Intersection Accidents in Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth attorney with decades of experience
While the typical roadway involves traffic in only two directions, intersections can be complex. Most intersections can be four-way or more, especially in cities like Fort Worth and Dallas. Intersection accidents are often caused by negligence or illegal maneuvers by one or more drivers. These car accidents can happen when motorists run traffic signals or stop signs, irresponsibly makes side street turns, or fail to yield the right of way to other drivers.
If the negligence of another driver caused your intersection accident, you need a Fort Worth car accident attorney with decades of legal knowledge and experience handling such claims. Attorney Coby L. Wooten will gladly investigate the cause of your accident and work to hold responsible parties accountable. His case results speak for themselves. Contact Wooten today and find out how we can help you.
Types of intersection accidents in Fort Worth
Since vehicles travel in multiple directions, intersection accidents can be complex. In many cases, multiple vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists can be involved. Common intersection accidents include:
- T-bone and broadside accidents: Side-impact collisions can happen when a driver runs a traffic light or stop sign and hits another vehicle. In T-bone and broadside accidents, fault can be attributed to the driver who gets hit.
- Head-on collisions: These types of accidents are very rare, but can be catastrophic. A head-on collision can occur at an intersection when a driver hits the front end of a left-turning vehicle.
- Rear-end collisions: These accidents can happen when a driver hits a vehicle making a right turn out of a side street. Rear-end collisions can also happen at traffic lights and stop signs, when a driver fails to stop.
- Sideswipes: When more than one vehicle is turning at a time, a negligent move can result in a sideswipe. These accidents are caused by poor lane departure, but can happen at intersections where more than one lane turns in a specific direction.
- Pedestrian and bicyclist accidents: A driver who fails to yield at an intersection can cause a severe accident with a pedestrian or bicyclist. In some cases, a pedestrian or bicyclist who crosses an intersection without the right of way can be at fault for causing an accident.
- Left-turn accidents: Left-turn accidents at intersections are among the most common and dangerous collisions. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a green arrow. However, many left-turn crashes happen when a driver misjudges the speed of an oncoming vehicle or attempts to turn quickly on a yellow light.
What causes intersection accidents in Fort Worth?
Intersection accidents happen for several reasons, often involving driver negligence or failure to follow traffic laws. Some of the most common causes include:
- Running a red light or yellow light: Drivers who ignore traffic signals put others at risk, often causing T-bone or broadside collisions.
- Failing to yield the right of way: Many crashes happen when drivers turn left without yielding to oncoming traffic or fail to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Speeding through intersections: Driving too fast reduces reaction time, making it harder to stop for signals, other vehicles, or pedestrians.
- Distracted driving: Looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, or being otherwise inattentive can lead to missing traffic signals or failing to see crossing traffic.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use affects reaction time and judgment, increasing the likelihood of intersection crashes.
- Unsafe lane changes or improper turns: Drivers who change lanes mid-turn, misjudge gaps in traffic, or make illegal U-turns can cause sideswipes and other collisions.
- Following too closely: Rear-end crashes often happen at intersections when drivers fail to leave enough space to stop safely.
Who’s at fault in intersection accidents in Fort Worth?
Determining fault in an intersection accident depends on several factors, including traffic laws, signals, and driver behavior. In many cases, the driver who failed to yield the right of way is at fault. However, multiple parties can share liability, making these cases more complicated.
Insurance companies will often try to shift blame to avoid paying claims, especially in multi-car accidents. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness statements can help establish who was responsible.
If you were involved in an intersection accident, attorney Coby L. Wooten can help build a strong case to prove fault and hold negligent drivers accountable.
What if I was hit as a pedestrian crossing the street?
Pedestrian accidents at intersections are often severe due to the lack of protection pedestrians have. Many of these crashes happen when a driver fails to yield at a crosswalk, is distracted, or makes an illegal maneuver. Common scenarios include drivers turning right on red without checking for pedestrians, running a light, or speeding through a crosswalk area.
Texas law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections where traffic signals are present. However, pedestrians must also obey traffic signals and cross only when permitted. If a pedestrian crosses against a red light or outside of a crosswalk, they may share some fault for the accident. Determining liability often depends on traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and crash scene evidence.
If you were hit while crossing the street, Attorney Coby L. Wooten can investigate your case, determine fault, and work to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
Left-turn accidents: Left-turn accidents at intersections are among the most common and dangerous collisions. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a green arrow. However, many left-turn crashes happen when a driver misjudges the speed of an oncoming vehicle or attempts to turn quickly on a yellow light.
Fort Worth attorneys you can trust
After an intersection accident, determining who was at fault can take a thorough investigation. In some situations, fault can be determined by the location of damage. Whether the vehicle has damage to the side or back, it can be a helpful clue in finding out who was responsible for the accident. Cross-referencing witness statements and, when available, video footage can also help get to the bottom of what happened.
Intersection accidents with more than one vehicle involved can result in multiple claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurance company will go to great lengths to keep their costs down, which includes evading compensation to victims.
That’s why you need the advice of an auto accident attorney experienced at handling complex intersection accidents in the Fort Worth and Dallas area. Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law will fight to hold negligent parties accountable for causing your intersection accident. In the event of a crash, contact our legal team for a free case evaluation, or call our Fort Worth office at 817-632-8400.