Every day in Texas, drivers approach intersections trusting that other motorists will follow traffic signals and yield the right of way. But in an instant, a distracted driver running a red light or an impatient driver making an illegal turn can shatter that trust.
Intersection accidents often involve multiple vehicles and complex questions of liability, leaving victims struggling to prove fault while dealing with serious injuries. If you are involved in one of these collisions, a McAllen car accident attorney can help cut through the confusion, gathering the evidence necessary to prove fault and secure the compensation that you deserve.
How Do Accidents Happen at Intersections?
Intersections bring together multiple streams of traffic moving in different directions, which create environments for danger. Drivers must remain alert and follow traffic signals while watching for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles approaching from various angles. Even a moment of distraction or poor judgment can lead to devastating consequences.
Common causes of intersection accidents include:
- Running red lights
- Failing to yield
- Distracted driving
- Speeding through yellow lights
- Improper left turns
- Drunk driving
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Brake failures
- Driver fatigue
- Aggressive driving
Who Pays for an Intersection Accident in Texas?
In Texas, anyone who causes a road accident is financially responsible for any damages that can occur. Multiple parties may bear responsibility for an intersection accident. The at-fault driver usually carries primary liability when their negligent actions cause a crash, such as running a red light or making an illegal turn.
However, liability doesn’t stop there. Vehicle manufacturers may share responsibility if defective parts contributed to the accident. For example, if faulty brakes prevented a driver from stopping at a red light, the manufacturer could face liability for resulting damages. Similarly, parts suppliers and maintenance companies may be responsible if their negligence leads to mechanical failures.
Government entities responsible for intersection maintenance and traffic control can also face liability. If malfunctioning traffic signals, poor road design, missing signs, or inadequate maintenance created dangerous conditions that contributed to the crash, the relevant city, county, or state agency may be financially responsible.
Calculating Damages in Intersection Accident Claims
Intersection accidents often result in both economic and non-economic damages, both of which you can recover in an insurance claim or lawsuit. Economic damages include measurable losses like medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and future medical care needs. These damages can be calculated using documentation like medical records, pay stubs, and expert testimony about future treatment requirements.
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. While these damages are more challenging to quantify, a McAllen personal injury attorney will understand how to demonstrate their full value through medical documentation, expert testimony, and compelling evidence about how your injuries impact your daily life.
Schedule a Free Case Review with De La Garza Law Firm
If you are the victim of an intersection accident, you deserve legal representation. When multiple vehicles and complex liability issues are involved, you especially need an advocate who can protect your interests.
De La Garza Law Firm has successfully handled numerous intersection accident cases and knows how to prove your right to fair compensation. Contact us at (956) 533-1426 today for a free case evaluation and learn how our Texas car accident lawyers can fight for you.