Car Accidents at Intersections
At intersections, the potential for serious accidents is ever-present. The numbers tell the story: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40 percent of all auto accidents take place at intersections.
In crowded metro areas such as Arlington, TX, these accidents are more common. Sadly, they often result in serious injuries to the victims involved.
Personal injury lawyer Roger “Rocky” Walton and our team defend the rights of victims in car accidents at intersections, helping them obtain compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses. Learn more about the causes and frequency of car accidents at intersections.
Car Accidents at Intersection in Texas
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 724 people died in auto accidents at intersections or on approach to an intersection in 2017. This is up from 668 fatalities in 2013.
Additionally, the NHTSA tracks data by county. Tarrant County saw the following number of fatalities from 2013 to 2017:
- 2013: 33
- 2014: 29
- 2015: 37
- 2016: 32
- 2017: 37
Causes of Auto Accidents at Intersections
From left-hand turn collisions to T-bone crashes, auto accidents at intersections happen in a variety of ways. No matter the type of accident, chances are, negligence on the part of the driver had something to do with it.
Common causes of car crashes at intersections include:
- Running a red light: Rather than slow down when the light turns yellow, some drivers speed up. As a result, they go through the intersection at a high rate of speed.
- Failure to yield: Sometimes drivers falsely assume it is their turn to go. This can result in two cars entering the intersection simultaneously from different directions.
- Distracted driving: Often, drivers are preoccupied with activities besides driving. They may be talking on the phone, texting, or otherwise acting in a distracted manner.
- Driving while intoxicated: A common cause of all auto accidents, alcohol leaves drivers unable to make sound decisions or react quickly.
- Speeding: When a driver is going too fast while approaching an intersection, he or she may be unable to stop the car in time.
Common Injuries in Car Crashes at Intersections
No matter how cautious of a driver you are, there is always the possibility that a reckless or negligent driver will cause an accident. Car accidents at intersections, especially those that take place at a high speed, can be especially dangerous and result in lasting injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal organ injury
- Rib fracture
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Death
Determining Who Is Responsible for Your Injury
In Texas, there are certain rules that apply at intersections. You must come to a complete stop at stop signs and use your turn signal when turning.
It is important to learn the circumstances of the accident to determine if these or other traffic laws have been violated. Our attorneys will obtain police reports, witness statements, CC-TV footage from local businesses, and other evidence to prove the other driver was responsible for the crash.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Auto accidents can be costly and tragic. If you suffer an injury in a car accident at an intersection, contact an attorney. For more than four decades, Roger Walton has helped protect the rights and obtain compensation for car accident victims. Contact us online or call (817) 429-4299.