Drivers who speed through intersections, especially when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can cause serious auto accidents. But that is not the only way crashes can occur within the confines of an intersection.
The negligent party can leave you without a vehicle, a huge medical bill, serious injuries, broken bones, or even the life loss of a loved one.
A Chicago personal injury attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help if you or your loved one have been injured in an intersection crash to pursue compensation.
Speak with our experienced Chicago auto accident lawyers as soon as possible to get justice for you or your loved one.
You are entitled to a free consultation about financial recovery for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, death, pain, and suffering.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, intersection accidents are a leading cause of serious injury and death in the United States.
Approximately 40% of all auto accidents happen at intersections.
Contact our Chicago, IL, intersection accident lawyers to arrange for a free case evaluation of your personal injury claim today.
Our law firm currently represents clients throughout the United States and Illinois that have been Chicago car accident victims from intersection crashes.
Identifying the Dangerous Signs at Intersections
When operating an automobile, you face many dangers while on the road, but intersections can be some of the most hazardous.
Intersections are where two or more roads meet and motor vehicles cross paths.
However, making a mistake can have deadly consequences.
There are a few key things to look for when approaching an intersection to make sure that you stay safe:
- Are both streets clear of traffic? Make sure you check both directions before entering the intersection.
- Is the light green? If so, proceed through the intersection. If not, be prepared to stop.
- Are you able to see around the corners of buildings? A clear view is important to plan your turn and ensure no cars are coming.
- Is there a stop sign or traffic light? If so, obey it.
National Averages of Accidents Occurring at Dangerous Intersections
An intersection crash can happen in the blink of an eye. For example, you drive along and approach an intersection when the traffic lights turn yellow.
You accelerate to make it through before the traffic lights turn red, but a distracted driver is also trying to make it through on the yellow.
At that moment, everything changes. Suddenly, you are in a vehicle accident.
While intersections are not always dangerous, they account for many auto accidents yearly.
National averages indicate that around 26% of serious injuries are from an accident at an intersection.
Illinois Elevated Rates for Intersection Accidents
Illinois has a higher-than-average number of car crashes, with around 26 percent involving intersection accidents.
Rear-end collisions are the most common accident at crossroads with traffic lights and stop signs, followed by T-bone collisions.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were a total of 1,719 injuries reported in intersection accidents in 2018.
This number includes both minor and severe collisions. Of those harmed, 246 were considered to involve serious injuries, including the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Dismemberment
- Spinal cord injuries
These injuries can lead to long-term health issues, extensive medical bills, and a decreased quality of life.
No One is Protected from an Intersection Accident
Intersection accidents are some of the most common and devastating road collisions.
These violent motor vehicle accidents result in serious injuries or even death. Therefore, before you pursue a legal case after an accident, it’s wise to understand the different types of collisions and your options to get full compensation with an attorney-client relationship.
- Rear-end collisions: The accident can cause whiplash or more severe facial and mouth injuries, resulting in thousands of dollars in future medical expenses.
- T-bone accidents: These car accidents happen when one vehicle crashes into the side of another. A T-bone collision can cause serious injury, emotional distress, and damage to both vehicles.
Our law offices help car accident victims navigate the legal process, obtain the police report and review medical records to build a case for a financial settlement.
What to Do After an Intersection Auto Accident
After a crash, you may not know what to do or where to turn for help. Here are some things to remember if you find yourself in this situation.
- First, you should seek medical attention for your car accident injuries. Even if you don’t think you were injured, getting checked out by a doctor is essential.
- Second, you should contact a law firm and schedule a free case review. A lawyer can help you file a car accident claim against an at-fault driver and can help you get the fair compensation you deserve.
- Third, you should document everything. Keep a journal of your injuries, all your medical bills and records, and take pictures of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
What to Do If Your Car is Damaged
If your car is damaged in a collision, you should first call the police and file a police report. They will come to the scene and investigate the wreck.
You should exchange information with the other driver, including their name, address, phone number, insurance information, and driver’s license number.
Finally, you should contact your insurance company and report the crash. They will send an adjuster to the scene to assess the damage to your car.
When to Call a Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident, it is vital to seek legal advice immediately.
An experienced intersection accident attorney can help you get compensation from the responsible company and fight their insurance company to compensate for your specific circumstances.
Personal injury attorneys can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver and can help you get the money you need to cover your bills and property.
Personal Injury Claims: Seeking Legal Compensation from a Chicago Intersection Accident
You could seek compensation from the at-fault driver depending on your accident’s circumstances.
The statute of limitations states that you have two years from the car crash date to file a claim against the at-fault driver.
Many factors need to be considered, such as:
- The severity of the injuries
- Who was at fault for the accident
- What type of compensation is being sought
- How the injuries sustained have impacted the car accident victim
Hiring Chicago Car Accident Attorneys to Resolve an Intersection Injury Case
Our skilled intersection auto accident lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC can help you obtain financial compensation for your medical treatment costs, lost wages from missed work, future earnings, disability, damages, pain, and suffering.
Call an auto accident attorney at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights to recover compensation.
