Intersection Crash Lawyers in Philadelphia

We Also Represent Clients Throughout Pennsylvania

Although car crashes can happen just about anywhere, there are certain locations, such as traffic intersections, that tend to be particularly dangerous for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that around 40 percent of all car crashes occur in intersections. Intersection-related collisions are almost always the result of someone’s negligent or reckless conduct.

If you were involved in a crash that was not your fault, you should consult with an auto accident attorney who can help you seek compensation for your losses.

Side-Impact Crashes

Side-impact crashes, which are better known as t-bone collisions are some of the most violent car accidents that occur in intersections and are usually the result of one of the following causes:

• A driver’s failure to yield the right-of-way.
• A failure to obey traffic signals.
• A driver’s decision to make an improper turn.

These mistakes can usually be attributed to distracted driving, speeding, or driving while intoxicated. As a result, the injuries sustained in T-bone crashes usually occur at high speeds and so often result in extremely severe injuries. Furthermore, the sides of a vehicle offer far less protection to occupants than do the front and rear areas.

Motorists who are involved in these types of crashes are much more likely to suffer from the following injuries:

• Broken ribs;
• Pelvic fractures;
• Hearing loss;
• Broken femurs;
• Sternum and diaphragm injuries;
• Lung contusions; and
• Dislocated or crushed shoulders.

Rear End Collisions

Rear end collisions are perhaps the most common type of intersection crashes. Like side-impact crashes, rear end collisions are usually the result of a driver’s inattention. Typical injuries suffered by occupants include knee injuries, head injuries, and whiplash. These accidents are unusually dangerous because they often end up involving several vehicles and multiple victims.

Pedestrian Accidents

Accidents between motorists are not the only type of crashes that occur in intersections. Pedestrians are also at risk, especially if a driver is not paying attention. Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles tend to suffer particularly severe injuries, some of which are deadly.

Because they do not have the protections offered by seatbelt and airbags, pedestrians must endure the full impact of the collision, which can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries.

Fortunately, even when a pedestrian was partly at fault, he or she can still collect compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses. This is because Pennsylvania adheres to the principle of comparative negligence, under which plaintiffs will not be barred from recovery, although their award will be reduced by their amount of their fault.