Intersection Accidents

One of the most dangerous spots on America’s roadways is an intersection.  Statistics show that one-third of all automobile crashes and 40% of all fatalities occur at intersections.  The reason for these frightening statistics is the nature of that phenomenon.  In many cases, an intersection is the meeting of three or more throughways, which are often unregulated or partially regulated by relative, common law considerations of what a reasonable person should do.  As a result, drivers may have differing opinions of what a reasonable person should do, they may not care what a reasonable person should do, and they may not be reasonable at all, due to stress, fatigue, or drug or alcohol abuse.  In those cases, accidents can and do occur.  It is then often up to the victims to pursue a civil case to win compensation for damages or injuries.

Claiming Right of Way

There are specific rules in all jurisdictions about who has right of way in traffic situations.  However, the example of a left-turn is telling: requiring the turning vehicle to yield the right of way to a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction close enough to constitute an immediate hazard.  Such judgment calls can lead to conflicts, which can lead to accidents.  In addition, there may be differing right of way rules in different jurisdictions.

Those are reasons why many people suggest that traffic laws and right of ways become uniform, as outlined in the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals (1968).  Until that day arrives, however, victims are often dealing with a law enforcement officers or judge’s determination of who followed the rules of the road and who did not.  Without an accident attorney representing them, these victims may not receive the judgment, and the compensation, they deserve.

Traffic Rules

It becomes much easier to untangle an intersection accident when specific traffic violations have occurred.  A ticket from a police officer is powerful evidence that someone broke the local rules.  However, even law enforcement officials are not perfect, and their tickets can be subject to interpretation.  It can be necessary for a victim to contest a ticket with the help of an accident attorney in order to prove their case in court.

Faulty Traffic Signal Equipment

Not only can law enforcement officials make mistakes, but also traffic equipment and signage can be faulty.  Lack of maintenance, wear and tear, and traffic damage can cause lights to malfunction, signs to fade and become unreadable, and either of them to disappear, leading to tragic accidents.  Retaining an accident attorney can put an expert on site immediately, providing pictures, and witnesses to prove those defects and substantiate the claims of accident victims.

Help from an Attorney

Intersection accidents are generally complex cases that require a higher level of expertise that only a local accident attorney can provide.  It can be well worth the time and effort to find such a skilled representative that will stand up for victims who are unable to do so alone and present a winning case for compensation.