January 22, 2024 | Car Accidents
Intersections are high-risk areas for motor vehicle collisions. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that approximately half of all traffic injuries reported in the United States happen at intersections. You may be wondering: Why do so many automobile accidents happen at intersections? At McGuire Law Firm, one of our Oklahoma City auto accident attorney answers the questions by providing an overview of the key reasons why intersection crashes are so common in our region.
The Top Six Reasons Why Intersection Collisions Happen in Oklahoma
Running Red Lights
Red light violations can lead to very serious motor vehicle collisions. Indeed, running red lights is one of the most common causes of accidents at intersections in Oklahoma. When drivers ignore red lights, they often speed into an intersection, putting themselves and others at risk. These accidents can be particularly dangerous because they often involve a side-impact collision. A driver who runs a red light can be held liable for their negligence.
Running Stop Signs
Stop sign violations are another common cause of intersection accidents in Oklahoma. Drivers who roll through stop signs without coming to a complete stop increase the risk of hitting other vehicles that have the right of way. A driver who simply blows through a stop sign without even slowing down can cause a very serious crash.
Failure to Yield
At intersections in Oklahoma, properly yielding the right of way is crucial for safety reasons. Broadly speaking, the “right of way” is what determines who has the authority to enter the intersection. When drivers fail to yield, they can collide with other vehicles that are legally using the intersection. Right-of-way violations can happen when a motorist is turning left and not yielding to oncoming traffic or when a motorist enters an intersection while going straight.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is actually the root cause of many intersection accidents in Oklahoma. A distraction could be the fundamental reason why a driver runs a red light, runs a stop sign, or fails to yield the right of way. Distracted driving is dangerous driving—and it is a clear form of negligence in Oklahoma. A distracted driver should be held accountable for a resulting collision.
Tailgating
Rear-end collisions are significant at and around intersections in Oklahoma. Although rear-end accidents can be caused by many different things, a huge proportion of them occur because of tailgating. Following another vehicle too closely does not give a driver enough time to react if the car in front stops suddenly—and this is particularly dangerous at intersections where sudden stops are common due to changing traffic lights, stopped cars waiting to turn, or other issues.
Failure to Watch Out for Pedestrians
Many pedestrian accidents happen at intersections. For the most part, these collisions could and should have been prevented. Safe practices at intersections are about more than just protecting drivers and passengers, it is also about protecting the even more vulnerable people who are outside of the vehicle. Most notably, pedestrians and bicyclists. A motorist who fails to watch out for a pedestrian who is crossing the street can cause a very serious crash. Pedestrians often have the right of way at intersections in Oklahoma. However, specific circumstances always matter.
Every Intersection Crash Requires a Thorough, Detail-Driven Investigation
Of course, no two intersection crashes are exactly alike. A wide range of different factors can come into play. As Oklahoma is a fault-based, comparative negligence jurisdiction, every motor vehicle collision at an intersection should be thoroughly investigated. Do not sit back and let the insurance companies take control of the process. Consult with an experienced Oklahoma City car accident attorney who can conduct a proactive, comprehensive investigation of your intersection collision.
Recovering Compensation After an Intersection Crash in Oklahoma
Oklahoma law allows motor vehicle accident victims to pursue compensation for economic losses and non-economic damages. Hurt at a crash at an intersection? You need the maximum financial support. Our Oklahoma City auto accident lawyers can help you pursue financial compensation for the following:
- Automotive repairs or automobile replacement;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish;
- Long-term disability and physical impairment; an
- Wrongful team of a spouse, child, or parent.
Consult With Our Oklahoma City Car Crash Attorneys Today
At McGuire Law Firm, our Oklahoma City auto accident lawyers have the professional expertise you can trust. Were you hurt in a collision at an intersection? We are more than ready to help. Contact us now for a free review and evaluation of your case. With a legal office in Oklahoma City and an office in Edmond, we handle intersection crash claims throughout Oklahoma.