Intersections refer to locations where two or more roads meet or cross. It is a typical road feature found in rural and urban areas. Even if you live in a small town, you will see that intersections pose a significant risk to people using them. Over the years, the government has created various resources for vehicles approaching a road intersection. It includes installing crossing signals, stoplights, light poles, and double white lines. Unfortunately, intersection accidents still happen, and these resources do not always keep people safe. It is not usually the fault of provided resources at an intersection. Most collisions occur because the drivers or individuals intentionally or unknowingly decide not to comply with traffic rules. As such, many factors contribute to the increasing number of auto accidents at intersections. An intersection accident lawyer can help you to understand this case.
Contact our intersection accident lawyer at Phillips Law Offices if you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motor vehicle collision at an intersection. We offer the expertise, experience, and dedication required to navigate the complexities of your case successfully. Regardless of the complication, we can arrange a no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal rights and explore options.
Intersection Accident Statistics
Intersecting roadways is significant for people traveling by car, foot, or bicycle from one place to another. However, accidents occur at the junctions where two or more roads intersect because of the potential conflict. In the United States, intersections are responsible for about half of all traffic injuries and about one-quarter of all traffic casualties annually. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 38,824 fatalities took place at signalized intersections in 2020. Though intersection accident statistics differ between regions and nations, data repeatedly show the need for ongoing initiatives to improve intersection safety.
Since intersections contribute to a substantial portion of overall road accidents, it is a cause of concern and a priority for road safety. Governments and transportation authorities implement various mitigation measures from time to time. Besides strictly enforcing traffic laws, they work to install traffic signals, warning signs, roundabouts, cameras, and pedestrian crossings. Some intersection accidents happen due to impaired driving, such as speeding, distraction, or failure to yield the right-of-way. Hence, it is essential for accident prevention to teach drivers the value of following traffic regulations and remaining vigilant at intersections. The goal is to lower the frequency of accidents through efficient traffic engineering, improved infrastructure, driver education, and enforcement measures.
Common Intersection Accident Types
Intersections are risky for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians because multiple roads meet or cross at that point. The place is vulnerable to accidents due to various factors such as negligent pedestrians, distracted driving, heavy traffic, and poor visibility. Responsible driving habits, adherence to traffic regulations, and increased situational awareness are necessary for preventing intersection accidents. Road users must obey traffic signals, yield the right of way when necessary, and stay focused on the road while approaching intersections. Understanding the intersection accident types can help increase awareness and encourage safer driving habits. The following are a few of the most typical intersection accident types:
Rear-End Collisions
Such accidents occur at intersections when a vehicle fails to stop in time and collides with the rear of the car ahead. Driver aggression, driving under the influence (DUI), excessive speed, tailgating, or sudden stops often lead to rear-end collisions. It can cause property loss, traffic congestion, and traumatic injuries like concussions or brain damage.
T-Bone Collisions
Also known as broadside or side-impact collision, T-bone collisions occur when a vehicle strikes the side by another four-wheeler, forming a T-shape. Such incidents often result from drivers running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield the right of way, or misjudging the speed of oncoming vehicles. Due to the potential for severe injuries, it emphasizes the need for cautious driving and adherence to traffic signals.
Right-Angle Collisions
Such auto collisions at intersections occur when two vehicles collide at a 90-degree angle. These accidents highlight the need to obey traffic laws and be attentive at junctions. It typically happens when one vehicle fails to yield the right of way while running a red light or making a turn. It can lead to significant damage, injuries, or even fatalities.
Sideswipe Collisions
Two vehicles traveling parallel to each other making contact in a sideways motion could cause sideswipe collisions. At intersections, these accidents often happen because of improper lane changes, misjudgment of available space, or failure to signal. These accidents emphasize the need for using turn signals and being aware of surrounding vehicles.
Left-Turn Accidents
When a car trying to turn left collides with one coming from the other direction, it results in a left-turn accident at an intersection. These mishaps frequently result from misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, distraction, or failure to yield to the right of way. These accidents involving left turns can cause significant damage to life and property.
Pedestrian Accidents
Intersections pose significant risks to pedestrians because speeding vehicles often hit those crossing the road or walking along the sidewalk. Such accidents can occur due to driver negligence, failure to yield, distracted driving, or pedestrian error. Since collisions result in severe injuries or fatalities, it highlights the importance of pedestrian safety measures, like adhering to traffic signals and attentive driving.
Multiple-Vehicle Pileups
Some intersections witness accidents involving three or more vehicles colliding in a chain reaction. The initial collision sets off a series of subsequent crashes and leads to extensive vehicular damage, injuries, and traffic congestion. These multiple-vehicle accidents often occur due to low visibility, slippery road conditions, high speeds, or driver error.
Head-On Collisions
At intersections, head-on collisions happen when two vehicles moving in opposite directions collide with their front ends. Though such accident types are rare, they occur when drivers fail to yield, run a red light, lose control, or make an improper turn. As such, they can cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities, requiring motorists to obey traffic rules and maintain caution.
Potential reasons for an intersection accident
As already said, intersection accidents are common on roadways and can lead to catastrophic injuries. Many factors contribute to these accidents, and knowing them will help reach effective safety measures. The following are the potential causes of most intersection accidents across the nation.
Driving errors
One of the most significant factors causing intersection accidents is driving negligence. Drivers hurrying to reach a destination and not adhering to the governing traffic rules often make mistakes. They may take improper turns, overspeed, fail to yield right-of-way, run red lights, or misjudge the distance and speed of other vehicles. Drivers not paying sufficient attention to their surroundings or distractions can also lead to accidents at intersections.
Lack of Awareness
Maximum intersection accidents occur due to ignorance and incompetence on the part of drivers. They may fail to notice approaching vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists at intersections. Conditions can worsen by poor visibility because of inclement weather, blocked views, or insufficient street lighting.
Poor Intersection infrastructure
Intersections with flaws or poor design can raise the possibility of collisions. Lack of turning lanes, unclear lane markings, incorrectly timed traffic signals, and insufficient signage can all lead to confusion among road users and cause accidents. Additionally, intersections with poor visibility caused by overgrown vegetation or poorly placed infrastructure can make it difficult for drivers to see oncoming traffic.
Impaired driving
Aggressive driving practices like tailgating, speeding, abrupt lane changes, and disobeying traffic laws can intensify conflicts at intersections. Likewise, driving while intoxicated adversely affects the driver’s judgment, reaction time, and overall driving ability. The risky actions by impaired drivers, such as turning suddenly, running red lights, or engaging in dangerous maneuvers, can result in collisions.
Negligent pedestrian and cyclist
Drivers are not always at fault in intersection accidents. Factors other than driver-related include pedestrian and cyclist behavior. Some pedestrians ignore traffic signals or use electronic devices while walking. Similarly, many cyclists disregard traffic regulations, ride against the traffic flow, or fail to yield to vehicles. All these things increase the risk of intersection collisions.
Impact of the intersection crash
Whether due to adverse weather conditions, illegal maneuvers, or human error, intersection accidents have significant consequences. Particularly when vehicles move at high speeds, the forceful impact at intersections is substantial. It often causes physical injuries to drivers, pedestrians, cyclists passengers. Minor cuts and bruises can progress to severe trauma, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities. Their injuries can have a life-changing impact, resulting in permanent disabilities and emotional distress.
Loss of human life or severe injuries like brain stem damage can negatively affect individuals, families, and communities. A few survivors might struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Eventually, a traumatic accident can cause deep emotional trauma and necessitate extensive support and therapy. Besides physical injuries and psychological impact, property damage is another consequence of intersection accidents.
Vehicles involved in these collisions may sustain extensive damage or be totaled. They may contribute to traffic congestion and delays. Crash scenes frequently result in blocked lanes, diverting traffic to alternate routes and causing traffic backups. Congestion can spread throughout the surrounding road network, increasing travel times, frustrating commuters, and decreasing productivity.
Additionally, it could affect the intersection infrastructure, such as traffic lights, signage, and guardrails. Since repairing or replacing these items involve heavy expenses and efforts, it affects overall transportation services.
Accidents at intersections can have legal and financial ramifications. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, surgical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and legal fees can place a heavy financial burden on those involved. However, determining liability for compensation can be difficult without a skilled intersection accident lawyer. A proficient intersection accident lawyer can help you with inquiries, insurance claims, and potential legal actions.
Role of intersection accident Lawyer
The aftermath of auto accidents at intersections can be overwhelming with enormous financial strain. You might have to bear hefty medical expenses, property damage, and emotional distress. For reimbursement, choosing the right attorney is crucial for you or your loved one involved in such a collision. Our intersection accident lawyer at Phillips Law Offices specializes in accident-related cases. We stay updated with the latest developments in traffic laws and acknowledge the complexities involved in these cases. We can navigate the legal system efficiently and effectively, enhancing your chances of a favorable outcome. With utmost professionalism and competence, we assist in the following aspects.
- Case Evaluation
- Thorough investigation
- Evidence gathering
- Cross-examine data
- Witness interview
- Determine fault
- Establish liability
- Seek expert opinion
- Damage assessment
- Negotiate with insurance companies
We recognize the individuality of each case involving an intersection accident. Our attorneys provide customized attention to each client, taking the time to understand your unique needs. We will craft a tailored legal strategy representing your best interests and pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve. So, get in touch and schedule a free consultation with our intersection accident lawyer now.
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