What’s the Leading Cause of Intersection Accidents?

Maneuvering through crossways can be one of the riskiest parts of driving. Unfortunately, driver error is the leading cause of intersection accidents, contributing to a high number of crashes nationwide, including in New Mexico. Whether due to distractions, speeding, or failing to obey traffic signals, junctions present dangerous conditions for all drivers. If you or a loved one has been involved in an intersection accident, Parnall Law in Albuquerque, NM, is ready to assist in pursuing the compensation you deserve.

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Leading Causes of Intersection Accidents

These are busy, complex areas where drivers from multiple directions converge, making them hotspots for misfortunes. The cause of intersection incidents is driver error, which includes various behaviors and mistakes. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent causes:

1. Inadequate Attention: Drivers often fail to thoroughly scan their surroundings at these junctures, leading to collisions. This lack of attention can result from driver fatigue, stress, or just rushing through a turn or a light.
2. Distractions: Modern drivers face numerous distractions, from smartphones to in-car navigation systems. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in an intense crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounts for thousands of these collisions each year.
3. Misjudging Other Vehicles’ Speed: Drivers sometimes miscalculate the speed of oncoming vehicles when making turns, mainly left turns at crossways. This leads to T-bone collisions, one of the most dangerous incidents.
4. Traffic Signal Violations: Running red lights or stop signs remains a major cause of tragedies. Drivers who try to “beat the light” often end up unlawfully impacting other vehicles crossing the junction.
5. Obstructed Views: Sometimes, buildings, parked cars, or other obstacles block a driver’s view, making it harder to see oncoming traffic. This is especially true in urban areas like Albuquerque, where crossroads can be congested and visibility limited.

Types of Injuries Caused by an Intersection Accident

These types of accidents can cause a wide range of damages, some of which can be life-altering. Whether a minor fender bender or a more severe crash, the impact force at a meeting point can be devastating. Typical injuries include:

1. Whiplash: It is common in rear-end collisions and occurs when the head is forcefully snapped backward and forward. Even at lower speeds, intersection incidents can cause whiplash, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.
2. Head and Brain Injuries: The impact of a crash can cause TBIs, including concussions or more severe conditions like brain hemorrhages. These can have lasting effects, such as memory loss, cognitive difficulties, or even permanent disabilities.
3. Spinal Cord Damage: These accidents can lead to severe spinal cord damage, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the lesion. Side-impact crashes, in particular, pose a higher risk due to reduced protection.
4. Internal Organ Damage: The force of the impact can result in blunt trauma to internal organs, leading to life-threatening afflictions such as internal bleeding or punctured lungs.

If you’ve sustained any of these injuries, seeking immediate medical attention is critical. Legal assistance can help you pursue compensation for your harm, especially when facing costly medical bills and long recovery times. For more details on crash statistics, you can consult NHTSA’s report.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Victims in New Mexico have the right to seek compensation for various damages. The goal is to make the affected individuals  “whole” again, which requires covering more than just the immediate financial costs. Here are the types of damages you can recover:

1. Medical Expenses: All costs related to your treatment can be covered, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing therapies. If you require long-term care, compensation may also include the charges for future medical treatment.
2. Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently, you can recover the income you would have earned during this time. This also applies to any loss of earning capacity if your impairment affects your ability to perform your job.
3. Pain and Suffering: In addition to economic damages, victims are entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the event. This is harder to quantify but just as important in ensuring full recovery.
4. Property Damage: You can be reimbursed for your vehicle and any other property damaged, including repair or replacement fees for the loss.
5. Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault driver’s behavior was especially reckless or malicious, New Mexico courts may award punitive damages to penalize the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

Understanding the full scope of your damages is crucial in pursuing a fair settlement. Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer will help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

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What a New Mexico Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You?

Navigating the aftermath of an incident can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress from medical bills or lost income. This is where a car accident lawyer comes in.

An experienced attorney can assist you in several key ways:

• Gathering Evidence: Lawyers will collect police reports, eyewitness statements, and any available event video footage to build a strong case for liability.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies constantly try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If negotiating with the insurer fails, they can take your case to court and fight for a favorable outcome.
• Providing Legal Guidance: A legal team will help you understand your rights under New Mexico law and guarantee that you will take the appropriate steps to protect your interests.

If you’ve been involved in an intersection accident, contact Parnall Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. Our experienced team is ready to assist you with the legal process and fight for the compensation you are entitled to.