Atlanta Intersection Car Accident Lawyers
Intersection Accidents
Intersections, or the point where two or more roads meet, are a normal part of driving in the United States. Unfortunately, they are also the points at which the risk of an accident increases sharply. Failing to yield at an intersection or running a red light are both common forms of intersection accidents in Georgia and throughout the U.S that can result in severe injury or wrongful death. In 2009, U.S. drivers were involved in more than 787,000 intersection accidents.
Navigating an intersection requires drivers to pay attention to several things at once. Drivers must notice and obey visual signals like traffic lights and signs. They must also prepare, before reaching the intersection, to turn right, left, or go straight. In many multi-lane intersections, the driver must prepare for a turn by being in the correct lane before reaching the intersection. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and trucks that need extra room to turn create additional hazards at intersections.
It's not surprising, then, that a great many traffic intersection accidents are caused by driver distraction. Distractions can take many forms. Some of the most common distractions while driving include using a cell phone or other device, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, dealing with children in the car, and watching something else outside the car like a street sign.
A 2001 study by the AAA Foundation revealed that 50.1 percent of drivers who cause crashes at intersections were distracted at the time of the accident, and 88.3 percent of drivers claimed they had looked around before entering the intersection but didn't see the driver, pedestrian, or motorcyclist they hit. Many of these accidents were caused by a combination of driver distraction and failure to identify potential hazards before the crash occurred.
Intersections can be especially dangerous places at night. A September 2010 research report produced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 96 percent of nighttime intersection crashes were caused by drivers, while only 4 percent were the fault of a badly-designed intersection or another factor. Of these, 44 percent were caused by drivers failing to pay attention to what was going on in the intersection. By contrast, although drivers cause 92 percent of non-intersection-related accidents, only seven percent of those car accidents are caused by drivers who aren't watching the road ahead.
Intersection crashes can cause serious injuries and even death. An inattentive driver may run a red light, hitting a car head-on or on its side at full speed. The force of these accidents can leave drivers and passengers with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and muscle and nerve damage injuries such as whiplash. These injuries may kill a driver or passenger instantly, or they may leave them with permanent, life-changing disabilities including paralysis and brain damage. Cars that hit bicyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians in an intersection can also cause serious damage. Often, the vehicles involved in the crash suffer significant damage as well.
At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., we understand how overwhelmed accident survivors and their families feel after a crash. That's why our lawyers strive to communicate fully and respectfully with each of our clients. We provide aggressive legal representation that fights for the compensation you deserve, while giving you the chance to focus on healing.
