Mistakes at Intersections Often Mean Collisions and Serious Injuries
Intersection Accident Lawsuit Lawyers
Despite traffic lights, stop signs, crosswalks, and walk/don’t walk signs, intersections remain one of the most dangerous stretches of roadway for motorists and pedestrians. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has reported that half of all motor vehicle crashes that result in an injury or fatality occur at or near an intersection. Collisions occur at intersections because a high number of vehicles must cross paths. The rules of the road coordinate this activity to prevent accidents. However, humans make mistakes. If you or someone in your family has been injured in an intersection accident, experienced Intersection Accident Attorneys work diligently to build a compelling claim for their clients in pursuit of the fullest financial recovery.
While multiple parties could be liable for injuries suffered in an intersection collision, the “at fault” driver often will be the motorist who violated a traffic law. For example, the driver who causes an accident in the middle of an intersection might have run a red light or stop sign. Although many intersection accidents will end with at least one of the drivers receiving a traffic citation, a motorist can be legally responsible for another party’s injuries despite avoiding a ticket. Generally, motorists have a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid an unreasonable risk of harm to others on the roadways.
Although the potential danger of intersections makes it important to remain especially alert and attentive, other drivers might not show you the same courtesy. Some of the most common causes of intersection accidents include:
- Failing to Obey Traffic Signals/Signs: When a driver blows through a stop sign, he or she might end up in the direct path of oncoming traffic. The other driver with right-of-way might be able to respond to avoid the accident, but this scenario frequently ends in a collision and significant injuries.
- Judgment Errors: While running a red light or stop sign often constitutes the basis for liability in an intersection accident, other situations require drivers to exercise their judgment. A motorist might honestly believe he has sufficient time to proceed through a yellow light safely. However, the motorist could still be liable for t-boning another vehicle in the intersection if he or she could have safely stopped at the yellow light.
- Failure to Adapt Driving to Conditions: Drivers have a duty to adjust their driving to road, weather, and visibility conditions. When motorists drive too fast despite unfavorable conditions, the driver can be liable for causing injuries to other vehicle occupants.
- Distracted Driving: Multi-tasking behind the wheel never constitutes a safe practice. However, the danger associated with diverting one’s attention or eyes from the road or hands from the steering wheel increases dramatically in intersections where vehicle must cross paths with precise coordination to avoid collisions.
These are only a few of the causes of intersection accidents. If you or a family member have been hurt in a collision at an intersection, dedicated intersection accident attorneys can investigate and discuss issues like liability and the potential value of your claim.
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Were you or a loved one injured by a dangerous driver? Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for injuries and fatalities caused by negligent drivers. For your free consultation, contact our law firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
