Intersections are some of the most common locations where motor vehicle crashes occur. When multiple vehicles approach an intersection from different directions, the chance of a collision is much greater than it is when vehicles are traveling in two lanes heading in opposite directions. In an intersection, drivers need to pay attention to the actions of other motorists, as well as pedestrians, and look for signs and traffic signals telling them when and where to proceed.
Often, collisions that occur in intersections are not the fault of a driver, but instead are directly linked to the design of the intersection itself. Issues related to signs, traffic signals, and road markings can create circumstances that make an accident likely. In that case, a government entity may be liable.
If you were hurt in a crash in an intersection, you may have suffered serious injuries, such as head trauma, whiplash, and broken bones. You may have spent several days, or even weeks, in the hospital. You may have to see a chiropractor or a physical therapist several times per week.
The injuries you suffered in the accident may have been keeping you out of work. It may be months before you will be able to return to your job, and when you do, you may not be able to perform all the tasks you did prior to the collision. If you have severe injuries, you may not be able to work in your former position at all.
You and your family are likely struggling to keep up with the medical bills, on top of your regular household expenses, without your income. If you will not be able to return to your job, you are probably trying to figure out what other type of work you could do to support your family. All of this could be taking an incredible toll on you mentally and emotionally.
A car accidents caused by a dangerous intersection lawyer may be able to help you seek a financial award to compensate you for the losses you have already suffered and for losses you will be likely to experience in the future because of the collision. Ben Crump Law, PLLC has assisted clients across the United States who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents due to a wide range of circumstances. We may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. Call our office at (844) 730-0233 to discuss your case with a member of our team.
What Can Make an Intersection Dangerous?
Sometimes an intersection is designed in a way that makes it likely that collisions will occur there. For instance, an area where traffic is entering from multiple directions may not have a traffic light, which can lead to confusion about who has the right-of-way. Multiple lanes may have to merge, but the intersection may lack signs showing the path motorists should follow.
In some instances, an intersection has a traffic light and appropriate signage, but there are objects that make them difficult to see. For instance, a tree with a branch hanging down may block a sign. A pole may be situated in such a way that drivers approaching the intersection from an angle are unable to see a traffic light.
Sometimes the road itself is not clearly marked. The line dividing a two-way street needs to be visible so that drivers do not accidentally get in the way of oncoming traffic. In an intersection where vehicles travel in several lanes moving in the same direction, lanes need clear lines separating them to prevent drivers from drifting into the wrong lane. A lack of markings, or markings that have become faded over time and are difficult to see, can cause confusion and can lead to collisions.
How a Car Accidents Caused by a Dangerous Intersection Lawyer May Be Able to Help You
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can investigate the circumstances at the time of the crash and factors that may have contributed to it. We can examine photos or videos documenting the design of the intersection at the time of the collision. If we notice a flaw in the layout of the intersection or in the way it was marked, or if conditions at the time hindered visibility, the local government that is responsible for maintaining the intersection may be held liable for your losses.
The Legal Information Institute explains that the principle of sovereign immunity protects federal and state governments from civil lawsuits. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the federal government waived its immunity in some cases when it adopted the Federal Tort Claims Act. Numerous state governments have also passed laws that limit the immunity of state government entities and their employees. Some state constitutions grant immunity to local governments.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the government body that was responsible for maintaining the intersection where the accident occurred. Our team may seek a financial award to compensate you for your past and future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Each state has a statute of limitations that requires victims of personal injuries to file a lawsuit within a limited period of time. Those laws apply in most cases, but the rules are different when a victim sues a federal, state, or local government. In those situations, the statute of limitations is often significantly shorter.
Contact a Car Accidents Caused by a Dangerous Intersection Lawyer
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can investigate the circumstances that led to the collision that injured you and figure out who was liable. That is often a complicated and time-consuming process. The amount of time available to file a lawsuit is shorter than usual when the defendant is a government entity. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we will be able to get to work.
If you are concerned about the cost of legal fees, you should not be. Our firm works on contingency. That means that we cover upfront fees ourselves, and we only get paid if we obtain compensation on behalf of an injured client.
A member of our team can tell you what you need to know about filing a lawsuit against a government entity in your state, including how long you have to file a claim and how the process works. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 so we can begin gathering evidence and building a case on your behalf as soon as possible.
