An intersection is essentially a location where various highways converge, and by their very nature prone to cause accidents or be where accidents mainly occur.
Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists have different approaches as well as crossing movements at intersections, and this creates the most complicated traffic situations. Besides, some motorists ignore every traffic control element by either speeding or taking illegal turns, increasing the stakes at intersections.
Fatalities caused by motor vehicles remain the chief cause of death, especially among people aged between 15 and 45. Every year, almost 3 million intersection crashes occur, and these signify 40% of every crash and 22% of traffic fatalities. This reveals that intersections carry with them a disproportionate element of traffic safety problems, and as such a local and state priority.
Is the Driver at Fault?
Most motor accidents are caused by a driver being reckless or careless. However, there can be instances when human error might have caused an accident at an intersection that was poorly designed. Under these circumstances, the only thing to do is to sue the particular government body, responsible for the thoroughfare.
An intersection is a major place for a motor accident to happen. Vehicles come into conflict with one another as they try to cross, or to turn. An intersection that fails to provide every driver a clear view of the approaching traffic, is flawed in the first place, and hence the problem must be addressed by the department of highways.
The most common intersection accidents are crossing collisions which can occur when a driver is trying to drive through an intersection or attempting to turn into a lane. At such a time, if the drivers’ view is hindered, he/she cannot determine if it is safe to cross or not. To avert this, traffic control mechanisms might be placed to aid the drivers, but they should be equipped to serve the needs of a specific intersection, or could turn out to be counterproductive, pointless, or even dangerous because of their distractive nature.
How to Make a Case of the Intersection Accident
If anyone wants to make a case for a hazardous roadway claim, there must be evidence that the particular spot in question had become a known trouble spot for accidents. This is usually done with reports of other similar collisions at the same location over a period of time. It is the responsibility of highway inspection agencies to track these dangerous locations and then devise and implement a plan to improve them.
Actually there are various defensive devices that could be installed at intersections to render it safer for all drivers. Some of these are:
- Separate turn lanes for vehicles making left hand turns.
- Signal heads fixed on traffic lights.
- Confine parking adjoining busy intersections.
Consult an Intersection Accident Lawyer
Intersection motor vehicle accident claims tend to be very complex. It can be hard to determine which driver was indeed is at fault, particularly when both cars appear to go into the intersection in question simultaneously. Insurance companies know this, and use the fact to lessen your compensation if you are the victim.
Therefore, it is prudent to hire an intersection accident lawyer who is experienced in managing such cases. They will assess the available evidence carefully and fight the unwilling insurance companies to ensure that you receive the kind of compensation that you truly deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to an intersection accident, don’t hesitate to contact us at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff (RMFW). Our attorneys regularly litigate intersection collision accidents and are well versed with the processes and excuses offered by negligent drivers that cause serious injuries in such accidents. We have the skills and resources to investigate and disprove their claims. All you need is to call 212-344-1000 and set up a free consultation with no strings attached.
If you want to increase the size of your checking account, give us a call at RMFW. We know this battlefield and have beaten it many times before.
