Navigating claims after intersection accidents can be challenging. While the driver who fails to yield the right of way may often be liable for the damages caused, that's not always the case. Sometimes, multiple parties may be responsible, which is why it's crucial to conduct a proper investigation into the case before pursuing legal action.
Whether it's multi-vehicle accidents or a T-bone crash at an intersection, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have decades of combined experience as a vehicle accident attorney in Indianapolis helping injured victims navigate personal injury claims. They have the resources to carry out an impartial investigation to determine the at-fault driver after a collision.
Injured victims in Indianapolis, Indiana, should reach out to Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to discuss their case and have their rights protected against negligent parties and their insurance companies.
Why Do Intersection Car Accidents Happen?
Traffic signals were invented way before the advent of modern cars. In the 1860s, gas-powered red light devices controlled the flow of horse-drawn traffic outside the Houses of Parliament in London.
Semaphore traffic signals made their way into the United States in the early two decades of the 20th century, with each state having its own design. In 1912, a policeman in Salt Lake City invented the electric traffic signal, which the country adopted in the next few years.
Intersections can be dangerous, especially when most drivers are unaware of the traffic rules or right-of-way laws. Traffic signals help ensure a smooth flow of traffic. However, even with these devices, car accidents are much more common at intersections than one can imagine. These happen due to acts of negligence, recklessness, or carelessness.
Here are some of the most common reasons why intersection car accidents happen in the United States, including Indiana:
Failure to stop at the red light
Lack of awareness of other motorists when turning right
Failure to yield the right of way when making left turns
Speeding and losing control of the motor vehicle
Who Is at Fault in an Intersection Car Accident in Indiana?
Determining fault in an intersection car accident without legal representation can be challenging. While it may be clear who the at-fault driver is in some cases, it may not be so apparent in others.
There are a few key factors that an insurance company or an attorney will look at to help determine fault, including the right of way.
If a motorist fails to stop at a red light, for example, they may be liable for the damages caused to the other driver. In some cases, the drivers of all of the vehicles involved in the intersection car accident could be responsible.
Making Turns at an Intersection
When a driver is turning at an intersection, it's crucial to adhere to the traffic laws and check the surroundings before executing the maneuver.
In most intersection car accidents, the motorist in the turning vehicle is often liable for the damages caused, as they fail to yield the right of way or follow the traffic signal. However, there may be some situations where the other driver may be responsible.
If the driver in the turning car has the right of way with a green traffic signal, the other motorist who fails to yield or stop at the red light may be responsible for the intersection car accident.
Rear-end Collisions at an Intersection
At an intersection car accident, the driver that rear-ends another motorist is often liable for the damages.
The law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance and drive within the speed limits. This allows the motorist to avoid a collision if the lead car slows down or brakes abruptly.
At intersections, most drivers are in a rush to beat the traffic signal and speed up. However, the driver in the lead car may decide to stop, which could cause the motor vehicle in the back to rear-end the automobile in the front.
In some cases, the driver in the lead motor vehicle may be liable for the intersection car accident. If they have a failing brake light, it could increase the risk of collisions, for which they may be responsible.
There may be multiple lanes at the intersection, and the driver in the lead car may fail to notice their surroundings before switching lanes. This could cause the motor vehicle in the back to rear-end them.
Moving from one lane to the other without checking for other road users is an act of negligence that could lead to liability in the event of an intersection car accident.
Multi-vehicle Accident
In some intersection car accidents, more than one driver may be liable for the damages caused. A car manufacturer may be responsible if a defective component results in a collision.
However, the motorist may also share some fault if they were aware of the problem and failed to address it. That's why it's hard to know who is at fault in a multi-car accident in Indiana.
Sometimes, two or more drivers may fail to adhere to the traffic rules or yield the right of way. When that happens, injured victims may be able to pursue personal injury claims or lawsuits against all of the negligent parties.
Government Entity
The negligence of a government entity could lead to a multi-car accident at an intersection.
A traffic-controlling device that does not work or poor road conditions at the roundabout could lead to crashes, for which the relevant government department may be liable.
Determining Fault in Intersection Car Accidents
Whether it's multi-car accidents or rear-end collisions at an intersection, these types of cases can be complex. It's crucial for the injured victim to reach out to a skilled car accident lawyer for legal representation.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help determine fault after an intersection accident by:
Gathering enough evidence from the accident scene;
Reaching out to witnesses for statements or testimonies;
Retrieving CCTV footage of the car crash;
Getting access to the official accident report from the police; and
Working with accident reconstruction specialists to put all of the pieces of evidence together to identify the liable parties.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Stand Ready to Secure Justice and Compensation for the Injured!
Those who have suffered injuries in an intersection car accident in Indianapolis, Indiana, should call to schedule a free consultation with the reputable Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. They can investigate the facts surrounding the case and hold the negligent party accountable for the injured victim's losses!