In 2025, over 480 U.S. cities still use red-light cameras (and speed cameras). If someone rear-ends you at one of these intersections, you’ve basically won a secret bonus round most victims never cash in on.
Here’s why that little flash + mailed ticket can add $25,000 – $150,000+ to your settlement — and exactly how to use it.
The 3 Ways the Red-Light Camera Ticket Becomes Pure Gold
- 100% undisputed liability The ticket = government admission the other driver ran the red light or was speeding. Insurance companies instantly drop the “you stopped too fast” defense.
- Automatic “negligence per se” In most states, violating a traffic law = automatic negligence. This unlocks higher pain & suffering multipliers and often punitive damages.
- Evidence that can’t be destroyed The city keeps the video for 60–180 days. Your lawyer subpoenas it before it disappears.
Real 2025 Red-Light Camera Rear-End Cases
- Tampa, FL – January 2025 Driver ran red light (camera caught 48 mph in 35 zone), rear-ended stopped Toyota RAV4. → $187,000 settlement (vs average $41K for same injuries without camera proof)
- Washington, D.C. – April 2025 Red-light camera ticket + video showed driver texting. Victim had only minor whiplash. → $92,000 settlement in 43 days (Geico paid fast to avoid the video being shown to a jury)
- Houston, TX – August 2025 Driver blew through red light at 3:12 a.m., hit Uber passenger waiting to turn. Camera proved 100% fault. → $425,000 total settlement (Uber’s $1M policy + at-fault driver’s $100K)
2025 Average Boost from Red-Light Camera Proof
| Situation | Normal Settlement | With Camera Ticket + Video | Extra Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor injuries (whiplash) | $12K – $28K | $45K – $95K | +$33K–$67K |
| Moderate (disc bulge, therapy) | $35K – $90K | $120K – $280K | +$85K–$190K |
| Severe (surgery, fractures) | $120K – $400K | $350K – $1.2M+ | +$230K–$800K+ |
The Exact 4-Step Playbook (Do This Within 72 Hours)
- Get the intersection name + exact time of crash
- Find which company runs the camera (usually Redflex or American Traffic Solutions)
- Have your lawyer send a “litigation hold” letter to the city/police department within 7 days
- Demand the full high-res video + calibration records (they try to give low-quality clips — refuse it)
What the Insurance Companies Will Try (and How to Beat Them)
- Claim the ticket was for “running the yellow” — demand the actual video
- Offer a quick $15K–$30K check — reject it every time
- Say the camera video “doesn’t show impact” — the timestamp + your dashcam solves this
In 2025, red-light camera intersections are walking ATMs for rear-end victims who know the rules.
Next time you hear that flash behind you after getting hit… smile. That sound just paid for your next vacation.
Been rear-ended at a camera intersection? Drop the city name below — I’ll tell you exactly how much extra it’s worth.