What to Know about Intersection Accidents
Accidents at intersections happen frequently. Although all drivers are
trained during driver's education to bring their cars to a stop at red
lights, to stop at stop signs, and to yield the right of way, some drivers
often forget or ignore such rules. According to the Driving Institute
of America, more than 40% of deadly car accidents occur at intersections
in the U.S. In fact, more crashes occur at intersections than any other
type of location, which is why intersections are considered some of the
most dangerous places to drive a vehicle.
What factors lead to intersection accidents?
- Poor vision
- Driving at night
- Tailgating
- Elderly drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Drowsy drivers
- Speeding
- Negligence and recklessness
- Traffic congestion
- Driving under the influence
Intersection accidents occur because intersections are often chaotic. Since
certain roads intersect from four different directions, drivers have to
pay close attention to what is going on around them and obey all traffic
laws. If another driver turns out in front of you when you have a green
light or does not stop at the stop sign or red light, then that individual
should be held responsible. Sometimes, drivers are talking on their phones
or texting behind the wheel and forget to yield.
If an accident occurs in this way, those negligent drivers should be held
liable for their careless behaviors. Intersection accidents also can occur
from malfunctioning traffic lights, poor signage, poor traffic planning,
poor lighting, or improper placement of objects, such as light poles at
the intersection.
If these types of intersection accidents occur,
a personal injury lawyer should be contacted to find out if the state could be held liable.