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Intersection Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, upwards of 2.5 million intersection accidents happen every year in this country. Additionally, nearly one in five fatal crashes occurs at an intersection. The following will explore why these accidents occur and what you should know if you are involved in an unfortunate intersection crash.

Causes of Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Common causes of intersection accidents include:

  • Drivers misjudging how long they must act: Thinking they have enough time to turn or proceed through the intersection
  • Turning without good visibility: Assuming there is no oncoming traffic because it is obstructed by stopped or turning traffic
  • Inadequate scanning: Failing to properly assess oncoming traffic in all directions
  • Illegal maneuvers: Violating traffic laws by making an illegal U-turn or turning from the center lane
  • Distracted driving: the driver is looking at their phone, playing with the radio, or not looking at the road
  • Poor intersection design: Confusing signage, inadequate traffic signals, or obstructed views make it difficult for drivers to know when it is safe to proceed through the intersection

Because of the nature and location of intersection accidents, they often involve at least one vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Increased speed means more force upon impact. Speed is one of the variables that affects what happens to passengers in a crash and how seriously they may be hurt. The faster the vehicles are traveling, the more likely they are to be injured.

What to Do If You are Involved in an Intersection Car Accident

Any car accident is unfortunate and can be very scary for all involved. To protect your rights and any future claim for damages, this is what you need to know if you are involved in any type of car accident in Delaware:

Check you and your passengers for injuries. Immediately after a crash, if you can do so safely, move your car out of traffic to avoid a secondary crash. Call an ambulance if anyone is injured and contact the police as well. Take photos of the accident scene and any obvious damage to vehicles and other property.

Exchange contact information with the other driver. We do not recommend speaking with the other person’s insurance company until you have consulted a car accident lawyer first. Anything you say can compromise a future claim.

Comparative Negligence in Delaware

Many different people can be to blame for a serious intersection accident. It can be the driver who tried to beat a red light and turned too late, or the driver who failed to yield to the vehicle to their right at a four-way stop sign. If poor road design or visibility prevented the turning driver from seeing oncoming cars, the state of Delaware may be at-fault.

Delaware follows the comparative negligence rule, which means all liable parties are assigned a percentage of fault and that percentage directly impacts the amount of the final reward. So even if one driver bears most of the blame, if the other driver was speeding, both drivers will be assigned a percentage of fault. The driver filing the claim will see their award reduced by their percentage of liability. Comparative negligence cases are especially complex because they require an investigation into every detail of the crash to assess fault. Car accident victims should always consider working with a skilled car accident lawyer to prove their claim effectively.

Delaware Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Fight for Clients Injured in Intersection Accidents

If you were injured in an intersection accident due to another’s negligent actions, contact the Delaware car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. We have extensive experience resolving challenging personal injury claims to help clients recover the maximum compensation possible for their injuries and pain. To learn more about how we can help you after a car accident, call us at 302-888-1221 or use the online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including Dover, Middletown, and Newark.