Intersections are one of the most common features of Connecticut roadways. Highway intersections bring various roads together, allowing opposing directions of traffic to converge. No wonder intersections are sites of so many auto accidents in Connecticut and all over the U.S.
County, state, and federal governments have developed resources for vehicles that approach intersections, such as stoplights, light poles, crossing signals, and double white lines. But, there are instances when these resources don’t keep road users safe. During situations like this, failure isn’t typically the fault of the provided resources. Instead, it’s due to human errors caused by drivers and other road users who knowingly or unknowingly decide to disregard intersection traffic laws.
For these reasons, many intersection car accidents happen. And motor vehicle drivers, occupants, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists are all at risk of being severely hurt during intersection-related crashes.
Even though most intersection accidents are preventable, it can often be challenging to pinpoint the precise cause of these accidents. Nonetheless, there are common reasons that lead to intersection crashes, primarily due to driver negligence.
If you have been injured in a crash at an intersection that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s essential that you seek legal assistance. A Connecticut car accident lawyer experienced in intersection-related crashes can protect your legal rights and interests. You may also be eligible to recover compensation for your medical bills, vehicle damage, and lost wages.
But first, let’s find out what the top causes of intersection accidents are.
The Top 4 Causes of Intersection Accidents
Whether your intersection crash occurred in Bridgeport or New Haven, it’s crucial for you to determine what led to your accident. For a successful personal injury claim, you must gather and analyze evidence proving the other driver’s liability.
Here are the top causes of intersection accidents in Connecticut.
Attempting to Beat a Yellow Light
To some drivers on our roads, a yellow light is never a warning to slow down, but an invitation to speed up at an intersection. When such a negligent driver makes it through a traffic light, there is a high probability of a T-bone accident happening as they drive through the intersection.
Suppose another driver sped in an attempt to run a yellow light and caused your auto accident. In that case, they may be liable for your injuries, such as broken bones and concussions, as well as other damages.
Such reckless actions can also lead to rear-end collisions when drivers slow down to prepare for right-hand turns or when they slow down to complete stops at yellow signs.
Not Paying Attention to Traffic Signals
Not paying attention while on the road is a form of distracted driving, which is a problem in many situations, including at intersections. All drivers need to pay attention to and obey traffic signals and rules while on the road. Drivers who disregard traffic signals may not react in time to avoid crashes at intersections.
Distracted driving may also lead to fatal crashes during collisions with oncoming vehicles.
Improper Lane Changing
Changing lanes in or near an intersection can be potentially dangerous. Remember, when changing lanes while at an intersection, the oncoming left driver may not see you. Still, the right-turning or parked car at the intersection doesn’t anticipate your lane changes.
Improper lane changing may easily result in a multiple-vehicle accident at an intersection.
Making a Left Turn With an Obstructed View
Not every intersection in Connecticut has a clear view. Making left turns typically requires one to drive across one or more lanes of oncoming traffic, not to mention paying attention to various possible distractions.
Objects near the road or other cars may prevent a motor vehicle driver from seeing when other cars or road users are approaching the intersection.
Other causes of intersection accidents in Connecticut include:
- False assumptions regarding the actions of others
- Defective equipment
- Ignoring weather conditions
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Sudden speed changes
- Tailgating
How Is the At-Fault Driver Determined?
To recover damages after an intersection accident, you — the plaintiff — must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant was at fault for your accident, injuries, and any other accident-related losses. To do this, you must have evidence that clearly shows the at-fault party breached their duty of care and their negligence led to your car accident, injuries, and losses.
An intersection accident lawyer from Connecticut can help you gather evidence to bolster your car accident case and seek fair compensation for losses on your behalf. For example, if you’ve suffered a severe traumatic head injury, an experienced attorney can prove that side effects such as loss of memory and chronic headaches have made your life significantly harder and more stressful.
However, remember that evidence disappears quickly. This is why you need to contact a Connecticut intersection accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Here are some crucial pieces of evidence that can help to prove fault after a car accident:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness accounts
- Blood alcohol and drug tests
- Footage from local business cameras
- Dashcam footage
- Black box records
- Vehicle maintenance records
Connecticut applies the modified comparative doctrine when determining fault in personal injury claims. This doctrine plays a crucial role when determining if you’ll receive compensation. To be eligible for financial compensation, your percentage of the blame must be 50% or below.
How to Prevent Future Intersection Crashes
Intersections can be extremely dangerous places for all road users. Staying alert while driving is an excellent way to prevent such accidents from occurring. Here are some other ways to avoid intersection accidents at stops:
- Don’t drink and drive
- Drive defensively
- Minimize distractions
- Avoid bad driving conditions
- Follow all federal and Connecticut traffic rules
- Never change lanes at an intersection
- Set up correctly for turns
- Slow down when approaching intersections
- Use your turn signal appropriately
- Be extra vigilant at a blind intersection
- Don’t try to beat yellow lights
Regardless of how safely you drive, you can’t control the actions or inactions of other road users. If the worst happens, seek immediate medical care and contact an intersection crash lawyer in Connecticut for sound legal help.
Ask a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer About Legal Action
It isn’t always easy to determine what led to an intersection accident, especially when there are two or more supposed sides to the story.
Nonetheless, if you or your loved one has been injured in an intersection accident in Connecticut that was caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness, the accident lawyers at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. may help you with your case. You may be eligible for compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, as well as your pain and suffering.
Contact Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. for a free, no-risk consultation about your accident. Our legal team will review the specifics of your case and explain to you all the available legal options.
