It is very clear that intersections are dangerous for drivers. In fact, some studies point out that almost half of all car crashes resulting in injury take place at intersections. The same is true for roughly 25% of all car accidents resulting in fatalities.
In other words, every time you drive, you face significant risks when you pass through an intersection. But why is this so dangerous, and why do so many serious accidents happen at these locations?
Cross traffic
The thing to remember is that intersections are the places where traffic has to cross paths. If this were done in an uncontrolled fashion, it would result in numerous accidents simply based on the road design. This is why traffic control systems like stop signs or red lights are so important.
But these traffic control devices do not actually force drivers to comply. If a light turns red and everyone stops, cross traffic can move through the intersection safely. But all it takes is one driver to run the red light to cause a serious accident.
The light itself is not going to stop this from happening, so there is a level of inherent danger every time you enter an intersection. You are counting on all of the drivers around you to follow the traffic laws correctly and to avoid serious mistakes. Inevitably, drivers are going to make these mistakes due to distraction, inexperience, fatigue, impairment or a variety of other reasons, and that is why so many accidents happen at intersections.
Seeking compensation
If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may deserve substantial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other related costs.