Automobile Collisions at Intersections

Intersection crashes, or collisions at intersections, happen often since there are many different types of vehicles are engaged in a wide variety of actions, from crossing over roads to making left and right turns. When more vehicles are present in an area, the risk of an accident increases. This is particularly true when motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are engaged in various activities on streets that cross each other. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 36% of all traffic collisions are intersection-related crashes.

If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a collision at an intersection, it is important to speak with a car accident attorney about seeking financial compensation.

As the NHTSA emphasizes, more than one-third of all motor vehicle crashes occur at intersections. The following are additional facts and figures concerning intersection-related collisions from the NHTSA:

• About 96% of intersection-related collisions result from driver error;
• Vehicle defects and environmental factors contribute to fewer than 3% of all collisions at intersections;
• Distraction is the leading cause of intersection-related crashes involving driver error, with more than 44% of drivers inadequately surveilling the driving environment and adjusting accordingly;
• About 8% of intersection-related crashes happen because a motorist made a false assumption about another motorist’s or pedestrian’s actions;
• Nearly 8% of these crashes happen because a driver makes a left or right turn despite having an obstructed view;
• Almost 7% of intersection collisions occur as a result of a driver making an illegal maneuver; and
• Approximately 5.5% of accidents at intersections happen because a driver misjudged the gap between vehicles or the speed of oncoming vehicles.

In short, both illegal maneuvers and driver inattention are key causes of intersection accidents.

Collisions that occur at intersections can range from minor to severe, depending upon the way in which the crash occurred, and the speed of the vehicles involved. Common injuries may include:

• Brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) such as concussions;
• Neck and back injuries, including spinal cord injuries;
• Broken bones;
• Disfigurement; and
• Contusions and internal bleeding.

If another driver’s negligence resulted in the intersection collision that caused your injuries, you may be able to hold that driver accountable by filing a claim.

Proving fault can be complicated in an accident that occurs at an intersection. In some situations, fault may be obvious. For example, one driver might have run a red light or made an illegal turn. In other cases, however, fault in an intersection collision might not be as straightforward.

For most people who have sustained injuries in intersection accidents, it is important to remember that you may be eligible for compensation if you file a claim. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still receive damages. For example, under California law, a plaintiff can obtain damages whether she is 1% or even 99% at fault. Her damages award simply will be reduced by her percentage of fault.

If you need assistance filing a claim or a lawsuit after an intersection collision, an experienced intersection collision accident attorney can help. Contact the Walton Law Firm today to get started on your case with the help of a dedicated personal injury lawyer.