Car Accidents at Intersections
When multiple lanes of traffic merge or converge, crashes are more likely to happen. According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 50 percent of the nation’s car accidents occur at or near intersections. The Oklahoma City, OK injury lawyers at Tawwater Law Firm have seen the harm caused by these kinds of collisions. We are committed to helping accident survivors and the loved ones of those killed in crashes seek damages following a serious collision.
Our law firm would like to consider car accidents that occur at intersections and what legal options you may have following such a collision.
Accidents When Making Left Turns
Left turns are among the most dangerous turns to make. Whether they are guarded or unguarded, making a left turn means crossing multiple lanes of traffic that are perpendicular to the vehicle. The risk of T-bone crashes or even head-on collisions can be high, especially in busy interactions. Many of the intersection car crashes that our Oklahoma City lawyers discuss with clients involved dangerous left turns.
Accidents When Making Right Turns
Right turns at intersections can also be dangerous if not deadly. Merging into traffic while making a right could put you in serious danger, particularly if drivers are not attentive to your turn. This is especially worth considering when vehicles travel at high speed through an intersection.
Hazards at Four-Way Stops
Four-way stops present a number of hazards. In major four-way intersections, vehicles may be turning left or going straight, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle crashes. Even in suburban or rural four-way stops, the potential for a crash is there if motorists do not observe the right of way.
Dangers to Pedestrians and Bicyclists
We should note that making turns is dangerous to everyone sharing the road. According to a 2015 story by NPR, left turns cause one-quarter of all accidents with pedestrians. Bicyclists also have to worry about vehicles making turns.
With right turns in particular, a driver may fail to check their blind spot and strike a bicyclists who is doing all that they can to observe the rules of the road.
Causes of Intersection Collisions
Common causes of intersection auto accidents include:
- Running a red light/beating a yellow
- Making an illegal turn
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Drunk driving
The above covers driver errors, though we should also note that other factors could cause or contribute to intersection accidents. Other potential causes of intersection crashes include:
- Traffic signal malfunctions
- Lack of stop or yield signs
- Poor lighting at an intersection
- Poor road conditions at an intersection
- Brake malfunctions or defects
- Debris in the road
- Bad weather
How Our Auto Accident Lawyers Can Help
Those involved in intersection auto collisions can speak with our Oklahoma City attorneys about their case. We will assess the evidence and the nature of your accident and let you know if an injury lawsuit is worth pursuing. We will help you seek damages against the negligent person or party responsible for the intersection crash.
Contact the Tawwater Law Firm
If you would like more information about your legal options following a motor vehicle collision, be sure to contact our team of injury accident lawyers. You can reach Tawwater Law Firm by phone at (405) 607-1400.