Intersection accidents are the most dangerous and deadly types of collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 40% of collisions occur at intersections. Typical intersections in large cities like Houston are fraught with danger. In some instances, the fault for a collision may lie in the construction of the intersection. In other cases, intersection accidents occur due to the negligence of one (or all) of the driver’s involved.
No matter the reason for the accident, it is in your best interest to connect with an accident attorney as soon as you can. Your physical safety comes first; your legal and financial safety is a close second. If you have been injured as a result of an insection accident, don’t wait until it’s too late to pursue a personal injury claim. Call the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Jerome O. Fjeld, PLLC a call to discuss your case today.
Causes of Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents are not always the fault of a driver. They can sometimes occur due to intersections lacking appropriate traffic signals, parked cars obstructing a driver’s view, sun glares, and/or shrubbery that blocks the view of stoplights. However, the overwhelming majority of intersection accidents are due to driver error. The main causes of driver-related intersection accidents include:
- Failure to properly survey the surrounding area
- Inaccurate judging of the speed and distance of other drivers
- A partially compromised or fully obstructed view
- Driving too fast
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
Types of Intersection Accidents
A lot of activity occurs at an intersection. Traffic flows in multiple directions, pedestrians cross, U-turns are made, etc. It is easy to see why intersections are of the most dangerous places on the road in any state. The most common types of intersection accidents include:
- Rear-End Collisions: These often happen when the driver in the rear has not given the driver in front of them enough space and are too close behind.
- Side-impact Crashes: Also called “t-bone crashes”, a side-impact collision is most likely to occur when one driver does not adhere to a stop sign, runs a red light, or does not yield to oncoming traffic.
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions typically happen when a driver attempts to make a turn into head-on traffic and does not appropriately gauge the speed and space of the other drivers.
- Pileups: These often occur when a driver suddenly stops and the drivers behind them are driving too closely.
- Side-Swipes: Drivers that do not check their blind spots are more likely to sideswipe other vehicles before or during a driving maneuver.
Common Injuries From Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents can yield many types of dangerous and potentially fatal injuries. Not only are they a dangerous place for drivers on the road, but they also pose a major risk to pedestrians. This is due to the combination of activity, speed, and lack of ability for crash victims to be prepared for the accident. The most common types of injuries associated with intersection accidents include head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, eye injuries, etc. If you have suffered an injury as a result of an accident at an intersection, give the car accident law firm of Jerome O. Fjeld, PLLC a call to discuss your case today.
What to do If You Have Been Injured
After an accident has occurred, it is imperative that you follow the correct protocol to protect yourself legally, physically, and financially. No matter what, stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive. Otherwise, you may find yourself in legal trouble. Immediately following an accident, get yourself and others to safety (if necessary). Contact the police. When they arrive, only offer facts. Never admit fault to law enforcement or anyone else. Seek immediate medical attention (even if you are not sure if you’re injured). Collect as much evidence as you can of the scene and conditions (video, pictures, etc.). Contact a personal injury attorney.
Working With a Proven Intersection Accidents Attorney
It can be difficult to prove fault in personal injury cases that involve intersection accidents. Many factors have to be taken into account such as who has the right of way, the construction of the intersection, acts of negligence by one or multiple drivers, and other factors that may have led to the accident. Working with a reputable attorney can help to protect you financially in the event that you have been seriously injured. You don’t have to face off against the high-powered lawyers of the insurance company alone. Give the offices of Jerome O. Fjeld, PLLC a call for your free consultation today.
