Every motorist in Florida travels through intersections daily, which could be why intersection accidents occur at an alarming rate. The volume of cars traveling through intersections can be heavy at times. Because there is a higher rate of traffic, it could lead to increased risks for wrecks.
Although traffic lights and stop signs have been put in place to help control traffic and reduce accidents, intersection accidents in Florida and nationwide still occur. In fact, studies indicate that about one-third of all traffic accidents in this nation occur at intersections.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 17 fatalities due to intersection-related crashes in Sarasota County alone in 2010.
Some of the reasons why intersection accidents occur include:
- Accelerating through yellow lights
- Running red lights
- Running stop signs
- Not obeying traffic signals
- Not yielding the right-of-way
- Turning in front of oncoming traffic
- Texting while driving
- Other forms of distracted driving
Intersections involve many vehicles turning, switching lanes, speeding up or stopping suddenly. Due to these quick actions that are made, intersections nationwide are more dangerous than many realize. Because every motorist drives through intersections, we often fail to realize the dangers of such places.
When another driver neglects to stop at a red light or turns in front of your car, a Sarasota car crash could occur and cause serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Head trauma
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Death
If a careless, negligent driver failed to obey the traffic lights and you were injured in an intersection accident in Sarasota County, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, therapy, lost wages and instances of pain and suffering.
To find out more about your rights to recovery, call a skilled Sarasota car crash attorney at Mallard Perez today at (888) 409-3805 for a free, no-obligation discussion of your case. You can also request a complimentary copy of our book, The Florida Accident Handbook: What You Need to Know After an Auto, Truck or Bicycle Accident.
