Manhattan Intersection Accident Attorneys

While driving toward an intersection, many of us may relax since we’re often slowing down due to traffic congestion or a red light. Unfortunately, that’s a mistake since over fifty percent (50%) of all fatal and serious injury accidents occur in (or very near) intersections. Instead, we should be on alert — carefully scanning our environment for potential traffic dangers.

Drivers passing through Manhattan quickly learn that major intersections close to the Lincoln Tunnel’s entrance can be very dangerous. The area around West 40th Street and Eighth Avenue is also quite challenging – along with the intersections in Manhattan’s financial district.

Here’s a brief overview of the unique hazards posed by many intersections, the factors that most often cause traffic collisions in these areas – and a look at the types of evidence our office must often gather while establishing the defendant’s fault in a Manhattan intersection accident.

Why do so many drivers find it difficult to safely navigate their way through intersections?

The U. S. Department of Transportation, the Institute of Transportation Engineers and other experts remind us that intersections are created points of conflict. They’re designed to help us keep moving forward among other vehicles — or make turns so we can easily reach our various destinations.

Although they’re critical to intersection safety, many drivers find it difficult to obey all the traffic signals located at intersections. However, roadway design engineers work very hard to be sure all signals are properly timed so that all vehicles and pedestrians can minimize their vulnerabilities.

Because they’re so distracted, many drivers may not even notice the stop signs at some intersections – or they foolishly assume that no one will notice if they run a stop sign.

After intersection accidents happen, roadway engineers, law enforcement and other professionals analyze the data gathered. They then try to decide if any intersection design or signal light changes might help improve safety.

The following material reviews the human behaviors and choices that frequently increase the dangers for vehicles passing through Manhattan intersections.

Common causes of serious intersection accidents

• Purposefully refusing to abide by all traffic signs and signals;
• Making erratic changes in speed. As they approach a light that’s about to change, some nervous drivers suddenly speed up. This often proves very dangerous;
• Tailgating. If you’re following a vehicle through an intersection and your bumper is nearly touching that of the car in front of you — you’re probably tailgating;
• Refusal to yield the right of way. Drivers should never slip behind the wheel of any vehicle if they’re expecting all other cars and trucks to yield the right-of-way to them;
• Making forbidden turns. Always review posted signs regarding the hours when certain turns are allowed;
• Failing to properly time a left-hand turn – after carefully observing all other vehicles;
• Heavy tree foliage that prevents drivers from seeing area speed and stop signs;
• Quickly changing lanes without using a proper signal while approaching an intersection. It’s best to try and merge into another lane well ahead of reaching an intersection;
• Poor visibility due to severe weather including heavy rain or fog;
• The unusual complexity of the intersection itself. Many drivers become confused or panic when they see an extra roadway or freeway ramp located too close to an intersection;
• Driving distracted – by using your cell phone or other devices when you need to be keeping your eyes on the road and on all the other vehicles around you.

Once we accept your intersection accident lawsuit, our Manhattan personal injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and obtain the following types of evidence.

Materials that often help us prove your right to full compensation for all your injuries

• Police reports. These will often feature diagrams based on witness statements. They can often indicate which vehicle struck the other one first – and how the vehicles ended up in the intersection before being towed away;
• Witness statements. If you and your passengers don’t need to go to a hospital after an accident, it’s often wise to ask people who witnessed your accident if they’ll be willing to give a statement to an attorney on your behalf. Our investigators will also look for witnesses on your behalf;
• Cell phone records and documents indicating the recent use of social media;
• The black box recordings of the vehicle that hit you;
• Vehicle maintenance records;
• Blood and alcohol drug test results. These are often run right after an accident;
• Cell phone videos or photographs taken right after the accident. If you and your passengers aren’t critically injured, try to take pictures of each other’s accident injuries.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a Manhattan intersection accident, be sure to contact our personal injury law firm right away. We fight hard for all our clients. We’ll do all we can to win the maximum compensation available to reimburse you for all your lost earnings, medical costs and other related accident expenses.