Intersection Accidents: Who Is at Fault?

Intersections are among the most likely places for car accidents to occur. They’re also a significant cause of traffic injuries and fatalities. If another driver hit you and caused your injuries, you deserve the chance to hold them accountable. Let the team at Stokes Stemle LLC provide the legal support you need to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. Our car accident lawyers in Alabama have decades of combined experience and the resources necessary to build a persuasive claim on your behalf. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you.

Common Causes of Intersection Accidents

Many intersection accidents result from drivers’ careless or reckless behavior behind the wheel, often involving violations of Alabama traffic laws. Even a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to a serious collision with devastating consequences. Some of the most common driver-related causes of intersection car accidents include:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Making unsafe or illegal turns
• Speeding through intersections
• Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting a GPS
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Following other vehicles too closely
• Misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming traffic
• Aggressive driving, including sudden lane changes or trying to beat a yellow light
• Fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel

Other drivers aren’t the only parties who might be responsible for intersection crashes – other factors may contribute as well. For example, poorly designed intersections, missing or malfunctioning traffic signals, obstructed views, and dangerous road conditions can also increase the likelihood of a collision. In some cases, multiple parties may share fault for an intersection accident, which can complicate the process of pursuing fair compensation.

Who Is at Fault in an Intersection Accident?

To determine fault for a car crash at an intersection, your car accident lawyer in Alabama will carefully review what happened and how. They may discover that one or more other parties bear liability, depending on the specific actions that led to the collision. These parties might include:

• One or More Other Drivers – A driver who ignored traffic signals, failed to yield, sped through the intersection, or drove while distracted can be held responsible for causing the accident. Sometimes, one driver’s reaction to another’s behavior can cause a collision involving a third driver.
• A Government Entity – If poor road design, missing signage, or a malfunctioning traffic light contributed to the crash, liability may fall on the city, county, or other government agency responsible for road maintenance.
• A Vehicle Manufacturer – In cases where a mechanical defect, such as brake failure or a stuck accelerator, caused the crash, the manufacturer of the defective component or vehicle could be at fault.
• A Third-Party Contractor – Construction companies or contractors that left debris, equipment, or confusing signs near an intersection may share responsibility if their carelessness causes an accident.

Types of Evidence Used to Prove Fault

Establishing liability for a car crash at an intersection depends on having strong evidence. Types of evidence that your car accident attorney can use to support your claim against the at-fault driver or other party include:

• Police reports documenting initial findings and any traffic violations
• Eyewitness statements from people who saw the crash happen
• Traffic camera or surveillance footage that captures the collision
• Photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and traffic signals or signs
• Vehicle damage reports to show the points of impact and extent of damage
• Black box data from the vehicles involved, detailing speed and braking
• Medical records linking severe injuries to the crash
• Accident reconstruction analysis by qualified professionals

Since critical evidence can quickly disappear or degrade over time, it’s important to take fast action to gather and preserve it. Acting promptly can ensure you have what you need to strengthen your car accident claim and protect your right to pursue fair compensation.

Steps to Take After an Intersection Accident

Taking the right steps after an intersection accident can protect your health and preserve your legal claim. In the days and weeks after the crash:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, to establish your condition and secure the necessary treatment
• Follow all treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments to document your recovery
• Request a copy of the police accident report for your records
• Collect and preserve evidence, including photos, witness information, and medical bills
• Notify your insurance company about the accident, but avoid giving recorded statements without legal counsel
• Keep a journal tracking your injuries and the crash’s effects on your daily life
• Avoid discussing the accident on social media, as posts could be taken out of context and used against you
• Contact a car accident lawyer in Alabama to discuss your legal options and next steps

How Stokes Stemle Can Help with Your Claim

When you’re trying to recover from serious injuries after an intersection accident, the last thing you should be worried about is managing your own accident claim. Stokes Stemle LLC can handle this whole process for you. We’ll gather the evidence needed to build a strong case, look out for your rights by managing communication with insurance companies, and push for a settlement that accounts for the full extent of your losses. If filing a lawsuit offers the strongest path toward securing compensation, we’re ready to take your intersection accident case to court and advocate for you at trial.

Throughout the intersection accident claim process, Stokes Stemle LLC will do everything possible to reduce your stress by handling the legal details and keeping you informed of your case’s progress. Our experience with intersection accident claims allows us to anticipate challenges and prepare a thorough strategy focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Alabama for Help

If another driver ran a red light, drove recklessly, failed to yield, or drove while impaired or distracted and injured you in a collision, let Stokes Stemle LLC fight for the compensation, accountability, and justice you deserve. Contact us today to arrange a free initial consultation with a dedicated car accident lawyer in Alabama.