Intersection Accidents

Intersections are just a part of our life. Most of us pass through each intersection without an incident. However, intersections can be extremely dangerous when one driver fails to adhere to traffic laws, and accidents that do happen at intersections can be extremely dangerous. Following a crash at an intersection, you need compensation to pay your bills and support your family. 

At Bernheim Kelley Battista, LLC, our car accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have deep experience handling complex intersection crash claims. If you or your loved one was hurt in an intersection collision, we are here to help. To arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with a top Florida intersection accident attorney, please contact our Fort Lauderdale law office today.

Understanding Intersection Accidents: Know the Stats

Intersection accidents are collisions that happen at places where roads converge. If you are wondering, “Where Do Broadside Collisions Most Commonly Occur?” The answer is intersections. According to data provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), intersection safety is a major problem, and it remains a huge public safety priority for regulators. In 2020, there were 38,824 total traffic deaths reported nationwide. For reference, 10,626 of these fatalities happened in intersection accidents. The data is consistent from year-to-year: Approximately 25% of car accident injuries and car accident fatalities happen at intersections.

An Overview of Different Types of Intersection Accidents

Intersections are frequent sites of multi-vehicle accidents. A key reason is due to the relatively complex system of traffic movements. Understanding the different types of intersection accidents can shed light on their potential dangers. Here are some of the most common types of intersection accidents in South Florida:

• Rear-End Collisions: Often occurring at stop lights or stop signs, one vehicle crashes into the rear of the vehicle in front. 

• T-Bone Crashes: One vehicle's front collides with the side of another vehicle, forming a "T" shape. These are devastating accidents.  

• Head-On Collisions: Two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide frontally. While rarer at intersections. Head-on crashes are exceptionally dangerous.

• Pedestrian Accidents: These occur when vehicles strike pedestrians crossing roads or walking alongside them. Pedestrians are vulnerable.
• Sideswipe Collisions: Two vehicles traveling parallel in the same or opposite directions make side-to-side contact.

Know the Causes of Intersection Accidents

Crashes at intersections can occur for a wide range of different reasons. What are the most common causes of collisions? While no two car accidents are alike, many intersection accidents are caused by similar behaviors or actions. The following are some of the most common causes of intersection accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in South Florida: 

• Distracted Driving: When a driver is busy looking at their phone, eating lunch, putting on makeup, reaching into their backseat, or doing anything else that takes their eyes and mind off the road (or hands off the wheel), this distracted driving can put everyone else on the road at risk. Many times, people fail to either notice an intersection or the stopped vehicles in front of them, leading to them driving through a stop or rear-ending a vehicle. 

• Speeding: Speeding is a major factor in many accidents, including intersection accidents. When a driver is speeding, it gives them less time to react to emergencies, but it can also make a difference when they realize there is a stop sign or red light ahead that they failed to notice. Instead of coming to a controlled stop, they either skid into oncoming traffic or simply drive straight through. 

• Drunk Driving: Drunk driving is dangerous no matter what, and when someone is intoxicated, they may not realize that they are coasting through an intersection, possibly into oncoming traffic that has the right of way. If you suspect that the driver that you were in an accident with is intoxicated, make sure you mention this to the 911 operator so the police who arrive on the scene know what to expect.

• Aggressive Driving: When someone chooses to drive aggressively, possibly by racing, passing vehicles where it is not legally allowed, tailgating, or a number of other intimidating behaviors, they may not realize that they are quickly approaching an intersection, or may simply choose to risk the safety of everyone else on the road by cutting through without properly stopping or yielding.
• Mechanical Failure: Sometimes, the driver has every intention of stopping at an intersection, but a mechanical failure causes their brakes to not engage. This can be due to their maintenance failures or may be the result of a defective part in their vehicle. Regardless, this failure still means they are the responsible party in terms of who caused the accident, and we will help you seek compensation from them accordingly.

What are Some Common Injuries in Intersection Accidents?

A wide range of different injuries can happen in intersection accidents. In some cases, intersection collisions are relatively minor. Unfortunately, in other situations, crashes at intersections can result in horrific injuries. Some of the most common types of intersection accident injuries include: 

• Deep cuts and lacerations; 
• Soft tissue damage, including whiplash; 
• Fractures and broken bones; 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); 
• Internal injuries (bleeding, organ damage, etc); 
• Amputations; and 
• Spinal cord damage.

To learn more, schedule a free consultation with us today.

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Who Is at Fault in an Intersection Accident and What Is Florida's Comparative Fault Law?

After a crash, you may have questions about how to tell who is at fault in a car accident or how to dispute fault for a car accident. In Florida, minor and moderate intersection crashes are subject to the state’s no-fault standard. In effect, each motorist involved in these types of intersection crashes is responsible for their own damages—regardless of who is to blame. 

However, for serious injuries in intersection crashes, the negligent driver can be held at fault. Fault in serious accident claims is based on negligence—which is the failure to take due care. 

Notably, under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 768.81), there is a modified comparative fault standard. Each party to a crash is responsible for their proportional share of the blame.

How BK Law Firm Can Help in an Intersection Accident Claim

Intersection accident claims are complicated. At BK Law, we fight tirelessly to help injured victims get justice and financial compensation for their damages. We understand that the days and weeks following an accident are overwhelming. Our law firm is proactive and focused on results. Among other things, our personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale are prepared to: 

• Conduct a comprehensive review of your case; 
• Investigate your crash—gathering evidence to prove fault and establish damages; 
• Handle settlement negotiations with the insurance companies; and
• Develop a results-focused legal strategy designed to get you the best results.  

You may also be wondering, “How much does an accident devalue my car?” The sooner you contact us for your free consultation, the sooner we will be able to take on the insurance company for you so you can focus your energy on your personal needs and getting your life back on track. Additional stress will only slow your recovery, and we are happy to help you navigate this complex process with our years of experience and history of successful trials.

Set Up a Free Consultation with a Fort Lauderdale Intersection Accident Lawyer Today

At Bernheim Kelley Battista, LLC, our Fort Lauderdale intersection lawyers are strong, aggressive advocates for real justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in an intersection collision, we are here to help. Contact us right away for a free, fully confidential review of your case. With a law office in Fort Lauderdale, we handle intersection accident cases throughout South Florida.