Intersections are common locations for auto accidents. Drivers crossing other roadways and turning across other lanes of traffic present a high risk for car crashes, and the risks are increased when drivers make unsafe decisions like running red lights or failing to yield. These accidents can leave victims with serious injuries and pain and suffering that justifies substantial financial compensation.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident at an intersection in Texas, call the Arlington intersection car accident lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm today. Our attorneys represent car accident injury victims and work to get them the compensation they need for serious injuries, including damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For help with your case, contact our Arlington car accident lawyers today at (817) 476-1797.
Common Types of Intersection Car Accidents in Arlington, TX
Intersection accidents can take place at intersections with traffic lights, four-way stops, other stop sign configurations, or intersections with no traffic control devices. These traffic control devices and the Texas traffic laws dealing with intersections and right of way typically dictate who is at fault for these accidents, especially in common situations. The following are all examples of common accidents that occur at intersections and who is typically at fault for those crashes:
Running a Red Light
Drivers typically run red lights because they were approaching the intersection when the light changed and misjudged how much time they had. In these cases, the driver is still at fault, because there are strict rules requiring drivers to stop at red lights. If they were following a truck too closely and could not see that the light was red or they simply misjudged how much time they had to get through before the light changed, they are still responsible for any accidents they cause while running a red light. Drivers who fail to stop before turning right on red are also usually liable. Lastly, drivers who run solid red lights could be responsible for serious car accidents if they cause a high-speed collision.
Running a Stop Sign
At four-way intersections, running a stop sign may not cause problems, since the traffic in the other lanes is likely stopped. Pulling out into a cross street that has no stop signs or running a stop sign at high speeds, however, can lead to serious injuries and catastrophic crashes.
Failing to Yield at Left Turns
When two roadways meet, there are many road designs to help people turning left safely cross lanes of oncoming traffic. Green arrows for turns, center turn lanes, and traffic lights can help people make left turns safely, but drivers who rush or try to cross quickly can cause accidents. If the oncoming car was speeding, they might share responsibility for causing the crash, and these cases are often contentious.
Failure to Yield
Intersections with yield signs and ramps often allow drivers to enter a cross-street or merge onto a highway without stopping at a red light. However, drivers who ignore yield signs at the end of these ramps are often responsible for causing accidents while entering a lane of high-speed traffic.
Pedestrian Crosswalk Accidents
Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way in Texas. Drivers who make right or left turns into the intersection while pedestrians are crossing put those pedestrians at risk. If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian in an intersection and hits them, they are often liable for the accident.
Sudden Stops at Intersections
Impatient drivers tailgating while approaching an intersection can cause crashes if the driver in front of them stops short. Whether the driver in front is making a turn at the intersection or stopping for a red light, the driver following too closely behind them is often at fault for a rear-end accident. However, drivers who fail to use their turn signal or stop unreasonably quickly may share responsibility for these types of crashes.
Compensation for Intersection Car Accident Injuries
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident at an intersection or anywhere else on the roadway in Texas, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. While insurance may be available to pay for your injuries, the damages that your insurance covers may be too low to reimburse you fully. The money insurance pays for medical expenses and lost wages is often reduced, and you may need to pay a deductible to get coverage. Moreover, the damages from insurance usually do not cover pain and suffering damages, which can be the highest part of your case in many instances.
Before accepting any money for your car accident, talk to a lawyer about what your case is worth. Your injury attorney can help guide you through the process and help you understand when a settlement offer is too low and what damages you should be entitled to.
Call Our Arlington Personal Injury Lawyer for Intersection Car Accidents Today
After being involved in a car accident, you may face substantial expenses for your vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages from missed work. Getting these damages and your physical pain and mental suffering compensated may require taking the at-fault driver to court for compensation. For help with your case, contact the Arlington intersection car accident lawyers at the Queenan Law Firm today. Our attorneys offer free initial case consultations. Call (817) 476-1797 today to schedule your free consultation.