Earlier this week, a police video surfaced from an April accident that involved mixed martial arts (MMA) competitor Jon Jones. According to one news report, the allegations are that Jones ran a red light, causing a three-vehicle accident, and then fled the scene.
Evidently, the accident occurred in the afternoon hours of April 27, when Jones allegedly ran a red light and crashed into two other vehicles. Chilling 911 tapes and video footage have recently been released that document the destruction. There is no video showing Jones fleeing the scene, but witness accounts suggest that he left immediately after the accident and then quickly returned to remove an amount of cash from the car. He then left the scene again.
If he is convicted of leaving the scene of the accident, Jones may face up to three years in New Mexico state prison. In addition to any criminal penalties Jones may face, he also had his Light Heavyweight Championship title stripped and has been indefinitely suspended from the league.
Accidents Caused By Running Red Lights
Each year in New Mexico, hundreds of accidents are caused by drivers running red lights. In fact, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there are approximately 165,000 people injured each year by red-light runners. The NHTSA also reports that 97% of drivers feel that others running red lights poses a major safety threat. Yet drivers continue to run red lights.
While it may not seem dangerous at the time, running a red light can easily result in a serious or fatal car accident. Even though a driver doesn’t think they see another motorist approaching the intersection at the time, it is incredibly difficult to make an accurate assessment while traveling at a high rate of speed and in a perpendicular direction.
Of course, running a red light is illegal in New Mexico and can result in a traffic citation. However, if the driver’s decision to run the red light also results in an accident, that driver may be held liable by the accident victim and their family.
Unlike some other kinds of accidents, red-light accidents often have evidence of the accident in the form of still photos taken by red-light cameras. These photos may be helpful to accident victims hoping to recover financially for their injuries. If you have been injured by another’s decision to run a red light, contact a dedicated New Mexico personal injury attorney to discuss your case and to see what options you may have in terms of financial recovery.
Have You Been Injured in a Red-Light Accident?
If you or someone you love has recently been injured by another driver’s decision to run a red light, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your medical expenses. Depending on the extent of your injuries and the surrounding facts of the case, you may also be entitled to compensation for any pain and suffering you sustained as a result of the accident. Call 505-889-FINE to set up a free consultation with a dedicated Albuquerque car accident lawyer who will discuss your case with you free of charge.
More Blog Posts:
Family of Man Killed by New Mexico Police Office Files Suit, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, April 1, 2015.
State Supreme Court Remands Truck Accident Case For New Trial Due to Evidentiary Issue, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, May 12, 2015.