Intersections are some of the most dangerous places on the road. With vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians converging from multiple directions, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a serious crash. Intersection accidents often cause severe injuries and complex liability disputes, making it essential to know your rights if you’ve been involved in one.
Why Intersection Accidents Are So Common
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), nearly 50% of all traffic injuries and over 20% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. occur at intersections. You can read more here: https://highways.dot.gov/research/programs/safety/intersection-safety
The most common causes of intersection accidents include:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Distracted driving (texting, phone calls)
- Speeding through intersections
- Improper turns or lane changes
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
Common Injuries in Intersection Collisions
Because vehicles often collide at an angle or at high speeds in intersections, injuries can be severe. Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Even low-speed intersection crashes can cause serious harm, especially to pedestrians and cyclists.
Determining Fault in an Intersection Accident
Liability in intersection accidents can be complex. Factors include:
- Traffic signal violations – Red light camera footage or eyewitness testimony can be critical.
- Right-of-way laws – In California, failure to yield is a common source of fault.
- Shared fault – California’s comparative negligence law allows multiple parties to share responsibility.
- Pedestrian and cyclist rights – Special protections apply to non-motorists in intersections.
You can review California’s right-of-way laws here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/right-of-way/
Steps to Take After an Intersection Accident
If you are in an intersection collision, you should:
- Call 911 and get a police report
- Seek immediate medical care
- Take photos and videos of the scene, traffic lights, and vehicle positions
- Collect contact and insurance information from all involved parties and witnesses
- Avoid discussing fault with other drivers or insurance representatives
- Contact a California intersection accident lawyer promptly
How Hillstone Law Can Help
Intersection accidents often require thorough investigation and aggressive legal representation to prove fault and recover damages. At Hillstone Law, we have the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured in an intersection accident in California, we are ready to help.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
