19 Mar Intersection Car Accidents: Fault and Liability

Intersection Car Accidents: Fault and Liability in New York

Intersections are among the most dangerous locations on New York roads. The convergence of vehicles traveling in multiple directions, pedestrians crossing, and cyclists navigating traffic creates a complex environment where accidents happen frequently and with serious consequences. If you were injured in an intersection accident in New York, understanding how fault is determined and what compensation you may be entitled to is critical to protecting your legal rights.

Types of Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents come in several forms, each with different dynamics and fault considerations. T-bone or broadside collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at right angles — frequently the result of a driver running a red light or stop sign. Head-on collisions can occur when a driver turns into oncoming traffic. Rear-end collisions happen when a driver following too closely strikes a vehicle that stops for a traffic signal. Sideswipe accidents occur when merging vehicles misjudge lane positions. Left-turn accidents are extremely common — drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and failing to do so is a leading cause of serious intersection crashes.

Common Causes of Intersection Accidents

Driver negligence is the overwhelming cause of intersection accidents. The most common forms of negligence include running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left, distracted driving, speeding through intersections, driver intoxication, and failure to observe pedestrian crossing signals. In some cases, poor road design, inadequate signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, or obstructed sight lines can also contribute to intersection accidents, potentially creating liability for a municipality or government entity.

Determining Fault in Intersection Accidents

Fault in intersection accidents is often contested. Both drivers may claim they had the right of way, and there may be no independent witnesses. Determining fault requires a careful analysis of all available evidence, including the police report, witness testimony, traffic camera footage, dashcam recordings, physical evidence at the scene (skid marks, vehicle damage patterns), and accident reconstruction analysis.

Traffic Camera and Surveillance Footage

Many New York intersections are equipped with traffic cameras, and nearby businesses often have security cameras that capture the roadway. This footage can be powerful evidence in an intersection accident case, clearly showing which driver had the green light or who ran the red. Obtaining this footage quickly is critical — most systems overwrite recordings within days or weeks.

Comparative Negligence at Intersections

Intersection accidents often involve shared fault. Perhaps one driver ran a yellow light just as it turned red, while the other was speeding. Under New York’s comparative negligence rule, each party’s damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. Having an experienced attorney on your side ensures that fault is assessed accurately and that your percentage of negligence is not inflated by the opposing side.

Injuries in Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents — particularly T-bone collisions — can cause severe injuries because the side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, broken ribs and internal injuries, hip and pelvis fractures, shoulder injuries, and whiplash. Injuries from high-speed intersection crashes can be catastrophic and life-altering.

Compensation Available After an Intersection Accident

If you were injured in an intersection accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, emotional distress, and future medical costs and lost earning capacity if your injuries are permanent. The available compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the degree of the other driver’s fault.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you were involved in an intersection accident on Long Island or anywhere in New York, the experienced car accident attorneys at Tannenbaum, Bellantone & Silver, P.C. are here to help. We will investigate the accident thoroughly, identify all at-fault parties, and fight to maximize your compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation — there is no fee unless we win your case.