[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Intersection accidents are simply accidents that occur at intersections. There can be multiple involved parties, and there are many potential reasons for accidents at intersections. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident and believes that someone else was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation. A car accident lawyer could help you pursue the damages that you need.
Potential Parties in Intersection Accidents
An intersection accident can involve multiple parties. It could be a crash between a motor vehicle and:
- Another Motor Vehicle
- A Pedestrian
- A Cyclist
Accidents involving the latter two can be especially dangerous, as pedestrians and cyclists lack any protection that would be given to them if they were traveling by car. If you were the pedestrian or cyclist here, that can mean extensive injuries and potentially massive medical bills for you.
Causes of Intersection Accidents
Distracted Driving: a driver who is on their cell phone, adjusting their radio, eating and drinking, or paying too much attention to their passengers can easily cause an intersection accident. This behavior is incredibly dangerous because intersections can be busy, with multiple cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and other moving objects. Navigating an intersection requires your full attention.
Driving While Impaired: while incidences of drunk driving have declined in recent years, drivers who get behind the wheel while impaired still pose a massive threat to other drivers on the road. Driving while impaired dulls reaction times and affects the judgment of drivers. These cognitive effects can lead to someone behaving in a more dangerous way or being unable to stop when a sudden obstacle, like a person crossing the street or another vehicle, presents itself.
Drowsy Driving: some drivers have no idea how dangerous it can be to get behind the wheel when they are sleepy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has commissioned studies about drowsy driving and determined that sleepy drivers can easily pose a threat to other drivers on the road. A driver who falls asleep behind the wheel can cause an intersection accident, but even a driver who is just tired might not have the reaction time needed to prevent an accident when road conditions suddenly change. In any case, drowsy driving can be incredibly dangerous.
Age of drivers involved: according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), left turns can be especially dangerous for older drivers. Left turn scenarios have high crash ratings for older adults, and as a result, the organization actually recommends that older drivers try to avoid left turns when possible.
What to Do When You Are Hurt in an Intersection Accident?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an intersection accident, you may have legal options. A Florida car accident lawyer would be able to tell you more about how you can pursue compensation and what kind of compensation is fair. They also fight for the best possible outcome of your case. You can pursue multiple types of damages in cases like these, including but not limited to:
Medical Damages: you or a loved one could suffer extensive injuries in an intersection accident, especially if you were a pedestrian or cyclist. The costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, and any other type of medical attention you need can begin to pile up quickly. Why should you have to pay those bills yourself when someone else’s negligence caused your accident?
Lost Wages: it may take you a while to recover from your injuries. They can easily interfere with your ability to work, causing you to lose out on wages. Absence from work can be a big financial problem for many families, so you can pursue damages that cover these lost paychecks as well.
Loss of Earning Potential: in some cases, people do not end up fully recovering from their injuries. Injuries that leave lasting damage could affect your ability to work, especially at a more physical job. If you believe that your injuries have affected your future earning potential, that could be covered by your compensation.
Loss of Enjoyment: those lingering effects of the injuries suffered in your intersection accident may affect more than your ability to work. Your injuries could prevent you from enjoying a hobby, sport, or activity you once loved. This loss is important too, and it is only fair that it is considered when your compensation is calculated.
Wrongful Death: unfortunately, some intersection accidents are deadly, and maybe your loved one has passed away due to injuries suffered in such an accident. In that case, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages covering their financial contribution to the household and your pain and suffering.
How a Lawyer Can Help?
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can do a lot to help you with your case and your pursuit of damages. An attorney can:
- Submit your lawsuit by the end of the statute of limitations
- Manage all communication with relevant parties
- Gather needed evidence to make your case
- Argue your case in court
- Update you on the status of your case
- Determine fair compensation and fight for it on your behalf
Hiring a lawyer is not required, but having one handle your case for you while you recover from your injuries and get back to your normal life can be helpful in many ways.
Call us at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in an intersection accident, the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato may be able to assist you. Our honest, caring, and attentive staff treats our clients like family. Just look at our glowing reviews.
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers are known for our responsive and quick communication, so call us at (954) 633-8270 for a free consultation today. There is no obligation. Learn more about your legal options and remember that we do not charge you until you receive a settlement.
We help the victim of car accidents in the following cities also:
- Fort Myers car accident attorney
- Boynton Beach car accident attorney
- West Palm Beach car accident lawyer
- Miami car accident lawyer
