Second only to rear-end collisions, 40 percent of all crashes in the United States involve intersections. According to the most recent data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 26 percent of the traffic fatalities in Nebraska happened at an intersection. These numbers are not surprising considering Nebraska has one of the highest interstate speed limits in the country.
Different Ways Intersection Collisions Happen
Intersections are major points of conflict in our roadway system. Whether on highways or local streets, collisions at intersections happen when:
- A motorist runs a red light or a stop sign
- A driver fails to yield while making a left turn across traffic
- Someone misjudges approaching traffic when making a right turn into an intersection
- Downed, missing or malfunctioning traffic lights cause confusion
Regardless of the reason, most intersection accidents are preventable. With more than eight decades of combined experience, our legal team aggressively represents those who have been injured through someone’s negligent behavior while driving through an intersection. We have a proven track record of success getting results for our clients.
Making Intersection Safety a Priority
One of the most pressing traffic safety issues on local roads is intersection safety. Intersection safety is a state and local concern, as well as a national priority: Some of the strategies planned to address safety issues include:
- Signage improvements
- Adding turn lanes
- Signal timing changes
- Sight distance improvements
- Infrastructure upgrades
- The addition of roundabouts
Most Common Causes of Intersection Accidents
Victims of intersections accidents can, and should, expect resolution from the physical, financial, and emotional impact of an accident. Mounting medical bills combined with the loss of income may result in a financial catastrophe that forever changes a whole families’ lifestyle. Do not allow someone else’s negligence define your life. A personal injury attorney can help secure fair and just financial compensation for injuries and losses. Call The Robert Pahlke Law Group at 308-633-4444 to find out what options may be available in your pursuit of justice. We have experience handling all types of accidents at intersections, including those caused by:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Poor intersection design
- Drunk driving
- Failure to yield right of way
- Left-hand turns
When multiple lanes of traffic crossing and turning meet forces with aggressive drivers, serious injuries are probable. Aggressive drivers are dangerous, and everyone on the road pays a price. Signs of an aggressive driver are:
- Following too closely
- Frequent, improper and erratic lane changing
- Dangerous passing and merging behavior
- Sudden changes in speed
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
At The Robert Pahlke Law Group, we take our responsibilities seriously. We realize every case is unique, and we strive to personally connect with each client. We want to hear your story, and we stand ready to tell your story before a jury. We conduct a thorough investigation of each and every accident and spare no expense in securing expert witnesses in an effort to ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your losses.
Safety First
Motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists should never assume a driver will yield the right-of-way in an intersection. When drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted, speeding,or unfamiliar with the area and the rules of the road, they are a serious risk to all vehicles approaching and entering an intersection.
Frequently, the location of some intersections makes it difficult for drivers turning right to see far enough beyond the intersection to ensure their safety. Those planning to make a right turn on red at an intersection should err on the side of caution before moving into the flow of traffic.
Malfunctioning traffic lights exponentially increase the risk of a serious accident at an intersection. Many motorists are not aware that in this instance, the intersection should be treated as a four-way stop.
Common Intersection Accident Injuries
As experienced personal injury lawyers in Scotts Bluff, we’ve seen the different kinds of serious, and potentially fatal, injuries that can result from crashes at intersections. Those include:
Additionally, chest, shoulder, and knee injuries are prevalent when victims are thrust about in their vehicle, striking the dashboard or steering wheel.
Understanding the Risks Can Minimize the Dangers
Approach intersections with caution:
- Double check for cars at a stop sign before pulling into an intersection
- Beware of vehicles that may run the red light
- Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk before entering an intersection
Pursuing Compensation Can Be a Complex Process
Pursuing compensation after an auto accident can be a complex process. Don’t allow an insurance company to dictate what you or your family is entitled to. Even if the negligent driver’s insurance carrier does not dispute liability and your right to compensation, in all probability they will not offer a settlement that fully compensates you for all of your losses and injuries.
The Robert Pahlke Law Group has helped countless victims who have been injured throughout Nebraska. Our firm’s attorneys have obtained verdicts and settlements in the millions of dollars for our clients over the past thirty years. While past results are no guarantee of an outcome in any particular case, our decades of experience illustrate our commitment to achieving client goals.
Securing experienced and capable legal representation immediately following an intersection accident may be the difference between receiving the maximum amount of compensation you are legally entitled to, and receiving no compensation at all. If someone’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness causes harm to you or your family, you may be entitled to seek compensation for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Loss of property
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Additionally, in the unfortunate event of a wrongful death, additional damages such as funeral expenses are also compensable.
Give Yourself the Best Possible Chance for Maximum Recovery
Nebraska law protects the rights of all injury victims who suffer losses due to another person’s negligence. If you have been involved in an intersection collision, you do not have to face the future alone. Contact The Robert Pahlke Law Group online today or call us at (308) 633-4444 to help ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your particular situation. Attorneys Robert Pahlke, Robert Hippe, and Kyle Long stand ready to serve as your personal advocates for justice. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today.