Determining Fault in Intersection Accidents

You had a green light; the other driver did not. Or did they? Maybe you and the other driver both proceeded into a four-way stop at the same time, but you got there first. Who is at fault in these types of car accidents, and how can you prove it? Now, as a result of your intersection accident and the resulting injuries you incurred, you are without a car, you have unpaid medical bills, you are missing work, and the insurance company says it is your fault.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that roughly 40% of all car crashes happen in intersections. If you have been injured in a collision with another driver in an intersection, it may be a good idea to consult with an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer right away. Swift and thorough investigations often make the difference between compensation for your injuries and being left to foot the bill.

What Causes Intersectional Accidents?

Most drivers do not leave the house in the morning intending to have an auto accident. Even if you are paying close attention, intersections present special dangers because other drivers may not be paying as much attention. Some drivers simply misunderstand the laws that apply to four-way stops, yield signs, and green lights versus arrows. Here are some of the more common reasons for intersectional accidents:

• Not stopping for a red light
• Running a stop sign
• Failing to yield to the right-of-way
• Failing to recognize or properly judge the speed of other vehicles approaching the intersection
• Distracted Driving (cell phones, messing with the radio, etc.)
• Lack of knowledge about basic rules of the road

The good news is that although other drivers may claim they were not at fault, the law generally will demonstrate who is at fault. An experienced attorney can review the facts and compare them to existing New York traffic laws to determine who is really to blame.

What Makes Intersections Dangerous?

Careless or distracted drivers may be operating their vehicle on “auto-pilot.”  Now, we are not talking about a real vehicle feature here, but rather, people get into a distracted and unaware mental state, where they may drive for miles without really being focused on the road. As long as nothing is in the way, they are usually okay. If they approach an unexpected change, however, like a stop sign, traffic signal, or other traffic control device, they may fail to react in time, causing serious injuries to innocent people. Many auto accidents are severe, and involve:

• Rear-end collisions
• T-Bone crashes
• Head-on collisions
• Turning crashes
• Roller-Over crashes

Intersection Accidents Have Severe Consequences

 All accidents can be serious or even fatal, but those that occur in intersections often involve high-speed crashes, and they happen when drivers least expect them. This can mean serious injuries, such as:

• Fractures
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Spinal injuries
• Wrongful Death

Working With Long Island Injury Lawyers

The sooner you contact a Long Island personal injury attorney to discuss your case, the sooner you can have an experienced investigator working to determine exactly how your crash happened. Often the key evidence is out there, and it may include witness statements, surveillance videos, police reports, or even photographs taken at the scene.

If you have been hurt by a negligent driver who struck you in an intersection, contact us. Our accident attorneys will fight hard to make sure you are compensated for your injuries.

(c) Can Stock Photo / Bialasiewicz

For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900