Intersection Accidents
While intersections can help direct multiple lanes of traffic, they are also common sites of motor vehicle accidents. All it takes is one driver or other road user not following traffic rules for a series of chain reaction events to occur, leaving many people dealing with serious injuries.
If you were injured in a California intersection accident, you might be confused about your next steps or who is responsible for your injuries. An experienced car accident attorney from the Allen Law Firm can meet with you to discuss this critical information and how we can guide you through the legal process of seeking compensation for your injuries. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
The Dangers of Intersections
Approximately 50% of injuries stemming from car accidents and 25% of fatalities from all traffic accidents occur at intersections each year, according to the United States Federal Highway Administration. Intersections are dangerous for various reasons, including:
- Roads intersect here, creating conflict points that contribute to a greater number of crashes.
- Motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians are present at these locations.
- Turning left at intersections can be one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers, requiring an accurate assessment of other drivers’ speeds and distances.
- A greater number of distractions are at play at intersections.
- Multiple signals, traffic signs, turning lanes, and other complexities can cause confusion.
- By their nature, intersections are busy roads with constant traffic flow, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
If you have been injured in an intersection collision, seek medical attention immediately. Then, consult with an experienced attorney to uncover why the crash occurred and who is responsible.
Common Causes of Intersection Crashes
Intersection crashes can occur for various reasons, but some of the most common include the following:
- Running red lights: Many drivers try to “beat” the light, speeding up when they see the light is yellow or just blatantly running a solid red light. This is so they don’t have to wait at the light for a few seconds, but this reckless decision can make the difference between life and death.
- Speeding: Intersections involve multiple lanes of travel from different directions, so if a driver is speeding through them, they may hit someone who is turning or has the right of way.
- Running stop signs: Not all intersections are controlled by traffic lights. Some have stop signs. However, some drivers may disregard these traffic signs, resulting in serious side-impact or head-on collisions.
- Failing to yield: When motorists disobey traffic signals, they can crash into unsuspecting motorists who reasonably expected them to follow traffic rules. Tragically, negligent drivers can also hit pedestrians when they fail to yield to them, which can result in fatal injuries.
- Distractions: Drivers can easily be distracted while approaching intersections by looking at traffic signals, directions on their GPS units, the outdoors, their food or drink, or other sources. They may also be distracted by honking or other noises. These distractions can divert the driver’s attention from the roadway and increase the likelihood of a collision.
- Drunk driving: Impaired drivers have lowered inhibitions, delayed reaction times, and impaired motor functions, all of which can make car crashes more likely.
- Unsafe lane changes: Unsafe motorists may switch lanes in the middle of an intersection or crosswalk, leading to a serious collision.
Working with an experienced attorney is key to obtaining the evidence that shows how the crash occurred.
Common Types of Intersection Collisions
Intersection collisions can take many forms, including:
- Head-on crashes: Impaired drivers may drift into the lane of traffic traveling the opposite direction, leading to serious head-on collisions.
- Rear-end collisions: Motorists may follow too closely. When the driver in front of them suddenly brakes or stops, they can rear-end the vehicle in front of them, potentially pushing them into the intersection and causing secondary crashes.
- Left-turn crashes: Negligent motorists may turn left when they are supposed to yield to oncoming traffic, causing serious side-impact collisions.
- Bicycle accidents: Motorists may fail to look out for bicyclists or turn in front of them, leading to serious collisions.
- Pedestrian accidents: Drivers may fail to yield to pedestrians or maintain a proper lookout, leading to serious or deadly collisions.
If you or a loved one was injured in any of these intersection collisions, call an experienced personal injury lawyer from the Allen Law Firm for help.
How an Intersection Accident Lawyer Can Help
Intersection accidents can cause serious injuries, requiring your full time and attention. Meanwhile, you only have a limited time to act to protect your rights, so it can be challenging to protect both your rights and your health at the same time. An experienced intersection car accident lawyer can handle the legal legwork for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
A car accident attorney can assist with your legal claim by:
- Investigating the accident
- Identifying and preserving evidence to prove fault
- Hiring accident reconstruction experts to provide additional support for your case
- Accurately accounting for your accident-related losses
- Handling communications with insurance companies
- Negotiating for fair compensation
- Answering your questions as they arise
- Filing your claims within applicable legal deadlines
Proving Fault After an Intersection Accident
Proving fault after an intersection accident can be difficult because the drivers involved often have different accounts of what happened. After all, they really only know what they were doing before the crash, not necessarily what others were. However, California is an at-fault state for car accidents, so proving the other driver was responsible for the crash is the key to recovering compensation.
Proving fault in an intersection accident typically comes down to showing that the other driver violated a traffic rule and that violation caused the crash. For example, you might be able to show the other driver was speeding, distracted, or drunk, and that the auto accident would not have occurred if that weren’t the case. An experienced attorney can help gather compelling evidence, such as:
- Video footage from dash cams, surveillance cameras, or red light cameras
- Photos of the accident scene
- Event data recorders that store valuable information about a vehicle’s speed and braking patterns immediately before a crash
- Witness statements that corroborate your version of events
- Cell phone records that show the other driver was texting, on a phone call, or using data at the time of the crash
- Receipts for alcohol purchases
- Reports from accident reconstructionists that provide visual depictions of how the crash occurred
Financial Compensation You Can Recover Through a Personal Injury Claim
If you were injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be able to recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses: Payment for emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, in-home care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages: Lost hourly pay, salary, overtime pay, tips, commissions, bonuses, and other lost income suffered due to your inability to work after an accident
- Reduced earning capacity: Paid in the event that the car crash caused you permanent disabilities or impairments that affect your livelihood
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle and other damaged personal property
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Costs you pay for goods or services related to your accident, such as over-the-counter supplies, transportation to and from medical appointments, and alternative transportation, such as rideshare or rental car expenses
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for your physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Payment to reflect that you don’t get to enjoy your favorite pastimes or activities while you are injured and recovering
Experienced personal injury attorneys can identify the damages to demand in your personal injury claim.
What Is the Value of My Car Accident Case?
Every car accident case is different. The potential value of your case often rests on the type and severity of your injuries. However, other factors can also affect case values, such as who is responsible for the accident, insurance coverage, and whether you contributed to the accident. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to get a realistic idea about the potential value of your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in California?
The statute of limitations is the time limit that you have to take specific legal action once a cause of action accrues. In California, car accident victims have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If they miss this legal deadline, they can lose their right to recover compensation through the courts.
Contact the Allen Law Firm for a Free Case Review
If you were injured in an intersection accident that a careless driver caused, an experienced lawyer from our personal injury firm can help. The Allen Law Firm has considerable experience handling these types of personal injury claims. Contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss how we can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
