Four-Vehicle Pileup Collision at Dangerous Intersection
Two children were killed and one was seriously injured when a speeding pickup truck hit the three vehicles stopped at a red light late Saturday afternoon. Our prayers go out to the families.
The auto accident took place in Denton at a traffic light at U.S. 380 and North Mayhill Road, an intersection that the Denton police referred to as a “problem intersection” because of the high number of traffic deaths there before a light was installed.
Yet even installing the light could not slow down the careless driver of the Ford F-350 truck that came barreling down U.S. 380. A Nissan minivan had come to a stop behind a Dodge Dakota and a Kia. The Ford plowed into the Nissan, which slammed into the Dodge, which then in turn hit the Kia in a domino-like accident.
An 11 year-old girl and an 8 year-old boy who were riding in the Nissan died and a 4 year-old boy remains in critical condition. The pickup truck driver and minivan driver sustained minor injuries.
Red Light Running Has Serious Consequences
Running a traffic signal is like a game of Russian roulette. The driver might get away with it a few times, but a crash will inevitably result. In fact, running traffic controls, including red lights and stop signs, were the most common type of automobile accident.
In 2013, 697 people died and 127,000 people were injured in collisions involving red light running. 50 percent of those killed were bicyclists, pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles who happened to be in the path of the red light runner.
A driver who ignores traffic signals might T-bone another car or smash into the back of vehicles sitting at the red light, as occurred in Saturday’s tragic accident. There is little these sitting ducks can do to avoid being hit.
Why Do Drivers Run Red Lights
Drivers give a variety of lame excuses for running red lights and stop signs, including that the defendant driver
- Was in a hurry
- Could not apply brakes quick enough
- Didn’t notice the light had changed (because he was texting)
- Was drunk or sleep-deprived
The driver and his insurance company must pay for the damages he so stupidly caused. Berenson Injury Law aggressively builds a case and recovers the damages you deserve. Call our Dallas-Fort Worth law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.