Intersection Accidents

Street intersections are often the sites of major injury crashes. It is all too common for drivers to speed through traffic lights or stop signs, and fail to yield to the right-of-way, which can cause serious intersection accidents. Driver negligence is the most common cause of intersection crashes in Oklahoma.

Common forms of driver negligence that can result in an intersection accident include:

• Speeding: It is difficult to stop in time for a red light or stop sign if you are exceeding the speed limit.
• Drunk Driving: Motorists who are under the influence are more likely to make poor decisions at a street intersection including breaking the rules of the road.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are on their cell phones are much more likely to miss changes in the flow of traffic or a changed traffic light. Distracted drivers are also prone to entering an intersection when it is not safe to do so.
• Failure to Yield: Many Oklahoma accidents are the direct result of a failure on the part of motorists to properly yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and other motorists. All drivers must not only obey traffic control devices, but also the right-of-way laws.

Drivers are not, however, responsible for all intersection accidents. Some intersections are inherently dangerous due to their design or upkeep. Victims of Oklahoma intersection accidents can pursue financial compensation from the party responsible for causing their injuries and trauma. A skilled Oklahoma intersection auto accident attorney can help a victim seek support for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

One person was hospitalized in an Oklahoma City motorcycle accident involving a collision between a motorcycle and a truck. According to a KOCO news report, the motorcycle accident occurred near the intersection of Northeast 23rd Street and North Coltrane Road in Oklahoma City. Officials are looking into whether the motorcycle drove into the truck. One of the motorists was transported to a nearby hospital. It is not clear how the accident occurred or how it could have been prevented.

Any time an intersection accident occurs, investigators will have to determine if either motorist failed to obey the posted traffic control device. According to Oklahoma Statute 11-201: “The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the provisions of this act, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer.”

Was either motorist driving distracted before the collision? Was one of the drivers exceeding the speed limit and unable to stop at the intersection? Was alcohol a contributing factor in the accident? These are some of the questions that must be asked following an injury accident. If it is determined that one of the motorists was careless or reckless before the collision, then he or she can be held liable for the injuries suffered by the victim. In such cases, a skilled car accident attorney can help pursue compensation for medical bills, hospitalization costs, lost wages, the cost of rehabilitation services, and other related damages.

The experienced Oklahoma intersection accident lawyers at Maples Law Firm help injured victims of Oklahoma City car accidents get fair compensation for their losses. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an Oklahoma accident, please call our offices at (888) 226-6159 for a free consultation.