A local cyclist, 69-year-old Roger Haar, died after being struck by a vehicle that ran a red light at a Tucson intersection in 2016. The collision occurred at Fort Lowell Road and Mountain Avenue, an area known for heavy traffic and a large number of cyclists due to its proximity to the University of Arizona.
Driver Failed to Stop at Red Light
According to police reports, the driver entered the intersection against a red light and hit Haar as he crossed on his bicycle. Emergency crews responded quickly and transported Haar to the hospital. He was placed on life support but passed away several days later because of his injuries.
A Deadly Pattern on Tucson Roads
This case is one of several serious crashes involving red-light violations in Tucson. Intersections in the city continue to pose risks for cyclists and pedestrians. The incident raised ongoing concerns about driver awareness and road safety. In the years that followed, local safety advocates called for better signage, traffic enforcement, and infrastructure upgrades to help prevent future tragedies.
Holding Drivers Accountable for Running Red Lights
Collisions like this are often preventable. When motorists run red lights or ignore signals, the risk of injury increases sharply for cyclists and pedestrians. Families affected by such actions may be eligible for compensation related to medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
Know Your Rights After a Crash
Victims of red-light crashes, including families of those who have been seriously injured or killed, may be eligible to take legal action to recover damages. Legal action can help families recover financially and encourage greater accountability on the roads.
Legal Framework in Arizona
Under Arizona law, individuals harmed by negligent drivers, particularly in red-light crashes, may be eligible to pursue personal injury or wrongful death claims. Compensation in these cases can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. For more minor injuries, settlements may typically fall between modest four-figure amounts and higher five-figure settlements. In cases involving severe or permanent injury or the loss of a loved one, compensation could result in substantial awards, ranging from hundreds of thousands to multimillion-dollar awards. Considerations like healthcare expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and long-term impact all contribute to the final settlement amount.
