Intersection accidents are one of the most devastating kinds of accidents you can experience. T-bone accidents, rear-end collisions, and side-swipe accidents can all occur at intersections if you are not paying attention.
One way to prevent such accidents is to learn about what causes them—and if you are in an accident at an intersection, knowing what caused it could mean the difference between getting the compensation you need and getting nothing.
Here are some of the most common causes of accidents that happen at intersections.
The Most Common Causes of Intersection Accidents
Intersections are dangerous because they force drivers to stop. When you cross an intersection, you are crossing a line of traffic going perpendicular to the direction you are traveling. That is a recipe for disaster.
One of the most common causes of intersection accidents is when a driver runs a red light. Here are a few more common causes:
- When one driver follows another too closely
- Passing within the intersection
- Failure to yield
- Driving at high speeds
- Improper lane changes
- Sudden changes in speed
- Failure to obey traffic signs
- Improper turns
Speeding and changing lanes become more dangerous at intersections because they introduce a new variable into the already unpredictable driving equation. The faster you drive, the more difficult it is to stop, and at intersections, you need to be able to come to a complete stop when necessary. When you change lanes, you may be entering a space where someone who is turning thought they had the right of way.
When it comes down to it, careless (or often reckless) driving is the ultimate cause of most intersection accidents. While it is helpful to know these common causes to help you avoid a future accident, it can also be helpful to know them to help you determine fault if you are in one.
Here’s what evidence you should gather if you are in an accident at an intersection.
Important Evidence to Gather
If you decide to hire an experienced Florida car accident attorney, they will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove your case. For those who have not decided whether to hire an attorney, the following evidence could be critical moving forward:
- Witness statements and contact information
- Videos and photos of the accident and aftermath
- The police report
You should try to get as much evidence as you can following an accident. A lot of this will be contained within the police report, so if you are not able to get one at the scene of the accident, make sure to follow up with the police department.
Intersection Accidents Can Be Dangerous: Don’t Get Caught without a Good Legal Team on Your Side
Are you the victim of a negligent driver? If you need to speak with an attorney, our doors are always open. Get in touch with us today so we can set up a consultation and discuss what you need and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Are you ready to pursue your case? Contact us today and set up an appointment to speak to an attorney. Call us at 1-800-24-7-CRASH or write to us at [email protected].
