Motor Vehicle Accidents - Intersection Accidents

Nearly a third of all motor vehicle collisions occur at intersections. Intersections are usually considered to be more dangerous than other areas of the road due to obvious dangers, such as traffic lanes crossing, vehicles turning, and drivers changing speed or stopping at signals. In fact, the Driving Institute of America states that over 40% of all car accident fatalities involve drivers either failing to yield the right of way, driving through a stop sign, or ignoring a traffic light. All of these examples are considered intersection accidents.

The following list of intersections are considered to be the top 10 most dangerous intersections in America:

1. Pembroke Pines, Florida - Flamingo Road and Pines Boulevard.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Red Lion Road and Roosevelt Boulevard.
3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Grant Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard.
4. Phoenix, Arizona - 7th Street and Bell Road.
5. Tulsa, Oklahoma - 51st Street and Memorial Drive.
6. Tulsa, Oklahoma - 71st Street and Memorial Drive.
7. Phoenix, Arizona -19th Avenue and Northern Avenue.
8. Plano, Texas - State Highway 121 and Preston Road.
9. Metairie, Louisiana - Clearview Parkway and Veterans Memorial Boulevard.
10. Sacramento, California - Fair Oaks Boulevard and Howe Avenue

Not all intersection accidents are the fault of the drivers involved. Certain accidents may be the result of defects in the design or construction of a roadway. Roads may not allow for adequate lines of sight or posted speed limits. Traffic signals may have been improperly timed, or they may have malfunctioned. Other potential defects on our roadways include faded or damaged traffic signs and improperly placed road indicators, such as stop or yield signs.

Your chances of being involved in an intersection accident can be significantly reduced by practicing a few guidelines provided by the Driving Institute of America:

• If you are approaching a green light and a building or other structure obstructs your view of traffic coming from either direction of the upcoming intersection, the green light should then be treated as a blinking yellow, or "caution," light.
• When approaching a stop sign, be sure to look carefully at approaching vehicles and judge their speed. If you are in a hurry, you may just notice the vehicle, but this does not mean it will stop at the sign. Many lives are lost each day when drivers do not properly judge the speed of an approaching vehicle and pull out into the intersection.
• Follow the "1520 Rule." The rule implies planning to arrive at your destination 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time. This ensures you will not be in a hurry to get to your destination and become an offensive driver. Paying attention to the road and crossing traffic more carefully can prevent intersection accidents.

Intersection accidents cause serious injuries and catastrophic loss to the parties involved. Since several factors besides driver negligence factor into accidents, the accident must be investigated with due care, often with the help of an accident reconstruction expert. Such an expert will perform an in-depth investigation to discover the causal factors involved, which helps ensure that all negligent parties are held accountable.

If you have been involved in an intersection accident, you need the knowledge and resources of experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers who are willing to investigate an accident to the fullest and ensure that their clients get adequate compensation for their injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, permanent damage or death because of an intersection accident, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.