Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirm that 40% of car accidents in the United States occur at intersections. Intersection accidents are common because there at least two crossing roads. Roads typically have at least two lanes of travel, which means most intersection traffic involves four lanes of travel. Cars at intersections can either turn left, right, or travel straight through the intersection. Drivers need to look out for all three types of traffic maneuvers.

According to the NHTSA study, about 96% of intersection accidents are due to some type of driver error. The most attributed kinds of driver negligence are:

• Failing to properly survey the intersection. 44.1%
• False assumptions about what other drivers will do. 7.8%
• Proceeding while the driver’s view is obstructed. 7.8%
• Illegal traffic maneuvers. 6.8%
• Distracted driving. 5.7%
• Improper judgment about another driver’s speed or the gap between cars. 5.5%

Recourse if you’ve been injured in an intersection accident

Illegal maneuvers include speeding and running through a red light. Distracted driving includes texting while driving and talking on a cellphone.

If you were hurt in a car accident or someone died, you will be entitled to recover compensation from the careless driver if you can show any one of the negligent actions on the NHTSA list caused the car crash—or any other act of negligence, such as making an improper left-hand turn. Recovery means being paid for all your physical pain, emotional suffering, lost income because you need to tend to your injuries, and all your medical bills. In wrongful death cases, the family has the right to hold the irresponsible driver accountable. The owners of cars can also be liable if the driver and owner are different.

In addition to holding the driver responsible, there are circumstances where actions can be brought against the county or the state of Tennessee for intersection accidents. Some reasons the government may be liable are:

• Failing to have a separate turn lane for left-hand turns
• Failing to have better visibility of traffic signals
• Failing to have stop signs at intersections
• Failing to time the traffic signals properly
• Failing to design the intersection correctly
• Failing to clear obstructed views, such as overhanging trees and bushes

Any type of car accident is a traumatic experience. You worry about your health, your ability to enjoy life, your need to pay your bills, and other daily necessities. For help with any kind of crash, please call the Knoxville car accident attorneys at Banks and Jones. We can be reached at 865-546-2141. You can also make an appointment by completing our contact form. We are dedicated to fighting for you.