A surprising number of auto collisions occur at intersections where traffic signs and signals are designed to regulate traffic and prevent crashes. They occur on both city and rural roads when drivers are negligent. Under Virginia law, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering from the at-fault motorist.
What Are the Major Causes of Intersection Collisions?
Many intersection accidents are caused when people break basic traffic laws. Some reasons they occur include:
- Following too closely. Many impatient drivers fail to maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle in front and are unable to stop or slow down quickly when necessary. If this causes a rear-end collision, the person in the rear will often be presumed to be at fault.
- Speeding. Speeding is a major cause of intersection wrecks. When a driver is speeding, the injuries can be more catastrophic—or fatal.
- Failure to yield. When drivers fail to yield right-of-way at a stop sign or four-way stop, a traffic wreck is likely. At intersections, drivers cause accidents by racing through a yellow or red light or making a left turn when it is unsafe to proceed.
- Intoxication. Being intoxicated due to drug or alcohol use impairs driving abilities in many ways, such as the ability to judge distances, make decisions, and react quickly. As a result, an impaired individual is much more likely to make driving errors at intersections that lead to tragic crashes.
- Obstructed views. Some drivers make illegal turns when their visibility is obscured and collide with another vehicle that has the right of way.
- Weather. When drivers do not slow down for snow, ice, rain, and fog, they can lose control of their vehicle at an intersection and slam into others who are proceeding with caution.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured in an Intersection Collision?
If you or loved one were injured in an accident at a Norfolk intersection, you need to take steps to protect your health and legal right to compensation for your injuries. Take these five first steps:
- Seek prompt medical care whether or not you believe you are hurt.
- Contact the police and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Obtain the contact information for the other driver, his insurance company, and any witnesses.
- Take photographs of the damage to the vehicles, accident scene, and your injuries.
- Retain an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
Do you need the assistance of a skilled car accident lawyer in filing your claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company? To learn about our extensive experience and how we can help, call our office today to schedule your free consultation.
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