Houston Intersection Car Accident Lawyer
Houston has thousands of road intersections, many of which are the most dangerous in Texas. Houston intersections are notoriously congested and often difficult to navigate. Each year, Houston and Harris County have almost 70,000 vehicle accidents. That is about 190 vehicle accidents each and every day of the year. Many of these intersection car accidents happen in the thousands of intersections in Harris County.
Where Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Houston, Harris County?
The Texas Department of Transportation tracks car accidents in Texas. Also, University of Houston professors and students recently studied Houston traffic data to find the most dangerous neighborhood intersections in Houston. The 10 most dangerous intersections are:
1. Pease Street and Fannin Street (59 crashes)
2. Bissonnet Street and Westchester Avenue (41 crashes)
3. Main Street and Montrose Boulevard (Mecom Fountain Roundabout) (39 crashes)
4. FM 1960 and W. Lake Houston Parkway (39 crashes)
5. S. Gessner Road and Westpark Drive (39 crashes)
6. Spencer Road and Highway 6 (37 crashes)
7. Highway 6 and Bellaire Boulevard (37 crashes)
8. Treaschwig Road and FM 1960 (36 crashes)
9. Clay Road and Barker Cypress Road (36 crashes)
10. Highway 6 and Westheimer Road (36 crashes)
Why Are Some Intersections More Dangerous Than Others?
An Intersection car accident can be caused by many reasons. The intersection design may be complicated. Or, there may be too much traffic, which in turn leads to rushed traffic and driver inattention. There may also be poor visibility because the intersection is too short. Also, the intersection traffic lights may be poorly timed, which in turn causes multiple vehicles to be in the intersection at the same time.
What Are the Common Causes of An Intersection Car Accident?
Houston Intersection accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of factors. Some of the common causes of Houston intersection accidents include:
1. Failure to Yield Right of Way: One of the leading causes of intersection accidents is when a driver fails to yield the right of way to another vehicle or pedestrian as required by traffic laws and signs.
2. Distracted Driving: Drivers distracted by activities like texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or eating are less likely to notice traffic signals, stop signs, or pedestrians in crosswalks.
3. Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents, making it a common factor in intersection collisions.
4. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Some drivers intentionally or inadvertently run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs, leading to dangerous T-bone and side-impact collisions.
5. Left-Turn Accidents: Misjudging the timing of a left turn in front of oncoming traffic can result in head-on or side-impact collisions.
6. Right-Turn Accidents: Failing to yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists when making a right turn is another common cause of intersection accidents.
7. Driving Under the Influence: Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or medication can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction times, leading to accidents at intersections.
8. Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, or ice can reduce visibility and traction, making it more challenging to navigate intersections safely.
9. Inadequate Signage and Signal Visibility: Missing, damaged, or obscured traffic signs and signals can confuse drivers and lead to accidents.
10. Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, road rage, and excessive lane changing can create unsafe conditions at intersections.
11. Misjudging Speed and Distance: Drivers may misjudge the speed or distance of approaching vehicles, leading to collisions when turning or crossing the intersection.
12. Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced or young drivers may have difficulty making safe decisions at intersections, such as understanding right-of-way rules.
13. Fatigue: Drowsy drivers may have reduced attention and slower reaction times, increasing the risk of intersection accidents.
14. Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures, such as brake or steering issues, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in accidents at intersections.
15. Pedestrian and Cyclist Behavior: Pedestrians and cyclists who do not follow traffic rules or signal their intentions can contribute to intersection accidents.
What are The Common Types of Intersection Car Accidents?
An intersection car accident can take various forms, but some common types include:
1. Rear-End Collisions: These auto accidents occur when one vehicle hits the back of another vehicle, often due to sudden braking or distracted driving, at intersections with traffic signals or stop signs.
2. T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions: These occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, often at intersections with stop signs or when one driver fails to yield the right of way.
3. Angle Collisions: Angle collisions happen when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another at an angle, typically at intersections with traffic signals or stop signs. They can result from misjudging the timing of a left turn or running a red light.
4. Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles collide directly front-to-front. While they are more common on two-lane roads, they can also happen at intersections when a driver crosses the centerline or drives the wrong way.
5. Pedestrian Accidents and Bicycle Accidents: Intersections are often where pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable to accidents, such as being struck by turning vehicles or drivers failing to yield the right of way.
6. Multiple Vehicle Pileups: These can happen at busy intersections with high traffic volumes, especially during adverse weather conditions, as one collision can trigger a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles.
7. Right-Turn Crashes: These collisions occur when a vehicle turning right fails to yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists, resulting in accidents at intersections.
8. Left-Turn Accidents: Left-turn collisions happen when a vehicle turning left across the path of oncoming traffic misjudges the timing, fails to yield, or runs a red light.
9. U-Turn Collisions: These occur when a driver makes a U-turn in the middle of an intersection and collides with oncoming traffic.
10. Run-Through Accidents: Some drivers run through intersections without stopping at stop signs or red lights, causing accidents as they cross the path of other vehicles or pedestrians.
11. Confusion at Unmarked Intersections: At unmarked intersections, drivers may not be sure who has the right of way, leading to accidents when both vehicles move at the same time.
12. Failure to Yield Right of Way: Accidents often occur when one driver fails to yield the right of way to another vehicle, particularly at intersections with yield signs or when making a left turn.
These common intersection accidents can result from various factors, including driver error, distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, poor visibility, and adverse weather conditions. Adhering to traffic rules, staying alert, and practicing defensive driving can help reduce the risk of these accidents.
Do You Really Need a Houston Intersection Car Accident Lawyer to Investigate Your Case?
In any accident, it is important to make sure that you seek any necessary medical help. If the police arrive, they will survey the area, the intersection, the traffic lights, the traffic signs, and all traffic control devices. The police may also talk to any witnesses at the scene. The police may also investigate the traffic light sequence.
The police usually do a thorough investigation. As soon as possible, you should contact Molina Law Firm to begin the investigation regarding the cause of the accident. To get a thorough understanding of how the accident happened, Molina Law Firm will obtain the police report, take witness statements, investigate the light sequence, and take scene photos.
What makes us different?
The Molina Law Firm has been representing auto accident victims for over 20 years, helping them navigate the sometimes complex legal fight against corporations and ultimately insurance companies. Remember that when you retain Attorney Rick Molina, you pay nothing upfront and we only collect a percentage of the compensation you receive only when we have won your case. Don’t go against the insurance carriers alone. Attorney Rick Molina will aggressively represent you and fight on your behalf. We have the knowledge, resources, and experience to get you all the compensation you deserve for your loss, pain and suffering.
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car or truck accident, it is important that you get an experienced personal injury attorney to help you. Time is important. Contact us today!
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Common Types of Car Accidents
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