Car Accident at a Dangerous Intersection
When driving in Texas you will encounter a variety of intersections, crossings, signals, signs, and markers. Studies have indicated that the most commonly confused, misinterpreted, and misunderstood aspects of traffic laws relate to determining who has the right-of-way and who must yield when encountering another vehicle at an intersection. Intersections are defined as essentially points or junctions where two or more roads intersect.
Each day, the average driver goes through dozens, even hundreds of intersections, without even thinking about the dangers they pose. But statistics show that intersections are one of the most accident-prone places a motorist encounters. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 35-40% of all accidents happen at an intersection.
Causes of Dallas Intersection Car Accidents
The most common cause of intersection collisions in most states is inadequate surveillance, meaning the parties involved – or at least the person at fault – did not look around before making the mistake of entering the intersection. This sounds simple and easily avoidable, but if that were the case there wouldn’t be so many accidents at intersections.
Often, accidents occur because we make incorrect assumptions about another driver’s intentions. Distracted driving is also a major cause of intersection accidents. Internal distractions can include looking at or talking on the phone, attempting to eat or drink a beverage and drive at the same time, or even reaching to turn up the radio while making a turn. Many of us do these things every day without thinking of the repercussions. And it’s important to make sure the car is at a complete stop before attempting to maneuver around in the vehicle.
Dallas Intersection Right-of-Way FAQs
Q: If I am traveling on a single or two-lane road and approach an intersection with a three (or more) lane road, who must yield the right-of-way?
A: When a single or double-lane road intersects with a multi-lane road, the vehicle on the single or two-lane road must yield the right-of-way.
Q: At an intersection of consisting of a paved road and an unpaved road, who must yield?
A: The driver on the unpaved road must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the paved road.
Q: When approaching an intersection without signs or signals to indicate, who has the right-of-way?
A: You should yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on your right in this instance. Also, remember to confirm that there is no vehicle approaching on your left!
Q: If exiting my driveway, which vehicle(s) must I yield to?
A: When entering a street, road, or highway from a private motorway it is your responsibility to stop prior to entry and yield to any and all approaching vehicles from either direction.
Q: When traveling on a multi-lane road with vehicles moving in the same direction, what determines right-of-way?
A: When entering a lane of traffic in this instance, the vehicle on the right must always yield right-of-way to those from the left.
Q: What should I do if my vehicle suddenly becomes inoperable atop a set of train tracks?
A: After looking in both directions and determining that no train is approaching, try to push the vehicle off of the tracks. If a train is approaching, immediately exit the vehicle and move rapidly off to the side of the tracks in the direction of the oncoming train.
Q: How much distance must I allow when following behind an emergency vehicle with its alert signals on?
A: You must allow a minimum of 500 feet of distance in this instance.
Q: Am I required to stop when traveling in the lane moving in the opposite direction when approaching a school bus that is stopped with lights flashing?
A: Yes. The law requires lanes moving in either direction to stop in this instance.
Q: How do I know whether to yield to pedestrians (on foot) or not at an intersection?
A: Drivers must always give right-of-way to pedestrians regardless of whether the intersection is controlled or not.
Q: What should I do if I am an injury victim as a result of an intersection accident?
A: You should first seek immediate medical care for all of those involved. Once appropriate medical staff determines your condition has stabilized, you should call (214) 231-0555 to schedule a consultation with Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP.
Investigating a Dallas Intersection Car Accident
In the aftermath of a serious car accident, it can be tough to be patient, especially if you or a loved one has experience significant injury or trauma because of it.
Unfortunately, patience is what you’ll need. In any intersection car accident, both parties must comply with a police report, and if significant injuries occur, there will likely be a lengthy investigation. After this investigation takes place, the police will decide whether to press criminal charges against one or both of the parties involved.
Along with the police, both insurance companies will likely do their own investigations to determine which party is at fault and if the at-fault party owes medical expenses to anyone injured in the crash. They will also decide if reimbursement for either vehicle is required.
Hopefully – and most likely – the insurance companies will do a thorough and good job with their investigation, providing financial care for whoever was wronged, and that will be the end of it. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. If you need more than the insurance company wants to give for medical or vehicle expenses, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
Legal Expertise in Dallas Intersection Accidents
Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP can conduct a thorough investigation of your intersection accident and build a solid case on your behalf. We will depose witnesses, get documentation of your injuries, find surveillance camera footage if available, consult medical experts, visit the accident scene, and file all the paperwork in your case. In some cases, it may be necessary to stage an accident reconstruction to help illustrate who should be held liable.
When we have a strong case, we will file a formal lawsuit and wait for the other party’s response. If they wish to negotiate a settlement, we will litigate on your behalf but make no decisions without your informed consent. If an adequate settlement cannot be reached, or if the other party wishes to fight the claim, we will go to trial for you. At trial, our legal team will put the full force of their experience behind your case and fight to get you the best outcome possible.
Compensation for Damages in a Texas Intersection Accident Claim
Compensation for damage in an intersection accident may include the following:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical bills related to your injury (such as reconstructive surgeries, skin grafts, etc.)
- Pain and suffering
- Property loss or damage
- Permanent disability or injury
- Lost wages
- Loss of career or earning capacity
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of joy of life
- Punitive damages
Wrongful Death Damages in a Texas Intersection Accident Claim
In the event that tragedy strikes and you lose a loved one in an intersection accident, you and your family may be able to pursue compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. You may be entitled to some of the following wrongful death damages:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering of the deceased before they died
- Loss of future income
- Loss of future benefits (such as medical benefits and retirement benefits)
- Loss of love, affection, companionship, guidance, marital consortium, etc.
- Loss of household duties the deceased performed (such as childcare, accounting, property and vehicle maintenance, chores, etc.)
- Punitive damages
Call Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP for a Free Consultation
Each year, traffic accidents lead to injury, property damage, and death which occur as a result of violations of traffic law, negligence, alcohol impairment, excessive speed, and more. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data indicates that the annual national average for traffic fatalities is approximately 10 instances per every 100,000 people. Unfortunately, Texas is averaging a higher-than-average ratio of traffic fatalities with approximately 13 instances per every 100,000 residents.
If you or a family member has been injured in an intersection accident, you are likely facing substantial medical bills and property repair costs. If another party’s negligence or carelessness was the cause of the accident, you may be able to recover a substantial part or even all of your losses through a personal injury claim.
To find out if you have a strong personal injury case, you’ll need to consult an experienced traffic accident and personal injury attorney. The Dallas car accident attorneys at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP has over 25 years of experience representing Texas accident victims in personal injury claims. Call us today at (214) 231-0555 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis; so if we don’t win your case, you won’t have to pay any legal fees.
