Many car wrecks happen at intersections. We aren’t surprised. Intersections slow down traffic and create congestion. With more cars in such close proximity, the risk of a crash goes way up. Furthermore, many motorists are either reckless or dangerous and refuse to stop when approaching an intersection, often because they are in a hurry.
Each year, tens of thousands of people are killed in intersection accidents and many more are injured. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 11,799 people were killed in an intersection accident in 2021. These accidents represented more than 25% of all car fatalities. The number of those injured is probably more than triple that number.
If you were injured in any intersection accident, call us. An Atlanta car accident lawyer at Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys can meet to analyze your crash and discuss possible compensation.
T-Bone Accident (Side Impact Collision)
Side impact crashes involve one car ramming the side of another, usually at a 90-degree angle. T-bones have many causes, including:
- Running a red light. A motorist refuses to stop and crashes into a car that was passing through legally on a green light.
- Failing to yield. Georgia right of way rules instruct motorists about what to do if there are no lights at an intersection. All motorists should come to a complete stop. Then, a driver should yield to another motorist on their right. In this way, traffic can pass in an orderly way through the intersection. Some drivers don’t even know these rules or they don’t care and they jump into the intersection.
- Falling asleep. A motorist who nods off will never see a red light up ahead, so they never slow down. Unsurprisingly, they can crash into someone who has a green light.
T-bones are often high-speed accidents, especially for dangerous drivers trying to beat a red light. Many cars have less protection at the sides, so victims can suffer serious injuries.
Head On Collisions
These accidents sometimes happen when a driver runs a red light and tries to make a turn, often very late. Consequently, they smash into the front of a car coming toward them on a green light. Other head on collisions stem from a driver falling asleep or being intoxicated and being unable to stop due to delayed reflexes.
Head on collisions are dangerous, and they could involve other vehicles. After crashing, the cars could bounce apart and smash into other vehicles in the intersection, turning into a multiple-car pile up.
Left-Turn Accidents
When making a left turn, a driver must cross traffic. This is one reason why left-handed turns are more dangerous than right-hand turns. Often, drivers wait in an intersection for traffic to come through the intersection so they can make their turn. In other cases, drivers are in a hurry and just pull left, trying to complete the turn before crashing into someone.
Sadly, some drivers misjudge the distance of traffic. They end up pulling directly in front of an oncoming car, leading to a wreck. Although you might be hit, you still have caused the accident because you turned when there wasn’t room.
Rear End Collisions
Often, victims waiting for a red light are hit from behind. These are very scary accidents, because there is almost nothing the victim can do to avoid the crash. They might see a car flying toward them in their rearview mirror but not have room to move out of the way.
Rear end collisions cause some serious injuries:
- Whiplash. A passenger’s head can be thrown forward before snapping back in a whip-like fashion. Whiplash leads to intense neck and shoulder pain, often lasting for months.
- Facial injuries. A motorist could smash their face into the dashboard or steering wheel if an airbag doesn’t deploy. Some airbags eject plastic and other materials which cause facial injuries.
- Fractures. A passenger can suffer multiple fractures, especially those in the hands and arms if they reach out to slow their forward motion. The shoulder harness can also crack ribs and the sternum.
- Organ injuries. Various injuries include heart bruises (contusions), collapsed lung, and intestine injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents
We have represented many Atlanta residents hit as pedestrians. Georgia laws require crossing in a marked crosswalk or, if there is none, at an unmarked crosswalk. Sadly, dangerous motorists are rarely concerned for pedestrian safety.
Pedestrians suffer some of the worst injuries we have seen. Injuries are serious even at low speeds. Pedestrians can suffer shattered bones in the hips, pelvis, and thighs, as well as devastating head injuries if they fall backwards. It is not unusual for a pedestrian to end up permanently disabled.
What to Do after an Intersection Accident?
Please tick off as many of these boxes as you can after a crash:
1. Stop immediately. Georgia law requires that motorists come to an immediate stop after an accident. If you are blocking traffic, then you can pull to the side after stopping. But fleeing the scene of a crash is a crime.
2. Call the police to report your accident. You will need a police report when it comes time to file an insurance claim.
3. Take photographs of the cars involved. Your attorney would like to see the damage up close for all vehicles involved. You can use your phone.
4. Speak with any witnesses and ask for their name. You should also get a phone number or email. They can help us visualize what happened and assign fault.
5. Visit the hospital when you are finished at the scene of the accident. You should receive prompt medical care for all injuries.
A lawyer provides critical value after a crash. You shouldn’t negotiate a settlement alone or even give a statement to an insurance adjuster without a lawyer’s presence.
Call Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers for More Information!
Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys has tackled all sorts of intersection accidents. You can lean on our experience negotiating favorable car accident settlements. We typically seek money for car repairs, lost wages, and medical bills. You should also receive something for pain and suffering. Give us a call, (404) 529-3476.