Intersection Accident Lawyers in Waldorf

Motor vehicle accidents cause millions of injuries and thousands of deaths nationwide every year, and most of these accidents occur at or around intersections. Intersections may have a traffic signal, yield sign, stop sign, or no traffic control device at all, but all involve multiple vehicles moving in multiple directions. Regardless of the type of control device at the intersection, many drivers do not obey them and/or do not abide by right-of-way laws. These traffic control devices and right-of-way laws are in place so that all drivers can get through intersections efficiently and safely, however, there are many drivers who take these rules as "suggestions," endangering the lives of every motorist on the road.

Intersection Crash Causes

Intersections involve slowing, stopping, accelerating, and turning in two or sometimes three directions. With all this activity, negligent and/or reckless driving can easily cause a serious injury auto accident. The most common driver behaviors that cause intersection accidents in Maryland, and nationwide, include:

• Speeding;
• Failure to yield right-of-way;
• Distracted driving;
• Failure to obey traffic signal or other traffic control device; and
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Common Intersection Accident Injuries

Because intersection accidents often involve multiple vehicles, there is a great potential for causing multiple serious injuries. This is especially the case if a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or even a tractor trailer is involved. Some common injuries that result from intersection accidents include whiplash, head injuries, broken bones, bumps and bruises, lacerations, and even internal trauma. The severity of the injury depends on the severity of the collision. Some of the most injurious intersection accidents occur when a driver speeds in an attempt to "make the light." Oftentimes this results in the speeding vehicle crashing into the side of a turning one.

U.S. Intersection Crash Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009, there were 1,074,000 intersection traffic accidents across the nation. There were another 1,136,000 that were "intersection related." Included in those that occurred in intersections:

• 188,000 did not have a traffic control device;
• 362,000 had a stop sign;
• 478,000 had a traffic signal; and
• 46,000 had other or unknown traffic control devices.

These crashes included:

• 659,000 that only caused property damage;
• 409,000 that caused injury; and
• 5,526 that caused death.

Holding At-Fault Drivers Liable

Being injured in an intersection accident may result in long-term pain and suffering, compounding medical bills, inability to work, rehabilitation costs, and other expenses and losses. In order to recover from the accident and move on with your life, you need the financial stability to get the quality medical treatment you are entitled to. At Alpert Schreyer, our dedicated hazardous intersection attorneys in Waldorf are committed to obtaining maximum compensation for their clients. We will not allow insurance companies or other parties to stand in the way of justice. To discuss your potential injury claim with one of our lawyers, contact us today at (301) 932-9997 or (800) 489-1577.