Intersection Accidents

In 2016, there were 5,980 car accidents in Alachua County. Other areas in central Florida also had thousands of accidents in a one year period. Many of those collisions occurred at intersections.

There are several busy intersections in central Florida. And while traffic lights are often there to direct the traffic, intersection accidents still happen. They can be particularly devastating because the victims can experience injuries that change their lives. With the guidance of Abercrombie, P.A., you can fight for compensation for those injuries.

What Are the Dangers of Intersection Accidents?

A busy intersection doesn’t only have car traffic. There may also be cyclists and pedestrians sharing the road with drivers.  In addition to looking out for traffic signals and other cars, drivers need to be watchful for people crossing the road and cyclists sharing the road. This is one of the reasons many accidents occur at intersections. 

In fact, 40% of car accidents in the U.S. take place at intersections. The majority of those accidents are caused by human error. 

Causes of the Accidents

Although there are many reasons for accidents at intersections, distracted driving is one of the most common. Instead of watching the traffic light or other vehicles, a driver could be watching their phone. They could rear-end the vehicle in front of them or drive through a red light.

Another common cause of an intersection accident is a lane change. When drivers dart in front of other vehicles to be first at a red light, they can cause lane-change Accidents. They could forget to look before switching lines and sideswipe an adjacent vehicle. 

At other times, the accident is caused by the turning vehicle. Not all intersections have traffic lights. If a tree or shrub obstructs a driver’s view, the driver may turn left when a vehicle is approaching. Even without an obstruction, a driver could misjudge the distance or speed of another vehicle. 

Some drivers act recklessly and completely ignore the rules of the road. For instance, a driver could fail to stop at a stop sign. Or, they may go through a red light. By ignoring traffic rules, they place other drivers at risk. Even if you are driving safely, you can’t predict what a reckless driver will do. 

Injuries and Accidents at Intersections

An intersection accident can result in several types of collisions. Most commonly, they cause T-bone accidents. This type of accident can cause internal bleeding, spinal cord injury, broken bones, and head trauma. The vehicle that receives the side impact can have significant damage. Sadly, cars are not built to handle side impacts. The driver or passengers could feel the full force of the impact. 

A rear-end accident is another common type of intersection collision. Although they tend to be less fatal than T-bone accidents, they can still cause damage. Whiplash is often associated with rear-end accidents, as are back injuries. 

Drivers and passengers of vehicles aren’t the only ones who can experience injuries during an accident at an intersection. Pedestrians and cyclists can also be affected. Without a metal frame to protect them, they are more likely to have a fatal or permanent injury. 

How Should You Handle an Intersection Accident?

If you’re involved in an intersection accident, you could struggle to recover. You might not have the money for your medical care or be able to work due to your injuries. But a car accident lawyer can make all the difference. They can tell you more about how to handle your accident.

Additionally, they can take on all the work. While you heal, they can negotiate with the insurance company. If the other driver was responsible for your accident, you can go through their insurance. Your attorney may also file a personal injury claim against the liable driver. 

By filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit, you can receive money for your accident. You can receive compensation for:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost earning ability
• Pain and suffering

If a loved one died in the accident, you and other family members can seek compensation for your own loss. This is done with a wrongful death lawsuit.

Working with an Aggressive Legal Professional

Are you ready to get assistance with your car accident? Contact Abercrombie, P.A. to find out more about your options.