With heavy traffic and confusing signals in some cases, intersection accidents are often inevitable. When an intersection collision occurs, it can cause injuries, property damage, and fatalities.
If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, we are here to help. At Bernard Law Group, our intersection accident attorneys understand the stress and uncertainty accompanying these incidents. We are here to help you understand your rights and seek compensation from the at-fault party.
We know the local roadways, understand intersection-related claims and are committed to fighting for accident victims. Call our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you on your path to recovery.
What Are Intersection Accidents?
Intersection accidents occur when vehicles collide while passing through or turning at a crossroads. These accidents often result from the complex nature of intersections, where cars, cyclists, and pedestrians converge.
Typical scenarios include rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, and pedestrian accidents caused by drivers failing to yield the right of way. Intersection accidents can happen in various ways but frequently involve distracted driving, speeding, or running red lights.
A skilled Seattle intersection accident lawyer can help you understand the unique dynamics of your accident and build a case to prove liability. Handling these cases requires a thorough understanding of traffic laws, driver behavior, and the unique risks at Seattle intersections.
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Types of Intersection Accidents
Studies surrounding intersection accidents focus on two different types. These include unsignalized intersection crashes and signalized intersection crashes.
Unsignalized Intersection Crashes
Unsignalized intersections, the predominant type in the United States, typically fall into three categories:
- Stop sign-controlled: At least one direction of traffic at the intersection must stop before proceeding.
- Yield sign-controlled: At least one direction of traffic must slow down and yield to others before moving through the intersection.
- Uncontrolled: No stop signs, yield signs, or traffic signals are present. These intersections are usually found on quieter, low-traffic roads in rural or residential areas.
Fatalities at Unsignalized Intersections (2018–2022)
Over five years, from 2018 to 2022, the average annual data on deaths at unsignalized intersections was as follows:
- Total Traffic Fatalities: 39,530
- Fatalities Involving an Intersection: 10,595
- Fatalities at Unsignalized Intersections: 7,301
- Pedestrian Fatalities at Unsignalized Intersections: 987
- Bicyclist Fatalities at Unsignalized Intersections: 233
These figures reflect the significant risks at intersections without traffic signals, where drivers and pedestrians must rely on signage and right-of-way rules.
Signalized Intersection Crashes
Traffic signals at intersections, known as signalized intersections, account for approximately one-third of all intersection fatalities. These signals manage the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Many of these fatalities involve red-light running, underscoring the importance of compliance with traffic signals.
Fatalities at Signalized Intersections (2018–2022)
Over the same five-year period, the average annual data for fatalities at signalized intersections included:
- Total Traffic Fatalities: 39,530
- Fatalities Involving Intersections: 10,595
- Fatalities at Signalized Intersections: 3,894
- Fatalities Due to Red-Light Running at Signalized Intersections: 1,055
- Pedestrian Fatalities at Signalized Intersections: 859
- Bicyclist Fatalities at Signalized Intersections: 156
- Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities Due to Red-Light Running at Signalized Intersections: 64
These statistics demonstrate the dangers of signalized intersections, particularly those related to red-light running, which continues to be a leading cause of serious accidents.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Seattle
Several intersections in Seattle are particularly notorious for accidents. Understanding where these danger zones are located may help you avoid them or be extra cautious when traveling through them.
- NE 40th St, 7th Ave NE, and Burke Gilman Trail: This complex intersection with high congestion is particularly challenging for cyclists and drivers.
- Rainier Ave, Jackson St, Boren Ave, and 14th Ave: This intersection is widely known for poor traffic flow. It is especially hazardous for pedestrians.
- Mercer St and 9th Ave: This intersection is often cited for frequent pedestrian and vehicle conflicts. Poorly timed signals only increase the risk for those around.
- Denny Way and Stewart St: This notorious intersection has especially heavy traffic and is often cited as one of Seattle’s worst.
Although these intersections are some of the most dangerous, an accident can occur at any intersection in the city. Quite often, these accidents result from negligence.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents
Several factors contribute to the frequency of intersection accidents in Seattle. The most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, and other distractions often cause drivers to miss signals or fail to notice other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Running red lights or stop signs: Drivers in a hurry may ignore traffic signals, leading to collisions.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s time to react to changing traffic conditions at intersections.
- Failure to yield the right of way: Misunderstanding or disregarding right-of-way rules is a common cause of intersection accidents.
- Drunk driving or impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, leading to dangerous driving behavior at intersections.
- Poor visibility or road conditions: Weather conditions, such as rain or fog, or poorly maintained roads can lead to accidents at intersections.
A Seattle intersection accident lawyer can help you determine the cause of your accident and hold the responsible party accountable.
Liability in Intersection Accidents
Determining who is responsible for an intersection accident can be extremely challenging. In some cases, the driver who caused the collision is clearly at fault due to reckless behavior. However, there are situations where liability may be shared among multiple parties. This makes identifying all the factors contributing to the accident essential, as it will ultimately determine who has to cover the resulting damages. The liable parties in an intersection accident can include:
- Other drivers: A distracted, intoxicated, or reckless driver is often the primary cause of an accident. Their actions, such as running a red light or failing to yield, can lead to severe consequences for everyone involved.
- The city: In certain instances, the city or municipality may be liable if improper traffic signals, inadequate signage, or poorly maintained roads contribute to the accident. For example, the city may share responsibility if a traffic light malfunctions or potholes create hazardous conditions.
- Commercial vehicle operators: Accidents involving trucks or delivery vehicles can be particularly complex, as the company employing the driver may also bear responsibility. Factors such as driver fatigue, vehicle maintenance, and company safety policies can all play a role in determining liability.
Due to the complex nature of these accident claims, a Seattle intersection accident lawyer will conduct a detailed investigation of your case. This process involves gathering and carefully analyzing evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports.
By reconstructing the events leading up to the accident, the attorney works to determine clear liability and hold all responsible parties accountable. By working with a knowledgeable and experienced legal team, victims of intersection accidents can pursue the compensation they deserve to help cover their losses and aid in their recovery.
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Compensation After an Intersection Accident
You can seek compensation for your losses if you’ve been injured in an intersection accident. A Seattle intersection accident lawyer can help you recover:
- Medical expenses include past and future medical bills, from emergency room visits to rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for your lost income.
- Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement costs can also be included in your claim.
- Pain and suffering: Intersection accidents often result in physical pain and emotional distress that warrant compensation.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you may be entitled to damages for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
The Role of a Seattle Intersection Accident Lawyer
- Investigating the accident: Our team will gather all relevant evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports, to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often attempt to settle for less than you deserve. We will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Litigating if necessary: If negotiations fail, we’re prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you in front of a judge and jury.
We work to ensure you are compensated fairly for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. You don’t have to face the aftermath of an intersection accident alone.
Contact Our Seattle Intersection Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an intersection accident, contact our Seattle intersection accident lawyer at Bernard Law Group. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Contact us today and take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
