Determining Fault in Intersection Accidents: A Comprehensive Guide

Intersections can be dangerous places with several cars transecting them simultaneously. If an accident occurs, it can be hard to assess fault and apportion financial liability on your own. However, doing so is critical to understanding the accident’s cause and recovering financial compensation.

A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your personal injury claim or lawsuit, including investigating the accident and determining fault. They can consult experts, including accident reconstruction professionals, who can recreate what happened. They can also speak to witnesses and build a compelling collection of supporting evidence. 

Why Identifying Fault in an Intersection Accident Is Essential

In an intersection accident, both cars can be traveling in a straight line, or one or both could be turning.

Understanding where each car was and what each driver was doing can help uncover the cause of your accident. Proving fault is the only way to successfully seek compensation from the driver whose negligence caused your intersection accident.

You must prove the other driver was at fault to recover the compensation to pay your medical bills and repair or replace your damaged or destroyed vehicle.

How to Prove Negligence Caused Your Intersection Accident

Proving negligence in a car accident case starts with collecting evidence to build a case file that aims to prove:

• The at-fault driver had a duty to drive safely. 
• The at-fault driver breached their duty of care.
• The at-fault driver’s action directly caused the crash.
• The accident caused financial expenses and losses.

The evidence you collect should prove these points. Compiling it can mean corresponding with other people and organizations in writing, via phone, and by email. It can also mean time spent researching and working with experts in cases like yours.

Your case file may include:

• Police, first responder, and medical reports
• Traffic, dashcam, and smartphone footage
• Witness observations from varying viewpoints
• A statement of your version of events

If you have a personal injury lawyer, they will collect the evidence your case requires. Your attorney will use this evidence to fight for a settlement and avoid a trial whenever possible. 

Intersection Accident Statistics in the State

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), over 36,000 people were injured and over 1,000 were killed in intersection accidents in Florida in 2022. 

Commonly reported causes of intersection accidents like these include:

• Disobeying traffic lights and signs
• Driver distraction or inattention
• Road rage or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Making improper turns

Confusing signs or the absence of directional signs can also cause intersection collisions. So can misunderstanding which driver had the right of way or failing to come to a complete stop before turning.

Types of Intersection Collisions and Injuries

Because multiple cars can be in varying positions in an intersection at any given time, intersection collisions can result in multiple types of impacts, including:

• Head-on collisions
• T-bone collisions
• Sideswipe accidents
• Rear-end collisions

Injuries resulting from intersection accidents can include:

• Bone breaks and fractures
• Head or neck injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Internal bleeding
• Back and shoulder injuries
• Whiplash

 How your injuries are categorized can significantly impact how your case is handled and in your financial recovery options. 

You Have Rights if Another Driver Caused an Intersection Accident

Florida, like every state, has laws that govern car accident cases. After proving fault for your accident, your personal injury attorney will assign liability to the negligent driver. While you are not required to have a lawyer, hiring one can benefit your case, including clarifying the following personal injury laws:

• If your vehicle is insured, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will cover at least part of your medical expenses.
• To recover some types of damages, such as pain and suffering, your injuries must be catastrophic, per Florida Statutes § 627.737.
• The insurer must comply with insurance regulations that govern their handling of your claim.

In addition to complying with these laws, you must also file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations (Florida Statutes § 95.11). While that can be hard in Florida, since the filing deadline was recently shortened and can also change based on the circumstances of your case, a lawyer can clarify it for you.

Get Help Determining Fault for Your Fort Lauderdale Intersection Accident

Getting compensation for intersection accidents in Fort Lauderdale requires determining fault. At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, a car accident attorney from our team will investigate your case and take on the at-fault party and their insurance company on your behalf. 

We will never stop fighting for you or for the compensation you need and deserve. Explore your financial recovery options by contacting our caring, attentive staff to get your free consultation today. Call us now at (954) 633-8270.