When both drivers claim they had a green light after an intersection crash in Missouri, determining fault requires proving which driver actually had the right of way through evidence rather than conflicting statements.
Missouri law holds the driver who entered the intersection against a red light legally responsible for the accident, regardless of what they claim afterward. Since Missouri is an at-fault state, the driver who violated traffic laws must pay for all damages caused by the crash.
Traffic light disputes happen more often than you might think. There are several reasons why both drivers might genuinely believe they had the right of way, and it doesn’t always mean someone is lying.
- Memory problems after trauma affect how people remember accidents. The shock and stress of a crash can make it hard to recall exactly what color the light was when you entered the intersection.
- Yellow light confusion creates gray areas. A driver might enter on yellow and remember it as green, especially if the light changed to red just before impact.
- Distracted driving leads to assumptions. A driver who wasn’t paying full attention might assume they had a green light without actually looking at the signal.
- Self-protection instincts kick in after accidents. Some drivers know they ran a red light but claim otherwise because they’re scared of being blamed for the crash.
- Passenger influence can create false memories. A passenger might incorrectly tell the driver the light was green, leading to confusion about what actually happened.
What Missouri Right-of-Way Rules Apply at Signals?
Missouri traffic laws clearly define who has the right of way at signaled intersections. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 300.155 governs how drivers must behave at traffic lights.
A green light means you can proceed straight or turn, but you still must yield to vehicles or pedestrians already lawfully in the intersection. You can’t just assume the intersection is clear because you have a green signal.
A yellow light warns that the signal will change to red soon. You should stop for a yellow light if you can do so safely. If you’re too close to stop safely, you can proceed through the intersection.
A red light means stop completely. Entering an intersection on a red light violates Missouri law and creates strong evidence of negligence in any accident claim that follows.
How Do You Prove Who Had the Green Light?
Proving you had the green light requires fast action and thorough investigation. Evidence disappears quickly after an accident, so our skilled auto accident attorneys in St. Louis start gathering proof immediately to build the strongest possible case for you.
We use multiple investigation methods because no single piece of evidence tells the whole story. The more evidence we can gather, the clearer the picture becomes of what really happened at that intersection.
Witnesses and 911 Audio
Independent witnesses provide some of the most valuable evidence in green light disputes. People who saw the accident happen have no reason to lie about which driver had the right of way.
We contact everyone who was at the scene to get their account of what happened. We also obtain 911 call recordings because callers often describe which driver ran the red light while the details are still fresh in their memory.
Good Samaritan witnesses are especially credible because they have no connection to either driver. Their testimony carries significant weight with insurance companies and juries.
Traffic Cameras and Store Video
Many Missouri intersections have traffic cameras that record accidents as they happen. We immediately request this footage from city traffic departments and the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Nearby businesses often have security cameras that capture intersection accidents. We contact these businesses within 24-48 hours because most security systems automatically delete old footage after a few days or weeks.
- Traffic light cameras: Show the exact signal phase when the crash occurred
- Business security cameras: May capture the accident from different angles
- Dashboard cameras from other vehicles: Can provide clear views of the traffic signals
- Red light enforcement cameras: Automatically photograph vehicles that run red lights
Signal Timing Plans and Phase Diagrams
Traffic engineers maintain detailed records of how every signal operates. These documents show the exact timing of when lights change from green to yellow to red at specific intersections.
We obtain these technical records to create a precise timeline of the signal sequence. This data can prove whether it was physically possible for both drivers to have had a green light at the same time.
Signal timing records also show if there were any malfunctions or unusual patterns that might have contributed to the accident.
Vehicle Black Box and Damage Patterns
Modern vehicles have Event Data Recorders that capture information about speed, braking, and steering in the seconds before a crash. This “black box” data shows whether a driver tried to stop or slow down before the collision.
We analyze this electronic evidence alongside the physical damage to both vehicles. The impact patterns and severity of damage can reveal which car entered the intersection first and at what speed.
Expert accident reconstruction specialists use this data to create computer simulations that show exactly how the crash happened.
Scene Photos, Skid Marks, and Debris Fields
Physical evidence at the crash scene tells an important story about what happened. We photograph everything immediately because traffic, weather, and cleanup crews can destroy this evidence quickly.
Skid marks show where drivers tried to brake before impact. The length and direction of these marks indicate vehicle speed and the driver’s reaction time.
Debris patterns reveal the point of impact and how the vehicles moved after the collision. This information helps prove which driver entered the intersection first.
Phone Records and Distraction Evidence
If we suspect a driver was distracted, we can obtain their phone records through legal discovery. These records show if they were texting, calling, or using apps at the time of the crash.
Distracted driving explains why a driver might miss a red light and provides strong evidence of negligence. Phone activity timestamps can be matched against the exact time of the accident.
Social media posts and GPS data can also show what a driver was doing in the moments before the crash.
What if the Police Report Blames You?
Police reports are not the final word on who caused an accident. Officers usually arrive after the crash and base their conclusions on limited information and conflicting driver statements.
The responding officer didn’t see the accident happen. They’re making their best guess based on what they observe at the scene and what people tell them.
We regularly challenge incorrect police reports using objective evidence like video footage and witness testimony. Insurance companies may initially rely on the police report, but they must consider new evidence that contradicts the officer’s conclusions.
A police report is just one piece of evidence in your case. Strong physical evidence and witness statements can overcome an unfavorable police report.
Does Missouri Comparative Fault Reduce My Claim?
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system that can reduce your compensation if you share any blame for the accident. Your total recovery gets reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you’re found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. Even if you’re 75% at fault, you can still get 25% of your total losses.
However, most green light disputes result in one driver being found 100% at fault for running the red light. Our goal is to prove the other driver was entirely responsible so you can recover full compensation.
| Your Fault Percentage | Your Recovery | Example with $100,000 Damages |
| 0% | 100% | $100,000 |
| 25% | 75% | $75,000 |
| 50% | 50% | $50,000 |
| 75% | 25% | $25,000 |
What Should You Do After a Disputed Signal Crash?
Your actions immediately after an intersection accident can make or break your case. Protecting your rights and preserving evidence starts at the crash scene.
The first few hours and days are critical for gathering evidence before it disappears. Insurance companies start investigating immediately, and you need to protect your interests from the very beginning.
Steps in the First 24 to 72 Hours
- At the scene: Call 911 even if injuries seem minor. Take photos of both vehicles, the intersection, and the traffic signals from multiple angles. Get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
- Within hours: Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and having medical records strengthens your claim.
- Day 1-2: Contact an experienced car accident lawyer before giving any recorded statements to insurance companies. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your case.
- Within 72 hours: Our attorneys at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers can begin preserving evidence by sending legal notices to prevent destruction of video footage and other critical evidence.
- Never admit fault or apologize at the scene, even if you think you might have done something wrong. Let the investigation determine what really happened.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Missouri?
Missouri gives you five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This might seem like plenty of time, but waiting to start your claim can seriously damage your case.
Evidence disappears quickly after an accident. Video footage gets deleted, witnesses move away or forget details, and physical evidence at the scene gets cleaned up or weathered away.
The sooner you start your claim, the better chance we have of gathering strong evidence to prove you had the green light. Insurance companies also take claims more seriously when you act quickly with legal representation.
Some cases involving government entities have much shorter deadlines, so don’t assume you have five years in every situation.
Injured? Contact Our Missouri Auto Accident Law Firm Today
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we focus exclusively on Missouri auto accident law. Our family firm has long helped people navigate complex car accident claims.
When both drivers claim they had a green light, the case becomes a battle over evidence. We know exactly what evidence to look for and how to get it before it disappears.
We handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Insurance adjusters often try to trick accident victims into saying things that hurt their claims.
Our team investigates immediately after you call us. We send preservation letters, request video footage, interview witnesses, and gather the technical evidence needed to prove your case.
We’re available 24/7 to offer a free consultation about your intersection accident. You never pay attorney fees unless we win your case and recover compensation for you.
Why choose our firm:
- 35+ years of experience handling Missouri car accident cases exclusively
- Over $105 million recovered for injured clients across Missouri
- Family-owned practice that treats every client personally
- No upfront fees, you only pay if we win your case
- 24/7 availability for accident victims who need immediate help
Don’t let the other driver’s insurance company convince you that their client had the green light. We know how to find the evidence that proves what really happened at that intersection.
FAQ
Can Both Drivers Actually Have Green Lights at the Same Time?
No, traffic signals are designed so that conflicting directions never have green lights simultaneously. If both drivers claim green, one of them is mistaken or lying.
What Happens if There’s No Video of My Accident?
We can still prove your case using other evidence like witness testimony, vehicle damage patterns, phone records, and accident reconstruction analysis.
Will My Insurance Rates Go Up if I’m Not at Fault?
Generally, your rates shouldn’t increase if the other driver is found completely at fault for the accident, but this varies by insurance company and policy.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Green Light Dispute?
These cases typically take 6-18 months to resolve, depending on the complexity of the evidence and whether the insurance company cooperates with settlement negotiations.
Can I Handle a Traffic Light Dispute Without a Lawyer?
While legally possible, these cases require specialized investigation techniques and evidence gathering that most people can’t do effectively on their own.
What if the Other Driver Gets a Traffic Ticket?
A traffic citation for running a red light provides strong evidence of fault, but insurance companies can still dispute liability even when their driver gets a ticket.
