Intersection Accidents

Causes of Intersection Crashes

Intersections involve slowing, stopping, accelerating, and turning in two or sometimes three directions. With all this activity, negligent and/or reckless driving can easily cause a serious injury auto accident.

The most common driver behaviors that cause intersection accidents include:

Speeding

Failure to yield right-of-way

Distracted driving

Failure to obey traffic signal or another traffic control device

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Common Injuries

Because intersection accidents often involve multiple vehicles, there is a great potential for causing multiple serious injuries. This is especially the case if a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or even a tractor-trailer is involved.

Some common injuries that result from intersection accidents include whiplash, head injuries, broken bones, bumps and bruises, lacerations, and even internal trauma. The severity of the injury depends on the severity of the collision. Some of the most injurious intersection collisions occur when a driver speeds in an attempt to “make the light.” Oftentimes this results in the speeding vehicle crashing into the side of a turning one.

Who Is at Fault?

Determining liability for a car crash can be a complicated process. It is important to have an intersection auto collision attorney at your side to help sort through the details of your case. A traffic crash lawyer can investigate the physical evidence at the scene of the incident, speak to witnesses, and examine the vehicles involved.

Negligent or distracted drivers cause most auto collisions at intersections. Perhaps the other driver is on the phone and not paying attention to the road. Maybe the driver at fault is intoxicated. The truth is, there are many unsafe drivers out there and many others who simply make a mistake. Whatever the case, when you are not at fault for an accident, you should not be held responsible for the resulting costs.

Faulty roadway design or a lack of proper maintenance may also cause a major injury collision. Faulty or malfunctioning traffic signal lights, a downed stop sign, or foliage or walls that obstruct drivers’ view of the roadway are all examples of dangerous conditions at the intersections that may lead to a serious crash. The agency that designs and maintains the road or highway could be held liable for crashes caused by such dangerous conditions. Their duty is to make sure the road conditions do not endanger the motorists who are driving with care.

Car Accidents

What to Do if You Are in an Intersection Accident

Check if anyone is hurt (including the other driver).

If someone is injured, call an ambulance.

Report the crash to the police (If there are no injuries the police may choose to not visit the scene of the crash. File a report at the station within 24 hours).

Exchange information with the other driver (insurance, name, number).

Get information from any witnesses.

If possible take photos of the scene, tire marks, damage to vehicles.

If there is any possibility you are hurt, seek medical attention.

Bills for auto repair and medical costs from injuries can add up fast. It is important to have a lawyer by your side. The attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers have a long history of aggressively seeking fair compensation on behalf of seriously injured clients. If your claim involves a governmental entity, there may be time limits to file your claim.

Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers serves injured clients throughout Maryland. Our offices are conveniently located in Lanham, Waldorf, Frederick, and Rockville. We also serve Accokeek, MD; Annapolis, MD; Baltimore, MD; Bowie, MD; College Park, MD; California, MD; Columbia, MD; Frederick, MD; Hughesville, MD; Huntingtown, MD; Landover, MD; LaPlata, MD; Laurel, MD; Lexington Park, MD; Mechanicsville, MD; Upper Marlboro, MD; Prince Frederick, MD.