What Causes Intersection Crashes and Who Could Be Liable in Ohio?

Intersection crashes often end with severe injuries to victims or even death. Understanding the causes of these types of crashes and how to identify reckless drivers can help other drivers avoid these dangerous collision types.

Below, our auto accident lawyers in Cleveland explain the different types of intersection crashes, common causes and who could be held liable for the damages that may result.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an intersection crash, the attorneys at Friedman, Domiano and Smith may be able to help you pursue compensation. Our law firm has been helping personal injury victims in northeast Ohio successfully recover compensation for their damages for many years.

There are no upfront costs or fees to hire our law firm. There are also no fees while we pursue compensation for your damages.

Common Types of Intersection Accidents

Any one of the auto accidents listed below could result in life-changing injuries, especially when they occur at high speed. If you were involved in any of the types of collisions listed below, call our attorneys to discuss taking legal action:

• T-Bone Collisions: These collisions form a “T” shape when the front of a driver’s vehicle collides with the side of another driver’s vehicle.
• Rear-End Crashes: These types of accidents happen when one vehicle hits the back of another.
• Left-Turn Accidents: These collisions occur when a driver making a left turn gets hit by oncoming traffic.
• Right-Turn Accidents: Like left-turn accidents, these collisions can occur when a driver turns right at a red, green or yellow light. This is likely to happen if a driver is not paying enough attention to oncoming traffic. Some drivers are distracted, or they misjudge the distance of oncoming cars.
• Head-On Collisions: Although less common at intersections, these accidents occur when the front ends of two vehicles hit each other. This could occur when one vehicle is attempting to make a left turn.

What Are the Common Causes of Intersection Crashes?

Many intersection collisions are preventable, as they are the result of driver error or negligence. Examples of these reckless, negligent behaviors include:

Following Too Closely

Drivers need to maintain a safe distance between their cars and the one in front of them. This gives you enough time to react to the lead driver slowing down. Many rear-end crashes at intersections occur due to sudden stops, causing a driver who is following too closely to not have enough time to stop and avoid a collision.

There are various ways to determine a safe distance. However, a common method is to leave three seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Pick out a fixed object and once the lead car passes it, count until you pass the same object. If it takes less than three seconds, you need to slow down and leave more space in front of you.

Runnig Red Lights or Stop Signs

Drivers who are in a rush or distracted could run a red light or stop sign. Distracted drivers could be texting or talking when they run a red light. This can increase the likelihood of someone driving through an intersection and being T-boned by a driver running a red light.

Failure to Yield Right of Way

When drivers fail to yield the right of way to other drivers, it can result in an intersection collision. For instance, while making a left turn to cross over a road, a driver might misjudge the distance and speed of oncoming traffic. In this situation, oncoming drivers have the right of way and turning drivers must yield to them.

Distracted Driving

Using a phone, eating or other distractions can potentially lead to a car crash. Someone who is texting and driving may not notice that the vehicle in front of them slowed down due to a road hazard ahead. In this scenario, the distracted driver could rear-end the lead vehicle.

The severity of the crash could depend on how fast the distracted driver was going. That said, even at slower speeds, these collisions can cause painful and long-lasting injuries.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs can impair drivers’ judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of intersection accidents. For example, a driver who is under the influence of alcohol may veer into the lanes of vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. If he or she crosses an intersection and travels in the wrong direction, this could result in a deadly head-on crash.

Evaluating Liability for Intersection Collisions in Ohio

One of the central questions after an intersection crash is who had the right of way before the collision. The driver who violated right of way laws is going to be found liable for damages from the collision.

For example, if you were hit by a driver turning right at a red light, the other driver would likely be held liable. If you were trying to turn left and an oncoming car ran through a red light and hit you, the other driver would likely be held liable for damages.

When the crash involves pedestrians or cyclists, drivers are often the ones held liable. This is usually because drivers can act to prevent these collisions. This is particularly true if the crash happens in a crosswalk. Drivers who are turning need to watch for pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalk.

Can More Than One Party Be Liable for a Crash in an Ohio Intersection?

Ohio follows a principle called comparative negligence. That means the victim of a crash could be held partially liable for violating right of way laws.

If you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages, if you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the crash. For instance, a pedestrian could be partially liable for darting out onto the road, but if he or she was no more than 50 percent at fault he or she could still seek compensation.

Call Friedman, Domiano and Smith if You Have Injuries from a Crash

Intersection crashes can have devastating effects that can forever change a victim’s life. If you suffered injuries due to an intersection accident, the legal team at Friedman, Domiano and Smith is here to help.

We have a proven track record of recovering substantial compensation for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We are here to support you every step of the way.