You’ve Been Involved in an Intersection Car Accident in Kansas City, Missouri. Now What Do You Do?
Picture this. You’re driving to your parent’s place for a family dinner. The kids are looking forward to enjoying your mom’s famous baked ziti. As you cruise along, a car suddenly comes speeding into the intersection from your left. Ignoring their stop sign, they collide with your driver’s side. You suffer serious back and neck injuries, forcing you to miss several weeks of work.
Along with motorists, pedestrians and cyclists are often hurt in intersection car crashes. From T-bones to head-on and rear-end collisions, intersection car accidents are far too common in Missouri. They call for the legal guidance of experienced Kansas City car accident lawyers. Work with Foster Wallace to secure your rights to fair compensation.
Top Causes of Intersection Automobile Accidents
Places where two streets meet at right angles aren’t the only intersections. Like other major cities, Kansas City's road design can be complex. Intersection car accidents can happen where vehicles merge, where more than two roads converge, or even at driveways and parking lot entrances.
Taken all together, intersections can be very dangerous for motorists. The Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center at the Federal Highway Administration reports that more than half of all car crashes resulting in injury or death occur at or near intersections. Possible causes of intersection crashes are nearly as numerous as the intersections themselves.
Failure to Stop
Like the hypothetical scenario described above, a car that fails to stop at a red light or stop sign can cause an accident. This can often occur when drivers speed up to beat a yellow light.
Failure to Yield
Failing to understand who has the right of way can also cause an intersection car crash. Cars turning left must yield to approaching vehicles, for instance. If two cars arrive at a four-way stop at the same time, drivers should yield to cars on their right. Pedestrians and cyclists can also cause accidents if they fail to yield properly.
Driver Error or Misinterpretation
Driver error is one of the most common causes of car crashes, especially at intersections. For instance, drivers can misjudge how much room they have to turn left between oncoming cars. They can also misinterpret the intentions of other drivers, especially if they fail to use their turn signals. This can quickly lead to chain-reaction accidents involving multiple cars.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can take many forms. Texting or using your phone is perhaps the best-known. Changing the music or adjusting the GPS can also take your eyes off the road. Pets and passengers can be equally distracting, as can anything on the roadside. All it takes is a moment of distraction to cause an accident.
Dangerous Driving
Reckless driving behaviors can cause intersection crashes. Speeding, aggressive lane changes, and unsafe turns are some of the top culprits. Tailgating and weaving through traffic can be seriously dangerous, too.
Driving Under the Influence
A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol may make poorer decisions or have slower reaction times. Driving while drowsy or fatigued can be equally hazardous. Consult with your lawyer about suing a drunk driver for damages.
Visibility Issues
There are many reasons why motorists may suffer from poor visibility. From adverse weather to inadequate lighting, drivers can find themselves in hazardous situations. Even when the conditions are otherwise fine, tree branches and other obstructions may block important traffic lights and signs. Similarly, turning when you can’t quite see crossing lanes of traffic can lead to crashes.
Poor Intersection Design
As much as Kansas City drivers may try to observe the rules of the road, poor design and signage can make this unnecessarily difficult. It may not be clear who has the right of way. Faded lane markings can increase the likelihood of an accident. Video evidence from the intersection can help you make this argument. In these cases, you may be able to sue city or state agencies.
Equipment Failure
A driver may have had every intention to stop at the red light, but their brakes failed. They sailed uncontrollably into the intersection and caused an accident. Equipment failures, like brake failure or blown tires, can be even more dangerous with larger vehicles.
Common Injuries From Car Crashes in Intersections
Examples of common injuries suffered by intersection car accident victims include:
- Whiplash
- Head and neck trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries like concussions
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Broken bones and joint injuries
- Chest injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Burns, bruises, and lacerations
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Partial and full paralysis
- Wrongful death
The extent of injuries will depend on the nature of the accident. In any case, you may be eligible to seek economic and non-economic damages. This can include lost wages, medical bills, physical therapy costs, property damage, and pain and suffering. The courts may award punitive damages if the defendant “acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others.”
What Steps You Should Take After an Intersection Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights to fair compensation.
Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Call 911 to get an ambulance to the scene. Even if you think you are fine, seek medical attention after a car accident anyway. The adrenaline pumping through your system can mask your injuries. Your doctor can conduct a full examination and recommend a treatment plan.
Document the Car Accident Scene
If you can and it is safe to do so, gather evidence from the scene of your car crash.
- Take pictures and videos of road and weather conditions.
- Capture the damage to all vehicles involved.
- Write down what happened in your own words.
- Get the contact information of any eyewitnesses.
- Request a copy of the police report.
- As you proceed with your car accident claim, keep copies of medical reports, pay stubs, and other relevant documents.
Report the Crash to the Proper Authorities
Call your car insurance provider to report the crash. Missouri law also requires motorists to report any car accident within 30 days if:
- Any owner or operator is uninsured
- Anybody is injured
- Someone is killed
- There is more than $500 in property damage
Call a Trustworthy Kansas City Attorney
Knowing what to do and how best to proceed after a crash can be intimidating and confusing. The attorneys at Foster Wallace are well-experienced in many types of car accidents. We can help answer any questions you may have and guide you throughout the claims process. This can include identifying liable parties, collecting evidence, and advocating on your behalf with insurance. We will represent your interests in court if needed, but many cases settle before trial.
File a Claim to Recover Damages
With the assistance of your lawyer, you can file an accident claim. Your attorney will calculate the total damages to represent the full value of your case better. Especially with more disastrous intersection accidents, it’s crucial to maximize your potential compensation.
A Johnson County mother of three was struck at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 55th Street in Kansas City. She worked with Foster Wallace to secure a policy limit settlement of $100,000.
Continue With Treatment and Rehabilitation
A major reason why some car accident injury claims are denied is because victims are accused of exaggerating their injuries. By following your doctor’s orders and sticking with treatment, you demonstrate that you are taking your injuries seriously.
Hiring a Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer
To improve your chances of a positive outcome, it’s important to hire the right legal representation. A personal injury lawyer experienced in intersection car accident claims can guide you through the ins and outs of this process. A local Kansas City attorney will understand how Missouri laws apply, like comparative negligence with partial fault.
When you secure the legal services of Foster Wallace, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. We will advocate for your best interests in every way that we can.
