Why Intersections Can Be Dangerous For Pedestrians and Motorists

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, more than half of all crashes that result in injuries or fatalities occur in or near intersections. New York City is no exception to the rule. Intersections present many dangers to motorists but can be just as dangerous for pedestrians. Unlike motorists, pedestrians don’t have safety features like airbags, seat belts, anti-lock brakes, and the metal cage of a vehicle to protect them from the impact of a collision.

If you have been seriously injured in an intersection accident in New York, don’t hesitate to reach out to the dedicated car and pedestrian accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. You could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs you’ve incurred as a result of the accident.

Our team has the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence to support your claim, calculate damages, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the compensation you need to recover. Contact Finz & Finz, P.C. today for a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your case.

What Makes Intersections So Dangerous?

Intersections can be particularly dangerous for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Impatience – Many drivers become impatient at red lights. In New York, drivers are frequently in a hurry, and due to their impatience, a driver may speed through an intersection without realizing that a pedestrian has entered the crosswalk.
• Points of entry – There are many points of entry at an intersection. Traffic accidents become more common as the number of driveways present at an intersection increases. If a business’s or gas station’s driveway flows right into an intersection, this could increase the chances that an accident will happen.
• Illegal turns – Illegal turns also often cause accidents at intersections. If a driver decides to turn right on red, they may unintentionally hit a pedestrian crossing at the crosswalk on the right.
• Distracted pedestrians – Distracted pedestrians also cause accidents. They may be so focused on their phone that they begin to cross an intersection when they do not have the right of way. If a vehicle hits a distracted pedestrian, the pedestrian could be partly responsible for the accident.

What Are the Most Common Types Of Intersection Accidents?

Many different types of accidents can occur in an intersection.

Some common types include:

• Rear-end accidents – If a driver is following another motorist too closely and the motorist suddenly stops when the light turns red, the motorist behind can easily cause a rear-end accident.
• T-bone collisions – T-bone collisions often occur when one driver hurries through a yellow or runs a red light, and another driver has already entered the intersection.
• Sideswipe accidents – Sideswipe accidents can happen when drivers fail to check their blindspots for bikes and motorcycles before turning at an intersection.
• Pedestrian accidents – Pedestrian accidents commonly occur in both marked and unmarked intersections due to driver negligence, although sometimes pedestrians may be at fault.

Who Is Responsible For A Crash At An Intersection?

When a crash occurs at an intersection, determining who is responsible can be challenging. Liability depends on a variety of factors and isn’t always straightforward.

Drivers are required to exercise due care when driving around pedestrians, including in intersections. New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law (Section 1146) requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing at intersections without traffic signals. At intersections with traffic signals, drivers must yield to pedestrians when traffic signals indicate that pedestrians may cross. Drivers must also stop before the crosswalk, keeping it clear for pedestrians to cross.

According to New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law (Section 1150), pedestrians generally have the right of way in both marked and unmarked intersections, but not always. In an intersection with traffic signals, pedestrians may not cross if the signal does not permit them to do so. Pedestrians also may not suddenly run into a road or intersection where drivers could not reasonably yield to the pedestrian in time to prevent a collision.

If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian who is legally permitted to cross at an intersection, the driver would be responsible for the accident. However, a pedestrian could be at fault if they were crossing illegally at an intersection with traffic signals or if they ran out into the road in front of oncoming traffic. In some cases, both the driver and the pedestrian may share blame for an accident.

An experienced intersection accident attorney will be able to determine liability by examining the evidence in your case. If you were severely injured in an intersection accident, then your attorney will help you craft a winning legal strategy to hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence.

How A Car Accident Lawyer in New York Could Help

The insurance claims process can be complicated to navigate, especially if you are being treated for severe injuries. Whether you suffered minor injuries and are pursuing a claim with your own personal injury protection policy or sustained severe injuries and are making a claim against the person who caused the crash, it’s imperative that you consult with an attorney before you begin this process.

At Finz & Finz, P.C., our lawyers can help you with your case in a variety of ways:

• We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the crash. We will gather evidence such as photos and videos, surveillance camera footage, witness statements, the police report, and more to help support your case. We will use these materials to demonstrate liability.
• We will document and calculate the damages you are owed based on the circumstances of your case. We will consider your medical expenses, lost wages if you have been unable to work due to your injuries, and other costs you’ve incurred as a result of the accident.
• We will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Insurance companies are notorious for using various tactics to minimize payouts, but we know how to subvert those tactics and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Sometimes insurance adjusters will even offer you a lowball settlement that may seem generous at first glance, but in reality, it is far less than you need. By handling the insurance company for you, we’ll increase your chances of being fairly compensated.
• If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will not hesitate to take your case to court. Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating personal injury cases, and if a trial is required to secure compensation on your behalf, we will pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

It is vital to consult with an attorney before beginning the claims process. Contact our attorneys today to discuss your case.

Contact a New York and Long Island Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in an intersection accident here in New York, you could be eligible to seek fair compensation from the at-fault party. If you are ready to discuss your case, reach out to one of our dedicated car and pedestrian accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. today. We’ll provide you with a free and confidential consultation when you reach out to us online or call us at (855) TOP-FIRM.