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.
