Intersection Auto Accidents

All too often some drivers see red lights and stop signs as optional. They’re in a hurry and feel a need to get where they want to go as quickly as possible. A driver may be too distracted by a smartphone or drinking coffee to notice the stop sign. Someone impaired or intoxicated by drugs or alcohol may not realize the need to stop or are too impaired to judge the risk.

About 40% of all auto accidents that occurred in 2008 happened at intersections, according to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their study states that an estimated 2,307,000 crashes occurred at intersections across the country. In addition, there were 7,421 fatal crashes and in 733,000 crashes, one or more vehicle occupants suffered injuries.

According to that agency’s study, the most common causes of intersection accidents were:

• Failure to pay attention and see the situation – 44.1%
• False assumptions of another driver’s action – 8.4%
• Turning with an obstructed view – 7.8%
• Illegal maneuver – 6.8%
• Internal distraction – 5.7%
• Misjudgment of the gap with another vehicle or another vehicle’s speed – 5.5%

As the statistics show, the results of an accident at an intersection literally can be deadly. They often result in a “T-bone,” sideswipe, or broadside collision where the front of one vehicle hits the side of another. This is especially dangerous for a car because while the front and the rear have substantial “crumple zones” to absorb a collision, the sides of cars do not.

For those involved in a broadside collision, the result too often is an innocent driver and any passengers having severe and often very painful injuries, which can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to fully treat. These injuries often require ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

• Take notes of the accident, the surroundings, hazardous road conditions, any conversations with the other driver, names of investigating police officers, and the damage done
• Take pictures of the vehicles involved, the intersection, and resulting injuries
• Collect contact information from any witnesses at the scene

After the accident:

• Seek medical attention as quickly as possible whether it’s with an ambulance, someone driving you to a hospital, or seeing your physician. Because of the stress of the situation, you may not feel the pain from injuries immediately, so get a thorough medical examination as soon as possible
• Save receipts, bills, and itemized reports establishing any costs incurred due to the accident or resulting injuries. All of these items can help us investigate the accident, estimate your damages, and learn the potential value of your case
• Carefully gathering and saving evidence of the accident and your injuries can help us ensure your case has the best chance at success

If you or a loved one was injured in a car collision at an intersection because of a negligent driver, contact the expert Georgia car crash injury attorneys at so we can talk about the situation and learn your options for your damages and injuries. Trying to resolve this with an insurance company on your own or waiting too long to file a legal claim can severely hamper or prevent full recovery for your injuries.