Intersections are inherently dangerous due to the high amount of traffic that converges in one spot simultaneously. The volume of traffic, accompanied by the congestion and crossing motorists, leads to an unfortunate number of car accidents.
Additionally, pedestrians and bicyclists can be injured in dangerous intersections due to inattention, speeding, and other negligence by motorists. If you suffered injuries at a dangerous intersection in Los Angeles, contact our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to learn how a Los Angeles dangerous intersections lawyer might be able to help you.
Causes of Dangerous Intersections
Many different factors may deem an intersection “dangerous.” While any intersection or roadway can result in car crashes and injuries, some of the following factors in intersections contribute to an increase in accidents:
- Inadequate or complete lack of lighting
- Lack of appropriate roadway signs, or complete lack of signs
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Confusing traffic signals or traffic signs
- Negligent drivers (speeding, distracted, drowsy, drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, etc.)
- Uneven or poorly maintained walkways and sidewalks
- Confusing or lack of appropriate bicycle lanes
This list is not completely exhaustive. However, intersections that have any of these factors could be dangerous to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Types of Accidents at Dangerous Intersections
The following are several types of accidents that occur at dangerous intersections as a result of a negligent driver, leading to severe injuries, property damage, and in some cases, death.
Left Turn Accidents
Drivers at intersections often need to make left turns, but to do so, they must yield to other motorists on the roadway, while keeping a careful watch for pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicyclists.
All traffic must clear before a driver may legally make a left turn, and all oncoming traffic must completely pass their vehicle. Although they may legally pull into the middle of an intersection, they still have to wait until all cars pass to make a left turn or a legal U-turn at that intersection.
In some cases, a driver is distracted, in a hurry, or unaware of other motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists, and will make the left turn too quickly, causing a collision. Additionally, the driver may fail to appropriately judge the speed of oncoming traffic or check their blind spots.
Right on Red Accidents
Most intersections throughout the country, including in the state of California, will allow a driver to make a right turn at a red light unless expressly prohibited. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to make a complete stop before they make that right turn at a red light.
A stop at a red light before turning right allows a driver ample time to make calculated decisions regarding the safety of making a right turn, and to ensure that pedestrians are not walking across the street and oncoming traffic is not entering into the dangerous intersection. If a driver fails to completely stop at a red light, an accident can easily occur as they make the turn.
Stop Sign Accidents
Similar to the failure of a driver to fully stop at a red light before they turn right, some drivers fail to follow established laws and regulations regarding stopping at a stop sign.
Rolling Stops
In some cases, a driver will make a “rolling” stop, which means that they slow down without stopping, and then continue through the intersection. Drivers who perform this maneuver are negligent in their actions, as a rolling stop is legally considered the exact same as going through the stop sign without stopping at all.
Four-Way Stops
Even if a driver fully stops at a stop sign, if the stop sign is part of a four-way stop, the driver must exercise additional caution and care.
The best course of action is to drive as safely as possible, and if there is any doubt, allow the other driver(s) to pass through first. Whether or not you had the legal right of way as a motorist is not as important as completely avoiding an accident.
Yielding at On-Ramp Accidents
The entrance ramp to a highway will have a yield sign indicating that the driver should slow down to ensure that the entrance onto the roadway is safe. In a case where a driver fails to yield to motorists already on the roadway and forces their vehicle into the stream of traffic, causing an accident, the driver is responsible and liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur from a resulting accident.
For a free legal consultation with a Dangerous Intersections Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Pedestrians and Dangerous Intersections
Los Angeles has a large number of pedestrians, and the pedestrian fatality rate is almost 25% higher than the national average, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Additionally, California ranks first in the nation for pedestrian deaths, with 8,000 pedestrian deaths from 2009 to 2018. Dangerous intersections where pedestrians typically walk can result in catastrophic injuries for those walking through the streets of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Dangerous Intersections Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Statute of Limitations
A victim involved in a car accident in the state of California has a statute of limitations of only two years from the date of the accident or one year from discovering an injury to file a claim in court, according to The Judicial Branch of California. If you are a victim of an accident at a dangerous intersection, it may take a considerable amount of time to investigate your personal injury case. Therefore, time is of the essence if you wish to ensure your legal right to file a claim for compensation.
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Consider a Los Angeles Dangerous Intersections Lawyer
If you were a victim of an accident at a dangerous intersection, you might have the right to receive compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, and lost wages. Consider calling Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to learn how a Los Angeles dangerous intersections lawyer might be able to help you with your personal injury case.
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