Intersections can be crowded and sometimes confusing for the various people who are traveling from one place to the next – including bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers of trucks and cars. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration revealed that more than 50 percent of the combined total of fatal and injury crashes occur at or near intersections. What causes such a high rate of accidents at intersections?
According to a recent news report, a car crash in Germantown, Maryland led to one fatality and three people injured. The collision involved a truck and a Jeep, where a Ford was traveling southbound when a Jeep turned left. The Jeep struck the Ford F250 at the intersection. A man who was a passenger in the jeep was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the jeep was transported to a local hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver and passengers of the truck were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. According to photos tweeted by the county’s fire rescue Chief, a truck appeared to have crashed through a fence in the front yard of a house. The investigation into what led to the crash is still ongoing.
What are Some of the Reasons for Intersection Collisions?
Although intersection collisions can happen for a myriad of reasons, some of the common reasons include having an obstructed view of the area which may prevent a driver from having a full line of vision, illegally running a red light, illegally making a turn at the wrong time, miscalculating the movement decisions of other drivers, and distracted driving. There are some tips that drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists can follow to help keep themselves and others safe when at an intersection.
Drivers should be sure to look around their surroundings to see if any pedestrians or bicyclists are near, and should be sure to safely yield to them. Pedestrians may be attempting to cross the intersection and should be sure to do so at a crosswalk when traffic signals and the surroundings suggest that it is safe to cross. In addition, in roundabouts, drivers should be sure to yield to vehicles that are already in the traffic circle. These are just a few of the tips that can help keep road users safe, and drivers should be sure to properly assess the circumstances before proceeding through an intersection. If you have been injured in a car collision at an intersection, connect with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Are You in Need of a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you or someone you love has recently been injured in a Maryland motor vehicle accident and are in need of a personal injury lawyer, contact the skilled lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. Our attorneys have years of experience handling some of the most complex cases and are dedicated and ready to help you recover the damages you deserve. It can be tricky to know exactly which steps to take in a personal injury lawsuit, but having an attorney on your side who can help you figure out the best plan of action can go a long way. To schedule a no-obligation, free initial consultation, call us today at 800-654-1949.