Some Crucial Information About Intersection Accidents
We cannot do without intersections. Intersections are necessary to connect drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists moving from one point to another. However, intersections pose a great risk to drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Intersection accidents happen all the time. According to the FHWA, every year, approximately a quarter of traffic fatalities and a half of all traffic injuries in America are attributed to intersections. The FHWA approximates that in 2019 alone, there were more than 10,000 traffic fatalities involving an intersection.
Unfortunately, when an intersection accident does not result in death, it will likely result in serious injuries. Fortunately, if you or a loved one was in an intersection accident because of the negligence of another party, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages suffered through a personal injury claim.
Below, we talk about some of the most common causes of intersection accidents, some of the most common injuries in intersection accidents, and the damages recoverable in a Florida intersection accident case.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents in Florida
There are many causes of intersection accidents in Florida. However, as much as some intersection accidents are unavoidable, most are avoidable, meaning they occur due to negligence. If you or a loved one was in an intersection accident in Florida, reach out to an attorney so they can help you determine what caused the accident.
Below are some of the most common causes of intersection accidents in Florida;
- Running a red light or stop sign – Drivers stop at red signs or stop signs to avoid entering the path of oncoming traffic. When a motorist fails to obey a stop sign or red light, an accident can occur since the driver enters the path of oncoming traffic. If, for example, a driver enters the direct path of another vehicle after running a red light or stop sign, and the other driver does not have enough time to react, an accident can happen.
- Trying to beat a yellow light – Pressing the gas pedal a little harder at an intersection in an attempt to beat the yellow light is dangerous. A driver who speeds up in an effort to beat the yellow light increases the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving – If a driver is not paying attention when driving through an intersection, for example, if they are texting while driving, an accident can happen.
- Failure to yield the right of way – For example, failure to yield the right of way may put a driver in an intersection when there is oncoming traffic, thus resulting in an accident.
- Turning left at an intersection – Making a safe left-hand turn can be challenging. An accident can happen if, for example, a driver does not watch for pedestrians or oncoming cars when making a left-hand turn at an intersection.
- Failing to adjust for the road or weather conditions – A driver is required to change their driving behavior depending on the road and weather conditions. For example, during a rainy day, a driver may need to drive below the posted speed limit to increase safety. If a driver fails to make adjustments, they might find navigating an intersection difficult.
Common Injuries in Intersection Accidents
Unfortunately, if an intersection accident does not result in death, it will result in serious injuries. There are many injuries that people suffer in intersection accidents. Below are some of the most common ones;
- Head injuries or brain injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
If you, a family member, or a friend sustained any of the injuries mentioned above or any other injury not stated here in an intersection accident in Florida because of the negligence of another party, reach out to an attorney for help. An experienced attorney can help you hold the negligent party liable and recover compensation for the damages suffered.
Damages Recoverable in a Florida Intersection Accident Case
An intersection accident that results in injuries or death can leave a victim or the victim’s family suffering substantial damages. Fortunately, as long as liability can be proven, damages are recoverable in a Florida intersection accident case.
Damages that can be recovered in a Florida intersection accident case are;
- Economic damages such as lost wages, property repair costs, medical expenses, and other out-of-pocket expenses
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
Economic and non-economic damages are available in almost all personal injury cases. On the other hand, punitive damages are awarded only in limited circumstances. They are granted only in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Contact a Naples Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one was involved in an intersection accident in Florida because of the negligence of another party, our Naples personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro are here for you. We can help you prove negligence and recover the maximum compensation possible.
Source:
safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/about/
