Intersections can be hazardous locations for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Many serious car accidents occur at intersections throughout New York, including T-bone accidents, head-on collisions, multiple-vehicle pileups, and sideswipes. These types of crashes can not only result in a significant amount of property damage — but they can also cause those involved to suffer severe and debilitating injuries. If you were in an intersection accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses for the serious injuries you suffered by filing a personal injury action.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents
Drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians face many risks at intersections, whether they have a traffic signal or not. Critically, there are many reasons intersection accidents can occur. For instance, a driver might try to beat a red light and accelerate through the intersection — or they might anticipate a green light and proceed too early. If the intersection is not controlled by any signs or light signals, there may be confusion regarding who has the right of way.
Other common causes of intersection accidents can include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Fatigue
- Inattention
- Driving under the influence
- Texting and driving
- Following too closely
While another driver is often to blame for an intersection accident, sometimes a municipality may be liable. For example, if the municipality had knowledge that the stop lights were broken or malfunctioning and failed to make timely repairs, it might be held responsible for any accidents that arose as a result. Additionally, a vehicle or part manufacturer may incur liability if defective brakes or a faulty steering wheel were the cause of the accident. It’s crucial to have a skillful attorney who can carefully investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident to ensure every liable party is held accountable.
Compensation for Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents are some of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle collisions. Whether they involve a multiple-vehicle pile-up or just one other car, the injuries that can be sustained are often severe. Depending on the force of impact, common intersection accident injuries can include broken bones, nerve damage, paralysis, traumatic brain injury, soft tissue injuries, disfigurement, and permanent disability. Although no-fault insurance will cover medical expenses up to $50,000 and a portion of a victim’s lost wages, this usually isn’t enough to cover the full amount of their losses.
By filing a personal injury action, a victim of an intersection accident may be able to recover the monetary losses they incurred in connection with the collision, in addition to compensation for their pain and suffering. Recoverable economic damages can include unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket costs, future lost earnings, and other pecuniary losses. Noneconomic damages are those that are much more difficult to quantify and are meant to compensate a victim for the physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life suffered due to the accident.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
Intersection collisions are usually complex and liability is rarely straightforward. In these cases, it’s vital to have a skillful personal injury attorney who can maximize your compensation. Due to our deep knowledge, experience, and dedication, the attorneys at The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, LLP regularly obtain substantial settlements and verdicts in the millions on behalf of clients who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents.
The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, LLP is a personal injury law firm committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims to ensure they get the monetary recovery they deserve for their injuries. Located in Manhattan, our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout New York City since 1937. Call to schedule a free consultation at (212) 425-1999 today.