Intersections are designed to ensure an orderly flow of traffic, but a single lapse in judgment or a deliberate traffic violation can trigger a serious collision.

Unfortunately, intersection collisions often occur when drivers misjudge another vehicle’s speed or fail to yield. Serious injuries can result, and taking legal action can become essential for accident victims.

Consulting a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer early can make a significant difference in preserving evidence and protecting your rights. At Craig Swapp & Associates, our team is committed to representing those injured in intersection accidents and offers no legal fees until you settle or win. 

What Are Intersection Accidents?

An intersection accident takes place in any area where two or more roads meet. Drivers are expected to follow traffic signals, yield signs, and right-of-way rules to maintain safety. However, when one or more motorists disregard these regulations, it can result in a crash that might involve multiple vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists.

These crashes can range from minor fender benders to high-speed collisions, often depending on whether drivers observed traffic laws or were paying attention to changing lights.

Statistics on Intersection Accidents 

The Federal Highway Administration reported 12,036 traffic fatalities involving intersections in the United States in 2022. This statistic underscores the severe risks that come with failing to follow basic road rules around stops, yields, and traffic lights. In fact, when researching what percentage of collisions occur at intersections, national data often attributes a high proportion of vehicle crashes to busy junctions where driver mistakes and distractions are more frequent. 

Utah presents its own challenges. Busy streets, more vehicles, and active pedestrian areas create a higher risk. A problematic intersection can lead to increased travel speeds, sudden lane changes, or aggressive driving maneuvers. 

A significant portion of citywide vehicle crashes take place near major junctions where multiple lanes converge. For more information on the riskiest local crossroads, see the most dangerous intersections for accidents in Salt Lake City. Understanding these danger zones can help you become more cautious and aware of high-risk areas.

Types of Intersections

Several intersection designs exist, each with unique traffic patterns and distinct challenges that can result in intersection collisions:

  • Controlled Intersections: These areas have traffic signals or stop signs to organize the flow of vehicles. Drivers must stop or yield based on the color of the light or posted signs. 
  • Uncontrolled Intersections: Found in rural or less-developed areas, these lack traffic signals or stop signs. When motorists are unfamiliar with these guidelines, it increases the likelihood of an intersection accident.
  • Roundabouts: Roundabouts are designed to improve safety by forcing traffic to move in a circular pattern at reduced speeds. Although they lower the probability of severe crashes, confusion about who must yield or exit can cause collisions. 
  • T-Intersections: Accidents occur when a driver on the top bar of the T fails to yield to the through traffic on the vertical bar. The high risk of T-bone impacts in these spots highlights the importance of carefully scanning for oncoming cars.

Common Causes of Intersection Collisions

A leading cause of intersection accidents often comes down to driver negligence or error. 

Some of the most frequent contributors to intersection collisions in Utah include:

  • Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Drivers who attempt to beat a light or disregard a stop sign can set off a devastating wreck. This behavior is especially dangerous because cross-traffic is likely to be moving at moderate or high speeds.
  • Distracted Driving: Texting behind the wheel, changing GPS settings, or even being absorbed in conversation can result in a driver missing crucial signals. Distraction is a top reason that a car accident lawyer in Utah might see intersection-related claims.
  • Speeding: Approaching a crossing at high speeds leaves little reaction time for changing lights or the movement of nearby vehicles. The force of impact in such scenarios is also greater, leading to serious injuries.
  • Failing to Yield on Left Turns: Making a left turn at an intersection requires watching for oncoming traffic. Many accidents stem from drivers misjudging another vehicle’s distance or speed, resulting in a side-impact collision.
  • Impaired Driving: Whether by alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs, impairment slows reaction times and distorts judgment. This lack of clarity can easily prompt a driver to skip a stop sign or misread a red light.
  • Aggressive Maneuvers: Tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, or rushing through yellow lights can transform a routine drive into a hazardous experience for everyone involved.

Though there are various ways collisions can occur, each cause can lead to extensive injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma for those affected.

Different Types of Intersection Accidents

Several specific crash types often repeat at busy crossroads:

  • Rear-End Collisions: A vehicle that stops for a red light may get hit from behind if the trailing driver is distracted or following too closely. Rear-end collisions are common but can still lead to severe neck and back injuries.
  • Side-Impact Collisions: Often the most dangerous kind of intersection accident, a T-bone crash occurs when one driver hits the side of another’s vehicle. Running a red light or failing to yield in a left-turn scenario are frequent catalysts for these crashes.
  • Head-On Collisions: Though less common in intersections than other crash types, they can be catastrophic. They sometimes happen when a driver turns into oncoming traffic or drifts across the center line.
  • Multi-Vehicle Pileups: High-traffic crossroads, especially those with multiple lanes merging, can be the site of multi-car accidents. A collision in one lane can quickly cause chain reactions in adjacent lanes, involving several vehicles in one chaotic event.

The severity of injuries in these incidents can range from mild whiplash to life-altering spinal damage. It is essential to identify exactly how the crash happened to determine liability.

Common Injuries in Intersection Accidents

The bodily harm people sustain in intersection accidents can be severe, given the possibility of side-impact crashes, rollovers, or high-speed collisions. 

Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, sprains, or strains in the neck, shoulders, or back are prevalent when an impact forces the body to jerk suddenly. While these injuries sometimes heal with rest and therapy, they can be long-lasting and debilitating without proper treatment.
  • Bone Fractures: Arms, wrists, ribs, and legs are common fracture sites in serious intersection collisions. Recovery periods can extend for months or even years if complex surgical procedures or rehabilitation are required.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries: A forceful blow to the head can result in concussions or more substantial brain trauma. Even mild traumatic brain injuries can cause memory loss, persistent headaches, and cognitive difficulties.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: A violent impact from the side or rear can damage vertebrae or spinal discs. Severe cases may lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring ongoing medical care.
  • Internal Organ Damage: The sudden force of a seatbelt or an airbag can injure internal organs. Serious collisions can also cause internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent at the crash scene.
  • Psychological Trauma: The emotional stress and anxiety following a crash can be overwhelming. Many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress, which affects their ability to drive confidently or resume daily routines.

These injuries often carry steep medical bills, ongoing therapy costs, and lost income if victims cannot return to work right away. A thorough medical examination is crucial to accurately document injuries and link them to the collision, a step that can be critical when filing an injury claim.

How to File an Injury Claim After an Intersection Accident

As an intersection accident victim, you typically have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, losses, and other damages. 

While the statutes of limitations and insurance rules may vary slightly by state, the process for filing a claim follows similar steps:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Care: Go to a hospital or urgent care center immediately after a crash. Prompt medical attention is vital for your recovery and serves as official documentation that ties injuries to the collision.
  • Notify Authorities: Call local law enforcement if the crash has not already been reported. An official police report can be powerful evidence, noting witness statements, weather conditions, and potential traffic infractions.
  • Collect Information and Evidence: Gather contact details from other drivers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and traffic control devices.
  • Notify Insurance Companies: Let your insurer know about the crash in a timely fashion. Remember, though, that the other driver’s insurance may seek to minimize your compensation. Avoid giving recorded statements until you’ve secured proper legal advice.
  • Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer: Whether you need a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer or legal assistance in a nearby state, seeking guidance helps you understand local regulations, deadlines, and liability standards. Skilled attorneys can help negotiate with insurers or file a lawsuit, if needed.
  • Negotiate a Settlement or File a Lawsuit: With all the evidence in place, you can demand compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the emotional consequences of your injuries. If negotiations fail, your attorney can take the matter to court.

An intersection accident can have long-term effects on your health, finances, and emotional well-being. Following these steps can improve your chances of securing fair compensation after an intersection accident. If you or someone close to you has been hurt in intersection collisions, our Salt Lake City car accident lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates are here to represent you – “One Call, That’s All.” 

Call our office today at 1-866-308-3822 or fill out our contact form to have your free consultation scheduled.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp