At intersections throughout the state of Maryland, there are established traffic signs and signals to regulate traffic flow and, arguably more importantly, minimize conflict points. So long as drivers and pedestrians alike observe these regulations, everyone should remain safe when crossing an intersection. But, unfortunately, one party’s negligence at this location may threaten your security. Please continue reading to learn the types of accidents that happen at an intersection and how an experienced St. Mary’s County car accident lawyer at the Dorsey Law Firm can help you recover in the aftermath of yours.
What types of auto accidents happen at an intersection?
With all the colliding activities that take place at a busy intersection, it is more likely that one party’s negligent actions can directly lead to an auto accident. More specific examples of the types of auto accidents that happen at an intersection are as follows:
- A rear-end collision: a rear driver may follow the front vehicle too closely and cannot brake on time when the next light turns yellow or red.
- A T-bone collision: a driver may run a red light or stop sign while another driver rightfully crosses the intersection from an intersecting or perpendicular direction.
- A sideswipe collision: a driver may misjudge the speed of an oncoming vehicle and fail to make a left turn across the intersection on time.
- A pedestrian collision: a pedestrian may fail to cross an intersection at a designated crosswalk and unexpectedly jump out in front of an oncoming vehicle.
What should I do if I am made a victim of an intersection accident?
It is unfortunate if you safely abided by an intersection’s traffic signs and signals and still wound up the victim of an auto accident. Depending on the type of collision you were involved in, you may now be suffering from a concussion, whiplash, back injury, soft tissue injury, internal organ damage, or a similar injury. So, to recover financial compensation for your medical treatments and other incurred damages, you must file a personal injury claim against the negligent party.
You may know in your gut that the defendant’s negligent actions directly caused your injuries and damages. But it may be another story to prove this to the Maryland civil court. That is, as the plaintiff, you carry a burden of proof for establishing this as fact.
This may entail obtaining a copy of your police report, which may have the officer’s expert judgment on who was at fault. Or, this may have you get a traffic/highway safety expert to interpret the photos and videos you took and testify about who they believe is liable. What may almost automatically work is if you recorded the defendant’s admittance of fault immediately following your accident event.
Now that you have this background knowledge, your next step should be to employ a skilled St. Mary’s County auto accident lawyer to represent you. Please contact the Dorsey Law Firm today.
