failed to stop at a red light or stop sign, the team at The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. is ready to help. We offer free consultations and handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.

Let Us Fight for the Justice You Deserve

When drivers break the rules of the road, innocent people suffer the consequences. At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we stand up for those victims and their families—bringing the resources, legal experience, and courtroom strength needed to win. From negotiating with insurers to taking your case to trial, we are with you every step of the way. Call us today to learn how we can help you recover and rebuild. Your story matters—and we’re here to tell it with strength and purpose.