Intersection crashes are one of the deadliest kinds of accidents. They are also known as T-bone accidents. They are caused due to high-speed driving at the intersections. Their severity depends on the extent of speed and angle of impact. In order to prove the liability of an intersection accident, it is essential to determine its cause. If you are a victim of an intersection accident, you are entitled to compensation under personal injury law.
Leading factors that contribute to intersection accidents
- Failure to stop at red lights or stop symbols.
When drivers do not stop at red lights or stop signs, they are in the direct way of oncoming traffic. Motorists going in the other directions may be driving too fast to react swiftly. These kinds of circumstances end up causing intersection accidents that result in severe injuries.
- Not slowing down during a yellow light.
Many drivers do not take the yellow light seriously and perceive it as a sign to increase their speed instead of reducing it. They often try to drive through yellow lights, which increases the risk of intersection accidents.
- Taking right turns.
Often, right turns are prohibited at intersections if they are found to be dangerous for the safety of motorists on the road. However, many drivers violate this and take right turns, which end up causing crashes.
- Failure in yielding the right of way.
Despite the absence of traffic signals at intersections, the right-of-way rules are still applicable. Sometimes drivers do not yield the right of way due to miscommunication which results in accidents.
- Turning right with traffic in the lane.
The right turn may be allowed during red lights at intersections. But the driver willing to take a right turn is not permitted to impede the traffic by turning. Taking a right turns without a proper area to take the turn can simultaneously put many vehicles in the same lane, which increases the risk of collisions.
- Rear-ending
When a vehicle gets stopped at an intersection, it may get rear-ended by the vehicle behind them. This can cause a chain reaction accident as the rear-ended vehicle may get pushed into the traffic and ultimately cause a crash with other cars at the intersection.
- Weather or road conditions
Rain and snow make driving riskier. The drivers are required to make certain adjustments to their vehicles to maintain their safety. Those drivers who refuse to adjust to the weather fail to navigate the intersection safely. They end up causing harm to themselves as well as other motorists on the road.
