Texas Intersection Car Accident Attorney

An intersection is any place where a road meets another road and traffic converges from different directions. More than half of the combined fatality and injury car accidents happen at intersections.

Crashes at intersections may be particularly fast, if drivers are completely disregarding the traffic control devices or if they are trying to beat a traffic light and get through before the light changes. Unfortunately, many people who race a traffic light are already too late to make it through the intersection while it is their turn.

Types of Road Intersections

There are many combinations of road intersections. The most common is a two-way street meeting another two-way street with the lines of the roads meeting in a perpendicular fashion. There are also various combinations where two roads meet and one or both of the roads are one-way. In that case, traffic should only be coming from one direction but that may confuse the other drivers.

Another kind of road intersection is one where the road ends at the intersection and the driver has to turn left or right. This is sometimes called a T junction or a Y junction, depending on the shape. Some rare kinds of intersections involve the intersection of 3, 4, or even more roads at one location.

Even a simple intersection can cause confusion as drivers will need to search for signs and other indicators to let them know how to proceed. The addition of one-way streets causes even more confusion.

Traffic intersections often have a traffic light or stop sign which lets vehicles know whose turn it is to proceed. Roundabouts are in place in several locations allowing drivers to proceed after yielding to traffic already in the intersection.

Why Car Crashes Happen in Intersections

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Crashes often occur at intersections because these are the locations where two or more roads cross each other and activities such as turning left, crossing over, and turning right have the potential for conflicts resulting in crashes.” When drivers need to make a choice about whose turn it is, they often make an incorrect choice thinking they have the right-of-way when they don’t.

Other drivers are simply in a hurry and proceed through the intersection knowing they don’t have the right-of-way, hoping the other drivers stop for them. Yet other drivers simply aren’t paying attention and don’t see the red light or the stop sign.

Intersection Accident Statistics

Intersections are responsible for many serious car accidents in Texas, where 812 people were killed in traffic accidents that occurred in intersections in 2015, out of a total of 3,578 fatal accidents for the year. In 2016, the number of fatal crashes in intersections was 814 out of 3,773.

Also in 2015, 22,500 accidents were caused by drivers who disregarded a stop-and-go signal, with 85 of those accidents resulting in fatalities. In 2016, failure to obey a stop sign or light caused 11,283 crashes, with 80 of them being fatal.

Understanding Intersection Right of Way

Drivers are required to pass a driving test to obtain a driver’s license, but many people still seem confused about who has the right of way at an intersection. It is important to know whose turn it is in order to avoid colliding with the other drivers.

When there are no traffic control devices, the person on the right has priority. Stop signs require drivers to not just come to a complete stop, but to then wait until the intersection is clear before proceeding. Yield signs require the driver to yield to other traffic, while traffic lights signal by color who can go. Many localities allow drivers to turn right on red but only after coming to a complete stop and waiting until the way is clear.

Violating any of those rules maybe just a mistake but it is a mistake that makes that driver liable for any damages caused by any resulting accident. Traffic rules make it easier to assign blame but also allow innocent people a way to argue and prove their case.

Finding a Law Firm after an Intersection Accident

If you have been injured because of an accident that occurred at an intersection, you may have serious injuries and substantial property damage. If you had the right of way and the other driver caused the accident by violating a traffic rule, you may be able to recover your damages, including rental cars, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

The Dashner Law Firm has intersection car accident attorneys who want to help you recover and receive the compensation you deserve. You can call today and get a free consultation on your case.

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Car Accident FAQ’s

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How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Texas Car Accident Attorney?

Texas car accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and the attorney receives a percentage of your compensation only if you win.

Texas car accident attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t have any upfront expenses. In essence, the attorney’s payment is derived from a portion of the compensation you receive. The percentage they take often varies based on when your case is settled. For instance, if the case progresses to trial, the attorney may command a higher percentage due to the increased time, effort, and resources invested. Conversely, if the case is settled without initiating a lawsuit, the attorney’s percentage is usually lower because of the reduced workload. This arrangement ensures that legal representation is accessible to accident victims regardless of their financial situation. You’ll never pay money out-of-pocket for services, and the attorney does not collect until you do. This means you can pursue justice and fair compensation without worrying about legal fees while you’re dealing with medical bills and lost income from your accident.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Texas?

Ensure safety, call 911, exchange information with other drivers, and document the scene with photos, witness information, and notes.

After a car accident, follow these critical steps to protect your health and legal rights. Ensure safety: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. If anyone is injured or the vehicles are blocking traffic and can be safely moved, relocate to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement. This creates an official record of the incident and ensures that police document the scene, which can be crucial for your claim. Exchange information: Share contact and insurance details with the other driver(s), including names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers. Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles, the accident scene showing road conditions and traffic signals, visible injuries, skid marks or debris, and the position of all vehicles involved. Gather witness information including names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident. Make notes about the time, location, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and your recollection of how the accident occurred. Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured, as some conditions may not manifest immediately. Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about giving recorded statements without legal counsel. At The Dashner Law Firm, we take immediate action to preserve critical evidence and build a strong case, so contact us as soon as possible after your accident.

Is it necessary to call the police after a car accident in Texas?

Yes, you should call the police, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage, as a police report is crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.

Yes, you should call the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Understanding when and why to involve law enforcement can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation and protect your legal rights.

Legal Requirements in Texas:

In Texas, you are required by law to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Given that most car accidents involve damage exceeding this threshold, calling the police is not just advisable—it’s often legally mandatory. Failing to report a reportable accident can result in legal penalties and complications with your insurance claim.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Texas?

You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim and typically two years for property damage claims in Texas.

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, it is typically two years as well. In Texas, you have TWO YEARS from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Understanding this deadline and its implications is critical to protecting your legal rights and recovering the compensation you deserve.

How is fault determined in Texas car accidents?

Texas follows modified comparative fault, meaning each party’s degree of fault is considered, and you can recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, though compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” system, which means that each party’s degree of fault is considered. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault. Understanding how fault is determined and allocated is crucial to maximizing your compensation and protecting your rights after a car accident.

What damages can I recover after a car accident?

You can recover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages depending on your case circumstances.

You may be eligible to recover various damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The specific damages depend on the circumstances of your case. In Texas, victims of car accidents can seek compensation for the injuries and losses they’ve suffered due to another party’s negligence. This compensation typically comes in the form of damages, a monetary award given to the injured party. Understanding the full scope of recoverable damages is essential to ensuring you receive complete compensation for all the ways the accident has impacted your life.

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