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DECATUR AL INTERSECTION ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Best Lawyer Near Me

Did you know that most car accidents in Alabama happen at intersections and are usually caused by driver error? This is generally because intersections play host to multiple vehicles traveling in different directions, as well as turn lanes, multiple signals or signs, bicyclists, and pedestrians. When multiple roads and opposing traffic lanes come together, it can be a very dangerous situation. A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study showed about 40 percent of the estimated 5.8 million crashes that occurred in the U.S. were in intersections, and 25% of the deaths. A crash at an intersection may involve more than motor vehicles. Statistics show that most pedestrians and bicyclists hurt in car crashes are involved in intersection accidents. If you have been injured in a North Alabama car accident, you are most likely facing medical costs, wages lost due to time away from work, and other mounting expenses. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, we can help. Contact one of our experienced intersection accident lawyers at 256-534-3435 for a no-cost consultation.

Causes of Alabama Intersection Car Accidents

Some common causes that drivers make at intersections include:

• Illegal maneuvers
• Inattention while crossing over at intersections controlled by traffic signals or stop signs
• Turning with an obstructed view
• Misjudging a gap in traffic or another car’s speed while turning left
• Falsely assuming another’s action while turning right at a stop sign.
• Drunk driving
• Drugged driving (including using illegal or prescription drugs)
• Distracted driving (including eating, texting while driving, or talking on a cell phone)
• Drowsy/fatigued driving
• Aggressive driving
• Speeding/driving too fast for conditions.
• Unsafe land changes
• Reckless driving
• Failure to Yield
• Negligence of pedestrians and bikers
• Running a stop sign or a red light, resulting in a head-on collision or side-impact collision
• Making a right or left turn without checking to make sure the intersection is clear of other vehicles, resulting in a side-impact collision
• Not paying attention to stop signs or traffic lights, resulting in rear-end collisions at the intersection

Intersection Accidents Statistics

Statistics show the following about intersection accidents:

• Mature drivers (age 65 and older) are more likely to be involved in intersection crashes./li>
• Most pedestrian crashes and deaths occur while pedestrians are crossing the street at an intersection, and the majority of bicyclists are injured at intersections.
• As for younger drivers, most accidents are caused by distracted driving, driving too fast for conditions (speeding), or aggressive driving.

Intersection Accident Injuries

A driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist involved in an intersection accident might suffer any number of injuries, including:

• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injury (including cuts and bruising)
• Head or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Neck and spine injuries
• Burn injuries
• Paralysis
• Death

Damages You Can Recover

People injured in intersection accidents in Alabama can recover the following damages:

• Medical costs
• Loss of earning potential
• Physical pain
• Mental anguish
• Physical impairment
• Disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life
• Property loss or damage
• Wrongful Death

Tips To Help You Avoid Intersection Accidents

• Stop, look, and listen before entering the intersection.
• Look left, then right, then left again.
• Before proceeding in an intersection, always keep an eye out for advancing vehicles. Drive defensively, even when you have the right of way.
• Always watch for children, animals, bicycles, and pedestrians.
• Reduce speed.
• Put your right foot over the brake to improve reaction time
• Look across and around the intersection ahead of you so you can become aware of the surroundings.
• Know where you want to go and which lane to use.
• Use turn signals to show others where you’re going.
• Leave enough room in front of you so you won’t block the intersection if traffic stops.

Dangerous Huntsville and Decatur Intersections

Some of the most dangerous intersections in Huntsville and Decatur include:

• University and the Parkway
• Drake and Whitesburg
• Jordan and University
• Airport and Whitesburg
• 6th Avenue(31) and the Beltline(Decatur)
• I-65
• Highway 72
• U.S. Highway 31

What should I do after an intersection accident in Alabama?

Call 911 when appropriate, obtain medical attention, exchange identifying and insurance information, photograph the vehicles, traffic controls, roadway, and visible injuries, identify witnesses, and report the crash. Avoid debating fault at the scene and preserve all records related to the collision.

What commonly causes intersection accidents?

Common causes include running red lights or stop signs, failure to yield, distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, unsafe lane changes, aggressive driving, misjudging gaps in traffic, obstructed views, and turning without confirming the intersection is clear.

Who has the right of way at an intersection?

Right-of-way depends on traffic signals, signs, lane markings, the direction of travel, and the movements of each road user. Having the right of way does not eliminate every duty to use reasonable care, so the complete circumstances must be evaluated.

Who may be liable for an intersection crash?

A negligent driver is often responsible, but liability may involve multiple motorists or, in some cases, an employer, vehicle owner, product manufacturer, or entity responsible for a dangerous roadway condition. The evidence determines which parties may be legally accountable.

How is fault determined when both drivers say they had a green light?

Investigators may examine traffic-camera or business video, event data, vehicle damage, skid marks, signal timing, witness accounts, phone records, photographs, and each driver’s statement. Prompt evidence preservation can be especially important in a disputed-signal case.

Can I recover compensation if the other driver ran a red light or stop sign?

Potentially. A violation may support a negligence claim when it caused the crash and resulting injuries. Recovery still depends on admissible evidence, insurance coverage, Alabama law, and any defenses raised by the other party.

What if a driver failed to yield while turning left?

A left-turning driver generally must yield when required to oncoming traffic and other lawful road users. Liability depends on vehicle positions, signal phases, speed, visibility, and whether either party violated a traffic rule or failed to use reasonable care.

Are rear-end crashes common at intersections?

Yes. Rear-end collisions may occur when a driver follows too closely, is distracted, approaches too fast, or fails to notice stopped traffic. A lead driver’s conduct and other circumstances may also be relevant, so fault should not be assumed without investigation.

What injuries can result from an intersection collision?

Intersection crashes can cause fractures, cuts, soft-tissue injuries, concussions and traumatic brain injuries, neck and spinal injuries, burns, paralysis, psychological trauma, and fatal injuries. Some symptoms may not be immediately apparent.

Can pedestrians injured in an intersection bring a claim?

A pedestrian may have a claim when a driver fails to yield, disregards a signal, speeds, drives distracted, or otherwise acts negligently. The pedestrian’s location, signal status, visibility, and conduct are also considered under Alabama law.

Can bicyclists pursue claims after intersection accidents?

Yes. A bicyclist injured by a negligent motorist may pursue a claim subject to the facts and Alabama law. Evidence may include bicycle damage, helmet or camera footage, signal timing, road markings, witness statements, and medical documentation.

What evidence is important in an intersection accident case?

Useful evidence may include the crash report, photographs, video, witness information, traffic-signal timing, vehicle event data, electronic records, skid and debris patterns, repair estimates, medical records, and documentation of lost income.

Can nearby traffic or security cameras help prove fault?

Yes. Video from traffic systems, businesses, homes, buses, or vehicle cameras may show signal phases, speed, lane position, and the collision. Recordings are often overwritten quickly, so preservation requests should be made promptly.

What if poor visibility or a blocked view contributed to the crash?

Vegetation, construction, parked vehicles, defective lighting, weather, road design, or other obstructions may affect visibility. These circumstances can influence driver responsibility and may require investigation of property ownership, maintenance duties, and governmental notice rules.

How does Alabama contributory negligence affect an intersection claim?

Alabama follows a strict contributory-negligence rule. A defendant may argue that an injured person’s own negligence contributed to the accident and bars recovery, although exceptions and other legal doctrines may apply. Because this defense is significant, the evidence should be reviewed carefully.

What compensation may be available after an intersection accident?

Depending on the facts, a claim may seek payment for medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, property damage, and other legally recoverable losses.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?

Your own automobile policy may provide uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, subject to its terms and Alabama law. Other insurance policies may also apply, so all household and vehicle coverage should be reviewed before resolving the claim.

Should I give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement?

You generally should not provide a recorded statement to another driver’s insurer without understanding the purpose and possible consequences. Be accurate in required communications with your own insurer and consider obtaining legal advice before discussing disputed fault or injuries.

How long do I have to file an intersection accident claim in Alabama?

Alabama filing deadlines vary by the type of claim, the defendant, and the injured person’s circumstances. Claims involving a government entity may have additional notice requirements. Prompt review helps protect deadlines and time-sensitive evidence.

Where does Ferguson & Ferguson handle intersection accident cases?

Ferguson & Ferguson represents intersection-accident clients in Huntsville, Decatur, Madison County, Morgan County, Limestone County, and communities throughout North Alabama. The offices are at 303 Williams Avenue SW, Suite 321, Huntsville, Alabama 35801, and 211 Oak Street NE, Decatur, Alabama 35601.

Hire the Best Huntsville AL, Intersection Accident Attorney You Can Find

If you have questions about your rights after an intersection accident and how our legal team can help, contact us today to request a free, no-obligation consultation. We represent victims throughout the state of Alabama. If you or a family member have been seriously injured in Madison County, Morgan County, or Limestone County at an intersection, contact us today. We can schedule a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case and your legal rights and options. Call 256-534-3435 now.

Huntsville Office Location:
303 Williams Avenue SW
Suite 321
Huntsville, AL 35801

Decatur Office Location:
211 Oak Street NE
Decatur, AL 35601