Foremost Causes of Intersection Mishaps in New York City

Foremost Causes of Intersection Mishaps in New York City

Nowhere is immune to crash occurrences worldwide. However, an intersection is one of the most dangerous places for an accident on a roadway. When vehicles turn, they can tumble to the other side of the road. 

“When you know the main causes of accidents, you are informed and know how to act proactively,” says personal injury attorney Neal Goldstein of Goldstein & Bashner. Also, if you are involved in an intersection accident in Queens, you will know the legal steps to take—Information well-used can help you.

This article delves into the leading causes of vehicle accidents in Queens:

Four Causes of Intersection Vehicle Crashes in Queens

If you regularly drive around Queens or anywhere in New York, you would have probably seen an impatient driver attempting to “make” the light while stopped at an intersection. That is aggressive driving behavior, and it is responsible for two-thirds of all traffic-related deaths in the US. 

Many motorists in the US like driving aggressively, contributing to intersection accidents. 

The main causes of intersection accidents in Queens and many other jurisdictions in the US include:

Impaired Driving

Those who get behind the wheel after consuming a toxic substance risk their lives and those of other road users. They can cause a fatal crash at an intersection. Also, avoid driving when tired or absent-minded. 

Driving requires mindfulness. You must be awake to the activity and have a sound mind. If you cannot ascertain your sanity or you have just finished drinking, avoid driving for the safety of all.

Aggressive Driving

Driving aggressively entails being careless about how you operate your car. Aggressive drivers make risky decisions without minding the effect on others on the road. They barge as if the entire highway belongs to them.

Aggressive drivers are only focused on themselves. For instance, you will see them speeding without minding running into others. They run at a red light and cause other traffic breaches. 

Inexperienced Driving

It is risky to start driving around town when your driving skill is still poor. Some drivers cause accidents at intersections due to inexperience. They cannot correctly navigate intersections, risking the lives of others. 

An intersection is one of the places that will quickly give you out if you are an inexperienced driver. If you are still perfecting your driving skills, it is advisable to limit your driving to your neighborhood until you get better. 

Poor Design of Intersection

Sometimes, the authorities are responsible for an intersection accident. They contribute to the over two million crashes at intersections across the country annually. 

A poorly designed intersection is a time bomb. An intersection is regarded as a hazard if it poses an unreasonable level of danger to pedestrians and motorists. Other elements include obstructed or poor visibility and malfunctioning traffic signals. 

A malfunctioning traffic light can lead to a collision between two vehicles. It can also make a pedestrian walk confidently into the road while signaling green for an oncoming vehicle. 

You can liaise with your attorney to sue any responsible party for your losses. It can be an individual or an institution. You hold them liable for your injuries and losses. Your injury attorney let them understand that their irresponsibility causes injuries and damages. 

Types of Queens Intersection Vehicle Crashes

Intersection vehicle accidents can happen differently in different areas across New York City. The New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (NYVTL) highlights clear liability issues for several intersection car crashes. 

Below are the typical types of intersection accidents in Queens:

Left-Turn Mishaps 

Many motorists make a left-turn decision at an intersection based on the speed limit of the vehicle in front of them. However, the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law mandates that a motorist trying to make a left-hand turn at an intersection must yield to all other traffic. 

Lack of Adherence 

According to Section 1140 of the New York Vehicle Traffic Law, all vehicles must adhere to the right of all rules and allow every other vehicle to pass until it gets to its turn. 

Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign or a Red Light 

Disobedient and aggressive drivers always run a red light unexpectedly. Some even roll through a stop sign without a blink, which clearly violates the NYVTL. 

U-Turn at Intersections 

Some drivers dangerously make a U-Turn at intersections in city blocks where structures hinder visibility. The NYVTL is against this deadly action. 

Speeding 

The NYVTL frowns against moving beyond the recommended speed limit. You must be more cautious when approaching an intersection. Speeding into an intersection is a suicide mission.

Improper Lane Change

It is unlawful to improperly change lanes in many instances. Do not leave the lane until you have ascertained its safety, especially at an intersection. 

Rear-End Collisions

You are primarily at fault when you hit another vehicle from the back. The best way to minimize rear-ending another motorist is to reduce your speed when approaching an intersection. 

Ensure your brake lights are on to notify the cars behind of speed reduction. By so doing, you show that you care about the safety of every road user. 

How Liability Works in Queens Intersection Vehicle Mishaps

When you cross a vehicle’s lane, you are crossing the right of way of the given car. You mostly rely on your actions and judgment to control lane crossing, as traffic control devices do not control it. You must learn how to prioritize your safety and that of others without relying on an external device.

Despite many people being aware of the need to drive safely around intersections, people increasingly sustain severe injuries or die wrongfully in intersection crashes in Queens. When you suffer injuries or lose a loved one to an avoidable intersection vehicle accident, you need to speak to a lawyer to devise ways to recover compensation. The attorney will assess your case to determine its viability. 

Never Neglect the Need for an Attorney

Sometimes, people downplay the need for an attorney in their accident injury cases. They allow insurance adjusters to trick them into negotiations without an attorney’s guidance. This move is dangerous and can eventually backfire. 

A legal representative understands the impact of intersection vehicle accidents on their victims. The accident can be more devastating when it involves a truck or other large vehicles. Your attorney will develop potent strategies to recover damages from the at-fault party(ies). 

Your attorney understands that the compensation does not come cheaply. You have to put in the work to get the needed output. It is a long legal battle that demands your cooperation.