Chicago Intersection Accident Lawyer

Drivers who speed through intersections, especially when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can cause serious car 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, severe injuries, broken bones, or even the life loss of a loved one.

Contact the Chicago car accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC if you or your loved one have been injured in an intersection crash to pursue compensation.

Speak with our experienced personal injury attorneys 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 injury and death in the United States. About 40% of all car 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 Chicago accident attorneys currently represent clients throughout the United States and Illinois that have been accident victims from intersection crashes.

We currently represent clients in the surrounding area, including Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, Will County, Aurora, Naperville, and Schaumburg.

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 areas. 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.

Different Types of Intersection Accidents

Whenever someone is involved in a motor vehicle accident, you know how terrifying and life-changing it can be. Unfortunately, car crashes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and intersections are common for accidents.

Intersections are one of the most dangerous places on the road. When two vehicles collide at an intersection, the results can be disastrous. Every year, thousands are injured in intersection accidents.

If you've been injured in a car accident, it's important to know your rights and how to get the compensation you deserve.

National Averages of Accidents Occurring at Dangerous Intersections

An intersection crash can happen in the blink of an eye. For example, you are driving along and approaching 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 car accident.

While intersections are not always dangerous, they account for a high percentage of car crashes each year. National averages indicate that around 26% of serious injuries are from an accident at an intersection.

When you break this number down by type of crash, 60 percent of all T-Bone collisions happen at intersections, as well as 45 percent of all rear-end accidents.

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 type of 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 serious collisions. Of these injuries, 246 were considered to be serious.

These injuries can lead to long-term health issues, extensive medical bills, and a decreased quality of life.

In 2019, 246 injuries were reported in intersection accidents in Illinois caused by a drunk driver. This number accounts for 14 percent of all intersection-related injuries.

When you consider that drunk drivers are a danger on the road, it's important to be extra vigilant when driving through some of the most dangerous intersections.

No One is Protected from an Intersection Accident

Intersection accidents are some of the most common and devastating types of collisions on our roads.

They can involve two vehicles, a pedestrian and a vehicle, or multiple vehicles. In many cases, accidents are caused by distracted driving, disregard for traffic laws, or even drunk driving.

These violent motor vehicle accidents result in serious injuries or even death. Therefore, before you pursue a legal case after an accident occurs, it's smart to understand the different types of collisions and what your options are to get full compensation with an attorney-client relationship.

• Rear-end collision: The most common type of intersection crashes, these collisions often occur when one driver fails to stop in time and slams into the back of another vehicle. This accident can cause whiplash or more severe injuries to the face and mouth, resulting in thousands of dollars in medical costs.
• T-Bone collision: These accidents happen when one vehicle crashes into the side of another. They can cause major personal injury, emotional distress, and extensive damage to both vehicles.
• Pedestrian accident: Pedestrians also can suffer personal injury at crossroads from being struck, drivers not coming to a complete stop, confusion as to who has the right of way, and not obeying stop signs or red lights. In many cases, pedestrians are hit or run over by vehicles when crossing the street or in a crosswalk.
• Multiple vehicle collision: These accidents often occur when vehicles attempting to make a left turn collide with oncoming traffic.

Injured parties with the right of way will want full compensation against the negligent party. Our law offices help these victims navigate the legal process, obtain the police report and review medical records to build a case for a financial settlement.

Types of Motorists That Cause Accidents

Drivers should be aware of the different types of motorists they may encounter on the road. Knowing about these different types of vehicle operators and levels of impairment can take steps to ensure their safety while traveling through crossroads, highway junctions, or roundabouts.

Each type of driver presents its dangers and should be avoided when possible. Some of the most common types of drivers involved in an accident at an intersection:

• Distracted motorists not paying attention to the road when moving might be looking at their phone, talking to passengers, or looking for something in the car
• Reckless motorists who may not have a license to use a car often move too fast, weave in traffic, or make dangerous maneuvers.
• Impaired motorists under the influence of a substance while operating a motor vehicle.
• Aggressive motorists honking their horns, making rude gestures, or cutting other people off on the road
• Confused drivers, visitors, tourists, relocated individuals, delivery drivers, motorists unfamiliar with the area or unsure which way to go could cause an accident.
• Left-turning drivers often cause accidents when not yielding to oncoming traffic.
• Drunk Drivers in Illinois are responsible for 26% of car accidents, where more than 50% happen at an intersection.
• Driver errors could include running a red light or stop sign, driving while distracted, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Road conditions can also contribute to losing control and crashing at intersections, as can defective traffic signals or signage.
• Weather conditions play a role at highway junctions and small crossroads, as do vehicle mechanical failures.

Various Injuries Common from Intersection Accidents

It doesn't matter if you're merging on a highway or waiting at a red light. Accidents, where roads join and cross each other, can cause various injuries and property damage.

The most common type of intersection accident is a collision between two vehicles, but pedestrians and bicyclists can also be involved. Here are some of the types of injuries caused by a crossroad accident.

• Injuries to the head and neck are common in most major accidents. However, whiplash can be very serious and can result in long-term disability.
• Broken bones are also common due to the force of the crash. These fractures can often require surgery and can take months to heal.
• Injuries to the internal organs can also occur from blunt force trauma. These injuries can be fatal if not treated promptly.

What to Do After an Intersection Accident

After a crash, you may not know what to do or where to turn for help. Here are some things to keep in mind if you find yourself in this situation.

• First, you should seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you don't think you were injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor.
• Second, you should contact a law firm and schedule a free consultation. An accident lawyer can help you file a claim against an at-fault driver and can help you get the financial compensation you deserve.
• Third, you should document everything. Keep a journal of your injuries, keep all of your medical bills and records, and take pictures of the damage to your vehicle.

How to File a Claim

If you have been involved in an intersection collision, it is important to seek free consultation from an accident attorney right away. An experienced attorney can help you get the justice you deserve for your injuries and property damage.

An attorney can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver and can help you get the funds you need to cover your medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.

What to Do If Your Car is Damaged

If your car is damaged in a collision, the first thing you should do is call the police and file a police report. They will come to the scene and investigate the wreck. Make sure you stay at the scene until they arrive.

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 Lawyer

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek legal advice right away. 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.

An accident lawyer 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.

How Much is Your Case Worth?

The amount of money a person can recover in a collision at a roundabout or cross street typically depends on the severity of the injuries and the amount of property damage.

Have you suffered a serious injury, such as a broken bone, internal organ damage, coma, etc.? If so, you may be entitled to receive money for your medical bills, inability to work, and pain and suffering.

In some cases, a person may also be awarded punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver for their negligence. Even if the at-fault party died, their estate might be responsible.

Seeking Legal Compensation from a Chicago Intersection Accident

If you were involved in a car accident in a cross street, you might be wondering if you have any legal recourse. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you could potentially seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver.

The statute of limitations for an intersection accident is typically two years. The law states that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim against the at-fault driver.

However, it is important to contact an attorney right away to ensure that your case is filed within the correct time frame.

When someone is injured in an intersection accident, they may be eligible to seek legal compensation. However, this process can be complicated and challenging.

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 victims' life

Hiring a Car Accident Attorney to Resolve a Compensation Case

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, our skilled intersection accident lawyers can help you obtain financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, future earnings, disability, damages, pain, and suffering.

Call our law firm 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.

Resources:

• GHSA - Traffic Accident Fatalities