Causes of Intersection Car Accidents

Leading Causes of Intersection Car Crashes

According to the NHTSA, the number one cause of intersection car crashes is that drivers fail to notice or obey traffic signals. This accounts for approximately 46% of all intersection car accidents. Other leading causes of intersection accidents include:

• Trying to make it through a yellow light: To some drivers, a yellow light is an invitation to speed up, not to slow down. When drivers try to make it through a yellow light, they increase the possibility of an intersection crash.
• Prohibited right turns: Right turns are not always allowed at an intersection. When they’re not permitted, it’s usually because they pose an unreasonable danger of a crash. Too often, drivers try to turn right anyway, resulting in a crash.
• Failing to yield the right of way: Even if there is no traffic signal at the intersection, there are still right-of-way rules. Drivers may not follow these rules, make honest mistakes, or communicate poorly. Whatever the reason, failing to yield the right-of-way puts a driver in an intersection while there may be oncoming traffic.
• Trying to turn right with traffic in the lane: A right turn may be allowed at a red light in an intersection. However, a driver who wants to turn right can’t impede traffic to make the turn. Turning right without a clear path to execute the turn can put multiple vehicles in one lane at the same time.
• Being rear-ended and pushed into traffic: When a driver is stopped at an intersection, the driver behind them may rear-end their vehicle. This can cause a chain reaction. The stopped vehicle can be pushed into the intersection, which can cause a collision with traffic driving in the other direction.
• Not adjusting for weather or road conditions: Drivers need to make adjustments when it’s raining or when other weather conditions make driving difficult. If a driver doesn’t adjust for weather or road conditions, they may be unable to navigate an intersection safely.
• Defective equipment: Driving errors are not always responsible for an intersection crash. A vehicle may have faulty equipment that malfunctions and causes a collision. The defective equipment might be a maintenance issue or a defect with the car itself.
• Failing to survey the surrounding area: A driver needs to be aware of their surroundings. They need to scan the area in front of them to get the information they need to proceed safely through the intersection. When drivers don’t take in enough information, they may make a mistake that causes an intersection crash.
• Obstructed views: Not every intersection has a clear view. A driver may not be able to see if vehicles are coming before they proceed into the intersection, which can result in a crash.
• Misjudgment: Even with the best intentions, drivers sometimes misjudge the situation. They might think they can make it through a yellow light when there isn’t enough time. They might think they have time to turn right when there’s an oncoming vehicle. Intersection crashes can result from driver misjudgment.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a problem in all situations, including intersections. Drivers need to devote their attention and energy to the task at hand. When other things take attention away from the road, a driver may make errors that result in an intersection crash.

Florida Statistics on Intersection Car Accidents

Data for 2023 in Florida from the FLHSMV show that there was a total of 394,456 crashes, with the following statistics:

• 3,197 fatal crashes
• 164,194 injuries
• 8.402 bicycle crashes
• 227 bicycle fatalities
• 9,529 motorcycle crashes
• 606 motorcycle fatalities
• 10,281 pedestrian crashes
• 782 pedestrian fatalities
• 3,419 fatalities from all crashes
• 251,950 injuries from all crashes

Out of total crashes annually, approximately 77% occur in intersections, or 303,731 crashes. Additionally, almost 95,000 intersection accidents result in injuries, while nearly 900 intersection accidents result in fatalities.

Most Florida intersection car crashes occur at intersections without traffic signals. These intersections may have a stop sign or yield sign and, in some cases, no signage at all. Roughly 33% of intersection crashes occur at intersections with traffic signals. The top crash at signalized intersections is caused by drivers who ran a red light. 

Why Do Accidents Happen at Intersections?

Accidents happen at intersections because drivers make errors while they are near other vehicles. Intersections allow multiple drivers to go in different directions. When one driver disobeys a traffic law or makes a driving mistake, other drivers are present. They may not be able to react in time to avoid a crash.

Why Intersection Car Accidents Are Often Catastrophic

Intersection car accidents are often catastrophic because the most common type of accident involves the sides of vehicles being hit by oncoming traffic. Even though modern cars have driver and passenger door airbags, they do not fully protect people. In addition, these accidents can involve larger delivery trucks and even semi-trucks, severely damaging smaller vehicles. 

Common Injuries in Intersection Car Accidents

The extent of injuries in intersection car accidents can vary based on the accident’s severity. Some of the top injuries that often occur include:

• Spine injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Hip and pelvic injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Foot and leg injuries
• Bruising, swelling, cuts, and scrapes

Who Is at Fault in an Intersection Accident?

The person at fault in an intersection accident is the person who violates a traffic law. If a driver enters the intersection on a red or yellow light, or if they run a stop sign, they’re at fault for the intersection accident. Even proceeding through a yellow light when the driver could have stopped is enough to be at fault in an intersection accident. Who is at fault in an intersection accident is the person who causes the accident by making a driving error.

An Experienced Car Accident Attorney Will Help You Recover Damages

Navigating the legal and insurance processes after being in an intersection car accident can be overwhelming, especially while you are trying to recover from your injuries. Obtaining assistance from an experienced Miami car accident attorney provides several benefits to help recover damages from the responsible party, including:

• Helps prove fault and negligence: Your lawyer will gather the necessary evidence and witness statements to prove fault and establish the other driver was negligent
• Accurately calculates your damages: Insurance companies use numerous tactics to get you to settle for the lowest possible amount, like undervaluing what you are actually entitled to receive. Your attorney is aware of this and knows how to accurately value your injuries and losses to ensure you fully recover damages and receive a fair settlement. 
• Negotiates a settlement with the insurance company: Dealing with the insurance company, their adjusters, and their lawyers is not something you should do alone. Having an attorney on your side helps you avoid saying anything that could be used against you and makes reaching a settlement agreement easier. 
• Take the case to court if a settlement cannot be reached: In the rare event a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent your interests in court in front of a judge and jury. They will aggressively pursue obtaining a verdict in your favor.

Contact Our Miami Car Accident Lawyers If You Have Been Injured in an Intersection Crash

The attorneys for car accidents in Miami at Bernstein & Maryanoff Injury Attorneys can represent you if you’re in an intersection car crash. Call us today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless you win.

Sources:

About Intersection Safety. (2024).

Crash Dashboard. (2023).

Crash Factors in Intersection-Related Crashes: An On-Scene Perspective. (2010).

Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report 2022. (2022).