On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | August 19, 2023 | Car Accidents
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), while intersecting roadways, commonly known as intersections, are essential for connecting people who are walking, driving, and biking from one point to the next, approximately one-half of traffic-related injuries and one-quarter of traffic-related deaths in the U.S. occur due to intersection crashes each year.
The presence of pedestrians, cyclists, distracted drivers, trucks, delivery vans, motorcycles, various signages, and increased traffic all increases the risk of intersection crashes. Regardless of the specific cause, most intersection crashes happen because of driver error and negligence.
These crashes can involve all types of vehicles and victims, including cars, commercial trucks, pedestrians, cyclists, and more.
Why Intersections Can Be Especially Dangerous
A report by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) found that about 96% of intersection crashes are preventable. It also found that the primary cause of intersection crashes is driver error due to the following actions:
- Driving while distracted, usually involving a cell phone
- Illegal maneuvers
- False miscalculations of other road users’ actions
- Insufficient surveillance and attention
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Turning with obstructed views
- Misjudging other vehicles’ speeds
Because of how intersections function, the majority of intersection crashes are T-bone crashes, also known as side-impact or broadside collisions. T-bone crashes are notoriously known for causing severe and fatal injuries because the vehicle’s passenger and driver sides do not give as much protection from crashes to people in those areas. In addition, even when airbags deploy during a T-bone crash, the vehicle occupants may still suffer serious injuries.
When an intersection accident involves a large commercial truck, victims regularly suffer catastrophic injuries. Truck drivers might fail to pay attention at intersections, doze off at the wheel, or speed through an intersection to avoid a red light. All of these can cause life-changing injuries if the truck T-bones a smaller vehicle.
How You Can Avoid Intersection Crashes in West Palm Beach
You cannot possibly control the actions of other drivers. On the other hand, you can lower your risk of getting into an intersection accident with these simple guidelines:
- Never speed through intersections, especially when the traffic light has turned yellow. When you are speeding, it will be harder for you to adjust your speed and respond to unexpected maneuvers by other drivers.
- Always watch your surroundings. With a broad range of factors and risks at play at intersections, it is particularly crucial that you are aware of the people, drivers, and other road users surrounding you.
- Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles. Do not follow vehicles too closely so you can protect yourself in case the vehicle you’re following gets into an accident. This way, there’s also some space if another driver suddenly cuts in front of you.
- Be extra careful when entering intersections, especially when the traffic light has just turned green or when it’s yellow. Most drivers will try to speed through a yellow light. But even if the light’s green, always assume that another driver might not follow the road rules.
- Always use your signals. Using your signals will allow other road users to know what you are about to do, so they can respond accordingly.
Consult With a Skilled West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorney Now
No matter how careful you are, there’s always the risk of getting into a crash in an intersection. If you’ve been injured in a crash because of someone’s negligence, contact the WPB car accident attorney at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa today. Dial 561-478-2500 or contact us online to arrange your free case review with our WPB car accident attorney.
Gerald A. Rosenthal
Retired
Since opening the firm now known as Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa more than 40 years ago, Gerald A. Rosenthal has been a dedicated champion of the everyday hero – police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, construction workers, farm workers, and more. Passionate about preserving the civil rights of laborers, he has fought tirelessly against giant insurance companies who deny the injured workers their benefits. It’s not just the lawsuit Rosenthal fights to win – he is driven by the opportunity to restore his client’s quality of life.
Author's Bio