Intersection Accident Lawyers
40% of all traffic accidents in the U.S. occur at intersections, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). When an intersection accident is caused by a negligent driver or pedestrian, any party injured in the accident may file a claim against the guilty party for any related damages, pain and suffering. Intersection accident lawyers are often hired in these situations to ensure clients receive the maximum amount they are owed in the form of an injury settlement.
If you or anyone you know has been injured or killed in an intersection accident in New York, New Jersey, or Chicago, IL, you may be eligible to receive compensation to cover any and all related damages. Other right-of-way injuries may also qualify for compensation. Give a car accident lawyer at Sobo & Sobo a call at 855-468-7626 or contact them online for a free consultation. Ask them how they can help you build a successful lawsuit and maximize your settlement.
Who is at Fault in an Intersection Accident?
Determining who is at fault in an intersection accident depends on many variables:
Crosswalk Accidents
Generally speaking, pedestrians typically have the right of way. However, there are some instances in which pedestrians can be found liable for an accident involving a motor vehicle. Instances where pedestrians might be considered at fault include:
- Jaywalking
- Disregarding “do not walk” traffic signals
- Walking across an intersection while intoxicated
However, it is far more common for the driver to be held liable for an intersection accident. Typically, the driver’s insurance company will offer an amount that they believe to be fair and equal compensation to the injured pedestrian. However, this initial offer will most likely be a very low amount, compared to the compensation amount an injured party can receive through a personal injury case.
Stop Sign Intersection Accidents:
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), there are two main types of accidents that occur at intersections governed by stop signs:
- Failing to stop at a stop sign, whether consciously or by accident. Most accidents of this type are caused by drivers who decide to ignore a stop sign, and illegally speed through it, colliding with another vehicle. According to the NHTSA, these types of accidents are most frequently caused by younger, speeding drivers.
- Failing to yield to another driver that has the legal right of way. These accidents occur at intersections with more than one stop sign, where one driver is required to yield to another.
According to the NHTSA, these accidents are most frequently caused by elderly individuals making a left turn at these intersections, causing a collision with another vehicle already moving into that intersection with the legal right of way.
Depending on the specifics of the stop-sign accident, either party may be found responsible for causing the accident. Most often, both parties involved are found at least partially responsible, causing both insurance companies to pay for a portion of the damages resulting from the accident.
Stoplight Intersection Accidents
Most stoplight accidents are caused by one or more drivers failing to notice, or
consciously speeding through a red-light signal. But sometimes fault is not obvious. Also, when lawsuits are not involved, both insurance companies will typically be required to pay, as both drivers will be found at least somewhat responsible for the collision. However, one or both drivers may decide to hire a personal injury lawyer, who can help them build a case that proves they are not as responsible—or not responsible at all—for a stoplight accident.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Whether you’re the driver or the pedestrian involved in an intersection accident, if you believe the opposite side is responsible for causing the crash, you should immediately contact a personal injury lawyer to represent you. They can help collect the evidence, testimonies and other documents necessary to build a successful case, and maximize your settlement to help pay all related damages and medical expenses.
Filing an Intersection Lawsuit
If you or someone you know has been in an intersection accident and are seeking compensation for any resulting lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering, call 855-468-7626 or book a free consultation online today.
The accident attorneys at Sobo & Sobo have over 50 years of experience helping clients across New York, New Jersey and Chicago, IL to win the compensation they deserve for their losses and improving their quality of life. When you file a claim with Sobo & Sobo, you don’t pay unless we win the case. When we do win, our attorneys are paid through a percentage of your settlement, meaning you never have to pay out of pocket.
Drivers: How to Avoid Accidents at Intersections
The NHTSA recommends all drivers follow take these 9 steps to avoid accidents with pedestrians:
- Always be on the lookout for pedestrians.
- Use extra caution and drive slowly when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as in storms and at nighttime.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop before every crosswalk.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the walk lines to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians, allowing them to stop at a safe distance too.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at an intersection. There may be people or cars ahead that are obscured from view.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Follow the speed limit, especially around pedestrians.
- Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
- Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.
