Imagine you are stopping for a red light because you don't think you can make it through the intersection before it changes. You think nothing of it, having made a safe decision as opposed to hastily running through the light to try and save a few seconds on your commute. As you come to a stop - BANG! - you unexpectedly get hit from behind by someone trying to make it through the light.

Such recklessness could be at the center of a car accident that happened earlier this week in Charlotte, North Carolina. Two cars were involved in a crash that pinned one of them underneath a U.S. Postal Service truck. Though unclear, it is believed the truck driver escaped unharmed; however, members in the two cars had to be hospitalized due to their injuries.

According to multiple bystanders who saw the car accident, a car ran a red light to start the chain of events that led to the eventual wreck. It is possible that the car negligently attempted to beat the light and in the process pushed another innocent driver into the path of a powerful big-rig truck.

The investigation of the car accident is ongoing, but if it is found that the red light runner was indeed driving in a reckless manner, he or she could be held liable for damages, pain and suffering or any medical bills accrued by the other driver.

It is part of the undeniable nature of operating a vehicle - accidents happen. As nice as it would be to never have to worry about a car accident, they happen every day.

There is something you can do to protect yourself from these wrecks though. Discussing your situation with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine what kind of legal action you may want to take against a negligent party that caused you undue harm.

Source: WCNC, "Car stuck under 18-wheeler in west Charlotte wreck," Feb. 8, 2012