Intersections are one of the most common locations for motor vehicle accidents. These collisions often result in severe injuries, costly medical bills, and long recovery times. If you were injured in an accident at an intersection due to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to pay the consequences. An experienced car accident attorney from Dulin McQuinn Young can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Get started on the recovery process when you contact us for a free consultation.
Why Do More Collisions Occur at Intersections?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about half of all motor vehicle crashes resulting in injuries or death occur at or near intersections. These accident hotspots are dangerous for various reasons, including:
- Drivers interact with each other at these locations.
- Other road users may be involved at intersections, including bicyclists and pedestrians.
- Drivers may not follow the rules of the road.
- Drivers may misjudge other vehicles’ speed and distance when turning.
- Drivers may be driving at higher speeds, which results in more serious injuries in the event of an impact.
- Multi-vehicle accidents can occur at these locations.
Common Causes of Intersection Collisions
Intersection crashes tend to occur because of the negligence of other motorists through various means, such as:
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield to other motorists or road users
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Being distracted by cell phones or other sources
- Ignoring right-of-way rules for pedestrians or bicyclists
- Turning with obstructed views
- Making incorrect assumptions about other drivers’ actions
- Misjudging the gap between their vehicle and approaching vehicles
Who Is Responsible for an Intersection Accident?
The driver who violated a traffic rule or otherwise operated their vehicle negligently is typically at fault for these accidents. For example, a driver who ran a red light can be held responsible for causing a collision. A driver who turned left because they failed to wait until a close vehicle traveled straight can be liable for an accident of this nature.
In many instances, both drivers may be partially at fault for the accident. Colorado law does not bar an accident victim from seeking compensation if they contributed to the accident but were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, contributing to an accident can result in your award being reduced by your degree of fault.
Proving Who Is Responsible for an Intersection Accident
Because drivers tend to have very different narratives about how the collision occurred, objective evidence may be necessary to determine fault, including:
- Accident reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Video footage from nearby businesses or dashcams
- Photos of the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Data from vehicles’ event data recorders
- Physical evidence, such as skid marks, debris, and the location of damage
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Case Evaluation
The car accident lawyers at Dulin McQuinn Young are ready to investigate your accident, preserve valuable evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. We have the experience and track record of success to confidently represent you through every phase of your claim.
Call us at (303) 246-1111 to arrange a free consultation.