In 2023, Arizona saw 122,247 traffic accidents, 37,075 of which resulted in injury and 1,197 fatal accidents. While these numbers address all types of traffic accidents, it is worth noting that intersections are frequent sites of accidents, from fender benders to pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
Examples of common intersection accidents include:
- Red light accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Left turn accidents
- Collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Stop sign violations
- Other traffic violations
Intersection accidents often lead to devastating consequences. These crashes are responsible for numerous injuries and fatalities every year, making it crucial for drivers to understand the common causes and what to do in the aftermath.
Below, we explore the usual causes of these accidents, how liability is determined, and why seeking legal counsel can be beneficial.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents
Failure to Yield
One of the primary causes of intersection accidents is the failure to yield the right-of-way. Drivers may rush to get through the intersection before the light turns red without properly assessing other drivers' likely movements. This can lead to a host of accidents, including side-impact or "T-bone" collisions, pedestrian and cyclist accidents, etc.
Distracted Driving
Relatedly, distracted driving has become a significant issue in recent years, primarily due to the proliferation of smartphones. When drivers are texting, making calls, or even daydreaming, they are less likely to see and react to traffic signals and more likely to overlook other vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection.
Running Red Lights
Another leading cause of severe intersection accidents is red light violations. Impatient or inattentive drivers may try to speed through an intersection to avoid stopping for a red light, only to collide with crossing traffic. These accidents are often particularly dangerous due to the high speeds involved.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs dramatically diminishes a driver's reaction time and judgment. Impaired drivers are more likely to make poor decisions at intersections, such as misjudging the distance of oncoming cars or failing to stop at red lights.
Determining Liability in Intersection Accidents
Determining liability in intersection accidents can be complex, often requiring a detailed investigation. This complexity arises from the number of people who tend to be involved in these accidents. Traffic accidents occurring in intersections frequently involve multiple vehicles and parties. This can make determining what happened difficult, especially since everyone will have a different vantage point.
Many factors can be examined to establish how an accident happened and who is at fault, including:
- Traffic signal evidence
- Eyewitness accounts
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Surveillance footage from nearby cameras
Why Seek Legal Counsel After an Accident?
Effective legal representation helps you understand your rights and the legal avenues available. From insight into traffic laws and how they may impact your case to filing a lawsuit against the liable parties, your attorney can be your strongest advocate after an accident.
An experienced attorney can also help gather crucial evidence and build a strong case to demonstrate the other party’s liability. This includes obtaining police reports, gathering witness statements, and consulting accident reconstruction experts.
In addition to guiding you in filing a civil personal injury claim, your attorney can help you deal with insurance companies, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for you when pursuing a fair settlement.
Call Our Firm for a Consultation
Intersection accidents can have life-altering consequences. As a well-established Arizona personal injury firm, Alex & Associates, P.C. is dedicated to guiding our clients through the post-accident legal process, helping them seek compensation for their injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an intersection accident, contact us today for a consultation.