Intersection-Related Collisions
Car accidents can happen almost anywhere and at any time. However, there are certain areas that tend to be especially dangerous for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Traffic intersections, for example, are one of the most common locations in which car accidents occur in Florida. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that as many as 40 percent of car accidents take place in intersections. Most collisions in intersections are the result of at least one party’s negligent or reckless conduct, so if you were injured in an accident that took place in an intersection, it is critical to speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can help you seek compensation from the at-fault parties.
Rear End Collisions
Of all of the types of accidents that occur in intersections, rear end collisions are perhaps the most common and are almost always the result of a motorist’s carelessness or inattention. Most involve one of the following activities:
- Texting;
- Adjusting in-vehicle technologies;
- Talking to a passenger;
- Listening to loud music;
- Daydreaming;
- Eating or drinking;
- Smoking; or
- Grooming.
Victims of rear end collisions are especially at risk of sustaining certain types of injuries, including:
- Whiplash, which is caused by the force of an impact straining a victim’s neck or back;
- Cracked ribs and fractured sternums from coming into contact with the seatbelt;
- Knee injuries caused by striking the dashboard;
- Head injuries, which are often the result of the victim’s head striking the steering wheel or headrest upon impact; and
- Soft tissue injuries.
Rear end collisions also often have a domino effect, creating a multi-car pile-up.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are another type of accident that commonly occurs in intersections. Florida drivers are required to drive reasonably and to keep an eye out for pedestrians. Unfortunately, taking one’s eyes off of the road for even a few seconds can lead to a collision with a pedestrian who is lawfully using a crosswalk. These types of accidents tend to have especially devastating results because pedestrians are so exposed to impact. As a result, many injured pedestrians suffer from:
- Broken bones;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Severe lacerations; and
- Organ damage.
Fortunately, injured pedestrians can collect compensation for their medical expenses. This is true even when an injured party was partly at fault for the accident. However, the amount that he or she is able to collect will be reduced by his or her percentage of contribution.
Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact crashes, or t-bone collisions are another common type of intersection accident that occur when a motorist is struck while turning by a car traveling in the opposite direction. These kinds of collisions tend to be particularly violent and often involve multiple vehicles. Common injuries include dislocated shoulders, whiplash, head trauma, hearing loss, and cracked ribs.
Contact a Florida Auto Accident Attorney Today
To speak with an experienced auto accident lawyer about your own case, please contact Boone & Davis by calling 954-566-9919 or by initiating a live chat with a member of our legal team. Our Fort Lauderdale attorneys are eager to assist you today.
Resource:
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811366
