If you have been involved in an unexpected intersection crash, an intersection accident attorney would have the ability to guide you throughout the legal process to determine who was at fault and help you obtain the best outcome and potential compensation.

Intersection accidents often are complicated; it can be challenging to know how it is to blame. In most cases, even police officers making reports get it wrong. However, with the proper amount of careful investigation, our attorneys can determine who should be responsible for your damages.

For any help regarding your intersection crash, call The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez at (801) 590-3275. We will be alert, involved, and meticulous with your case to help you get the compensation that you rightfully deserve.

Facts About Intersection Accidents

An intersection is a junction where two or more roads meet. The more roads that converge at a meeting, the more dangerous it becomes for cars crossing each other’s paths.

Even though traffic signs and lights help guide vehicles through intersections, people often are left confused about which car has the right of way, what the speed limit is, and more.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), about 40% of all car accidents happen at intersections. With an average of 6 million car accidents in the U.S. happening throughout a year, we can safely expect almost 2.5 million car accidents occur in an intersection. Thankfully, only 7,000 of those result in fatalities, and more than 700,000 accidents result in mild to severe injuries.

Intersection Laws in Utah

The State of Utah has enacted various laws that address driving through intersections and managing right-of-way to clear up any confusion drivers may have during their ventures and make the drive safer. Any Cyclists, drivers, pedestrians, and any other person on the road are to obey these laws to avoid an intersection accident.

ROW 41-6a-902 states that when two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways simultaneously, the driver to the left should yield right of way to the driver to the right.

RCW 41-6a-903 states that if a driver has been involved in a collision in an intersection or roadway junction after passing a yield sign without stopping, then that driver is at fault for the accident. The driver’s failure to yield is evidence of their fault.

Types of Intersection Car Accidents

Various types of intersection accidents can occur, including:

Unregulated Intersections: Some intersections, likely found in neighborhoods and rural areas, do not have signs or traffic lights. This can confuse and lead to an accident.

U-Turns – A vehicle attempts to make a U-turn and ends up colliding with an oncoming car.

Failure to yield – Stop signs or red lights are used to instruct drivers to stop in the road and allow traffic flow. When a person fails to stop, they risk colliding with a vehicle in the right of way.

Turning at an Intersection: When a vehicle is trying to turn right or left at an intersection, they often can cross paths with oncoming traffic, creating potentially dangerous scenarios.

Causes of Intersection Accidents

The common cause of intersection car accidents is driver error; however, the lack of signs or traffic lights is to blame in some cases. Some roads can even have some vegetation that causes visibility issues. Whenever a driver is to blame, the fault is easily determined. However, when another cause plays a factor, other companies, people, or government entities could be at fault as well.

A skilled intersection collision attorney can evaluate your case’s entirety and help you determine who is at fault. If your case goes to court, a jury may be tasked with deciding who is at fault. In that case, you will have to present evidence from experts, eyewitnesses, traffic cameras, and any other information you can gather. It is helpful to have an attorney represent you to make sure you are obtaining all the required information to get the compensation you deserve for any medical bills and damages of property you may have.