Intersection Collision Claims: What You Need to Know

The circumstances surrounding an intersection collision can make it difficult to ascertain liability. The motorist typically lacks the proper right-of-way. Some potential causes of vehicle collisions at an intersection are:

• A vehicle fails to stop at a red light.
• A motorist fails to yield the right-of-way when necessary.
• Malfunctioning or faulty traffic signals.
• Error in judgment regarding the right turn at an intersection

Intersectional traffic collisions comprise approximately half of all vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. Regrettably, the majority of these collisions might have been averted had the negligent drivers been more vigilant. But if you or a loved one were injured in a Texas intersection crash, the personal injury attorneys at the Rasansky Law Firm can assist you in obtaining compensation and seeking justice.

Liability in Intersection Accidents

Throughout the last year alone, reckless driving and distracted motorists were huge contributors to fatal Texas car accidents, up significantly from the previous year. Many of these incidents, unfortunately, occur at intersections throughout the Lone Star State.

While the standard liability is frequently placed on a person who ran a red light, for instance, it is also possible for multiple drivers in a collision to be assigned fault. However, before establishing liability, you must first determine the precise cause of the accident. Some such examples include:

• Faulty vehicle components or mechanical failures: A collision with another vehicle is possible, even if the driver intended to stop if the brakes fail and the driver loses control.
• Speeding: If a driver runs a red light while speeding, particularly when it is evident that other vehicles with the right-of-way are in motion and a collision occurs, the driver is held liable for negligent or irresponsible driving. Motorists who speed up to get through yellow lights and subsequently cause an accident can also be held at fault.
• Distracted driving: Frequently, rear-end collisions occur at intersections. This phenomenon predominantly occurs when a distracted driver accelerates and hits the vehicle in front of them without paying attention.
• Malfunctioning traffic lights: Although uncommon, traffic light malfunctions are not impossible. These broken lights may cause collisions by misleading motorists into believing they have the right-of-way when they do not.

Typically, these types of collisions have several additional causes, which may result in various liable parties. The following are examples of common liable parties held accountable due to these accidents:

• The driver of the rear vehicle involved in the collision or any other motorist who had the ability to prevent the crash but failed to do so
• Pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles generally that may have contributed to the crash occurring
• Auto parts manufacturers
• The governing body of the city, municipality, or government oversees traffic lights.

Determining Fault in a Texas Intersection Crash

Every auto accident claim is founded on negligence. The attorney for the injured party or victim must establish that the negligent party was responsible for the collision.

As the injured victim, you must demonstrate that the other driver had a duty to exercise reasonable safety while you were on the road. You must then demonstrate that their breach of duty caused you harm and resulted in your losses and other damages. These losses may consist of funds spent on medical treatment, vehicle repair or replacement, and other expenditures that were not anticipated but became necessary due to the accident.

What is a Red Light Swearing Match?

This comes into play in establishing liability when two drivers involved in a car accident at an intersection maintain their innocence in terms of fault.

When both parties involved in a collision begin to assert that the other party violated traffic laws by running a red light and that they did not, a red light swearing match occurs. Unfortunately, this happens somewhat frequently. After all, even if the fault is fairly apparent, it is preferable not to discuss it at the site of the collision.

This is frequently complicated and challenging to establish, especially in the absence of evidence. Additionally, your injury attorney must prove that the other party was at fault for the collision more generally. In Texas, a red swearing match is defeated by presenting substantial evidence from impartial witnesses who were present during or observed the crash. Dashboard cameras, mobile videos, or operational CCTV cameras that were in close proximity during the incident may additionally help identify the responsible party.

Moreover, while you're at the site of the wreck, it's essential to exchange information with the other motorist, collect any other evidence you can (photos, videos, and witness contact information), and report the incident to the police.

Can the Driver with a Green Light Share Fault?

It's frustrating, but the challenges you face after a crash do not end once you have established that the opposing driver ignored a traffic signal. On the road, you are obligated to maintain constant vigilance and act responsibly under all circumstances to guarantee the safety of other motorists, so you may share fault under Texas's comparative negligence regime.

To prevent sharing liability for intersection accidents involving red light running, keep in mind the following:

• When approaching traffic intersections on the left, always yield the way to inbound vehicles; do not rush but err on the side of caution.
• Never exceed the speed limit or drive recklessly while approaching an intersection (including weaving between lanes).
• Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you (not doing so is the primary cause of rear-end collisions in Texas).
• Wait for pedestrians to cross the street, regardless of whether they are following the walk signal or not.

Call a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer at the Rasansky Law Firm

While many factors are at play when an accident occurs at an intersection, unsafe speeds, distracted driving, and more are key contributors. Thankfully, our auto accident lawyers at the Rasansky Law Firm have more than 30 years of experience helping clients who have been hurt in accidents caused by negligence.

Our firm provides trustworthy, efficient representation by a team of compassionate and seasoned attorneys. Call our Dallas car accident lawyers at (214) 651-6100 for a no-cost evaluation of your case if you've been hurt in a Texas car crash and want to learn more about your legal options.