Hurt in an Intersection Accident in Houston?
Get The Adley Law Firm on Your Side
Intersection accidents are unfortunately common in Houston and the surrounding areas. If you’ve been injured due to a negligent driver in an intersection collision, you deserve financial compensation. Navigating this process can be complex, and insurance companies often have the upper hand.
At The Adley Law Firm, we understand the profound impact that a car accident can have on your life. You may be in pain, facing mounting medical bills, and unsure how to manage these costs. If a negligent driver caused your injury, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone.
Where and How Intersection Accidents Happen
In Houston, accidents frequently occur at major intersections such as:
- Westheimer Road and Richmond Avenue
- Bellaire Boulevard and Fondren Road
- Highway 6 and Beechnut Street
- Main Street and Holcombe Boulevard
Intersection accidents are often caused by negligent driving behaviors, including:
- Speeding through a red light or stop sign
- Texting while driving
- Failing to yield to oncoming traffic
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive lane changes
These accidents can result in various types of collisions, including T-bone accidents when a driver turns without checking for oncoming vehicles, rear-end collisions when a driver doesn’t notice a stopped vehicle, or head-on collisions if a driver drifts into another lane. The injuries from these accidents can be severe and may include broken bones, head injuries, neck and shoulder injuries, and back injuries. Victims often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Proving Fault in an Intersection Accident
Proving fault in an intersection accident can be particularly challenging. Intersections are busy areas where multiple vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists converge, making it difficult to establish a clear sequence of events. Additionally, drivers involved in the accident may dispute liability, each claiming that the other was at fault. This is why gathering evidence is crucial. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and even skid marks on the road can all play a critical role in proving who was at fault.
Insurance companies are well aware of the complexities involved in intersection accidents and may use this to their advantage, often attempting to shift blame or reduce their payout by arguing that you were partially responsible. To combat these tactics, you need a skilled attorney who can build a compelling case based on solid evidence. The Adley Law Firm will thoroughly investigate the accident, collect all necessary evidence, and consult with experts if needed to recreate the scene and establish liability.
Common Types of Intersection Accidents and Determining Fault
Rear-End Collisions at a Stop Light
One of the most common types of accidents at intersections is the rear-end collision. These occur when a vehicle stops at a red light or stop sign, and the vehicle behind it fails to stop in time, leading to a collision. In most cases, the driver who rear-ends the vehicle in front is considered at fault. This is because drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance and be prepared to stop when necessary. However, there can be exceptions if the leading vehicle stopped suddenly without warning or if their brake lights were not functioning properly, which might shift some of the blame.
Left Turn Accidents
Left turn accidents are another frequent occurrence at intersections. These happen when a driver making a left turn collides with an oncoming vehicle traveling straight through the intersection. Typically, the driver making the left turn is at fault because they must yield to oncoming traffic. However, if the oncoming driver was speeding or ran a red light, they may share some of the blame or even be entirely at fault, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Running a Stop Sign or Red Light
Accidents caused by running a stop sign or red light are particularly dangerous and often result in severe injuries. These accidents occur when a driver fails to stop at a stop sign or red light and crashes into another vehicle that had the right of way. In these situations, the driver who ran the stop sign or red light is almost always at fault, as they violated traffic laws by failing to obey the signals. However, in rare cases where both drivers ran a stop sign at a four-way stop, fault may be shared depending on the details of the accident.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, frequently occur at intersections when one vehicle runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the side of another vehicle that had the right of way. The driver who runs the red light or stop sign is usually at fault for these accidents. However, if the other driver was speeding or driving recklessly, there could be shared liability. T-bone accidents are particularly dangerous due to the direct impact on the side of the vehicle, where occupants are more vulnerable.
Failure to Yield Accidents
Failure to yield accidents occur when a driver does not yield the right of way to another vehicle, which is a common issue at busy intersections. This can happen when a driver is merging onto a road, making a right turn on red without checking for oncoming traffic, or when turning left across traffic. The driver who fails to yield is typically at fault, as they are required by law to give the right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians in the intersection.
Pedestrian or Cyclist Accidents
Intersections are also hotspots for accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. These accidents often occur when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian or cyclist who is crossing the intersection, usually because the driver was not paying attention to crosswalk signals or failed to check for pedestrians before making a turn. In these cases, the driver is usually at fault if the pedestrian or cyclist had the right of way. However, if the pedestrian or cyclist was crossing illegally or without regard for traffic signals, they may share some responsibility for the accident.
Head-On Collisions
Although less common, head-on collisions can occur at intersections when a driver crosses the centerline or median while making a turn and collides head-on with an oncoming vehicle. The driver who crossed the centerline is generally at fault in these situations, as they failed to stay within their lane or yield to oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of accidents due to the high impact forces involved.
Why You Need The Adley Law Firm
When a negligent driver causes an accident, proving their fault and securing fair compensation can be challenging. Drivers may deny their wrongdoing or attempt to shift the blame onto you. Insurance companies, while seemingly there to help, are often more interested in minimizing their payouts. They may use tactics to question the seriousness of your injuries, argue that they are pre-existing, or blame you for the accident. Additionally, they might offer a settlement that falls short of covering your full damages.
Get The Adley Law Firm on Your Side
At The Adley Law Firm, we take a straightforward approach to handling your case. We cut through the nonsense and focus on getting you the compensation you deserve. Our team will investigate the accident thoroughly, gather evidence, review documentation, and interview witnesses. We’ll build a strong case that demonstrates the insurance company’s need to take your claim seriously.
Attorney Adley Law is committed to determining the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. We don’t back down until you receive the settlement you deserve.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
We believe in clear communication and customer service. Our team will guide you through every step of the legal process and keep you informed with regular updates on your case. You’ll have direct access to Kevin Adley’s for any questions or concerns.
If you’re unsure whether you need legal representation or if you have a case, we offer a free consultation to help you understand your options. The experienced car accident lawyers at The Adley Law Firm will review the details of your accident, provide an honest assessment, and answer any questions you have.
There’s no obligation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation at our Houston office, or we can meet you at a more convenient location. Get the information you need to make informed decisions about your case.
