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By definition, intersections are locations where two different types of traffic intersect. This makes them highly dangerous areas for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. If a negligent driver ignores a stop sign or fails to yield the right-of-way at an intersection, it can result in a deadly motor vehicle collision. Take extra care at intersections in Connecticut to protect yourself and others.
One of the reasons intersection accidents are so dangerous is that they often occur at high speeds. At a signal-controlled intersection, a driver that is being shown a steady yellow light may increase his or her speed to try to “beat” the red light – or may intentionally run the red. This often leads to the driver illegally entering the intersection at a high speed. If another driver who had the right-of-way already proceeded into the intersection, the two vehicles could collide.
When two motor vehicles crash into each other, the collision takes place at the combined speeds that both vehicles were traveling separately. If one car was traveling at 35 miles per hour, for example, and another driver runs a red light at 70 miles per hour, the speed of the crash would be 105. The higher the speed of a motor vehicle collision, the more severe the damage. A high-speed intersection accident could cause catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.
Intersection accidents are also dangerous because they typically involve two vehicles that were traveling in different directions. The nature of these accidents means that the point of impact is often close to one or both motor vehicle drivers. The front of one vehicle could collide with the driver’s side of another vehicle in a T-bone collision, for example. Another possibility is a head-on collision, which could be deadly for both drivers.
The nature of an intersection means that many drivers culminate at these points at once. If something goes wrong, such as a vehicle collision disrupting the flow of traffic through an intersection, it could cause a multi-vehicle pileup. A chain reaction accident could occur, for example, in which three or more vehicles rear-end each other. The driver responsible for causing the initial collision can typically be held responsible for these types of car accidents, no matter how many other vehicles were ultimately involved.
Sadly, some intersection accidents involve vulnerable road users: bicyclists and pedestrians. Marked and unmarked intersections present places where pedestrians should be able to safely cross. Bicyclists are given the same rights as other drivers at intersections; rights that not all drivers respect. If a driver isn’t paying attention, ignores a traffic control signal or fails to yield the right-of-way, the driver could strike the bicyclist or pedestrian and cause life-threatening injuries.
Finally, intersections are dangerous due to the risk of left-hand turn accidents. When a driver turns left at an intersection, he or she must yield the right-of-way to vehicles traveling in the opposite lane. They may only make the left turn when it is safe to do so. Failing to yield or misjudging the distance of an oncoming driver could lead to a side-impact accident. If a turning driver cuts off a motorcyclist or bicyclist, the crash can be deadly.
Many people do not realize the immense injury risks that intersections pose. Thousands of injuries and deaths take place at these locations around the country each year. If you or a loved one gets injured in an intersection accident in New Haven, help is available at Jacobs & Jacobs. Our car accident attorneys can help you seek fair financial compensation for your serious injuries. We can help you hold a negligent driver accountable for a tort that led to your intersection accident. Contact us today for a free case consultation.