You may come across an intersection when two or more roads converge and drivers must cross paths. Intersections, while necessary, can be dangerous. Accidents commonly occur in intersections for a multitude of reasons. For help during your car accident case work with a San Mateo County, California motor vehicle accident lawyer.
Why Do Accidents Occur in Intersections?
Auto accidents can occur anywhere and for a variety of reasons. Why then do they tend to be more common at points of intersection? Many factors contribute to the increase in car accidents at intersections. When two or more roads cross paths there are more cars to navigate through and more rules to follow. Consider the following reasons that accidents occur in intersections.
- Negligent behavior: Like with any car accident, negligence or recklessness can contribute to an accident when drivers do not follow the rules of the road. Distracted, intoxicated, and aggressive driving can all lead to an accident.
- Running red lights: Traffic lights are designed to ensure safe passing through intersections and to allow every set of cars a turn to go. When drivers disregard a red light and decide to go anyway they can collide with vehicles who have the green light.
- Illegal or unsafe turns: Illegal turns can create hazards because other drivers are unable to anticipate the action. In California, drivers are permitted to make right turns on red if there is no sign stating otherwise. However, even these legal turns can become unsafe if the driver does not look both ways or yield to pedestrians.
- Failing to yield to the right of way: Certain drivers have the right of way, meaning that it is their right to go through the intersection first. Pedestrians can also have the right of way if they have a walking light. When drivers do not pay attention to these rights or disregard them, it can cause an accident.
Types of Intersection Accidents
When drivers make the above errors several types of accidents can occur. All collisions have the potential to cause lasting injury and damage. The most common types of accidents that occur in intersections include the following.
- Rear-end: When a car hits the car in front of them from behind, a rear-end collision occurs. These are common in intersections if the car behind is following too close to the car in front or if they misjudge the distance between their vehicles. If they are in a turning lane in the intersection they may be attempting to make it through before the light turns red and end up rear-ending the car ahead.
- Head-on: Two cars may get into a head-on collision at an intersection if someone is making an illegal turn or runs a red light. When traffic laws are not followed it can result in a head-on accident.
- T-bone: These accidents are some of the most common at intersections. They occur mostly when two cars enter the intersection perpendicular to each other, one of which is likely running a red light or making an illegal turn.
Contact a skilled accident attorney today to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal rights and options.
