Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
You might not give much thought to the countless intersections you turn on or pass through as you navigate your way throughout South Florida roadways, but there are risks involved with every encounter. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), around 25% of all traffic deaths and half of all vehicle accident injuries are linked to intersections. Despite clear signage and laws regarding yielding when drivers approach cross-streets, motorists are still careless or unaware of right of way rules.
Florida auto crash laws allow victims to pursue damages from the at-fault driver, so it is comforting to know that you have options for recovering compensation. A Miami intersection car accidents lawyer can explain your remedies, but some additional statistics and causes behind these incidents is useful for understanding the risks.
Detailed Data on Intersection Auto Crashes
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that there are more than 311,430 collisions every year that take place at or near a cross-street. This figure represents 77% of the total car accidents in the state – far above the FHWA figures, which focus on the number of fatalities and injured victims. In addition:
- Throughout Florida, intersection collisions cause almost 885 fatalities every year, along with around 94,700 injuries to victims. In other words, almost 31% of these accidents lead to at least one casualty.
- The most common cross-street crashes happen at unsignalized intersections where there may only be a stop or yield sign, or no sign at all.
- Signalized intersections account for approximately one-third of cross-street accidents, with the majority of them being caused by red light running.
Common Causes of Cross-Street Collisions
Negligence is the cause of most crashes, including intersection car accidents. This general concept of liability refers to a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel, i.e. the same caution that a prudent motorist would apply when driving. In the context of auto collisions at intersections, the specific form of driver negligence may be:
- Failing to comply with a red light or stop sign;
- Not adhering to other traffic controls, such as signage, turn lights, and lane markings;
- Neglecting to come to a complete stop before turning right or “rolling through” the turn;
- Making a right turn when prohibited by law;
- Failure to accurately assess the speed of oncoming traffic when turning left; and,
- Misunderstanding right of way rules at 2- and 4-way stop sign intersections.
Speak to a Miami Intersection Car Accidents Attorney About Your Rights
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash at a cross-street, retaining legal help is critical. Our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA will fight for you to receive fair compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. For more information on how we serve injured victims, please call (305) 371-6000 or visit our website to speak to an experienced car accidents lawyer. We can schedule a free consultation at offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.
