On urban and suburban roads with high volumes of traffic, intersection accidents can pose a great risk to drivers. The vast majority of intersection accidents take place because one of the drivers failed to yield the right-of-way. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an intersection accident, you need to reach out to a reputable Syracuse car accident attorney without delay. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, we will work diligently to do what is in your best interest after an intersection accident.
An intersection, also sometimes known as a crossroads, typically involves a crossing over of two streets or roads. Traffic accidents often take place at intersections because many vehicles are traveling in different directions at the same time. If any traffic laws are disobeyed or lights are ignored, the risk of accidents can increase significantly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40 percent of all car accident deaths in the United States every year involve drivers running a red light, failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection, or driving through a stop sign.
The NHTSA found that the following driver mistakes frequently led to accidents at intersections:
- Drivers making improper left turns at intersections;
- Trying to rush through a yellow light;
- Distracted driving; and
- Rolling through stop signs.
Unfortunately, intersection accidents are not just dangerous for motorists, but they can also seriously injure bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an intersection accident that was not your fault, you can typically recover damages from the at-fault party through a negligence claim. In New York, negligence occurs when a person causes injuries or losses by failing to use the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would have used under the same or similar circumstances. In order to win a negligence claim, the plaintiff must prove the following: i) the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care; ii) the defendant breached the duty of care owed to the plaintiff; and iii) the defendant’s breach was a direct cause of the intersection accident and the plaintiff’s resulting harm.
Personal injury claims, like all other claims, must be filed within a certain time frame, known as the statute of limitations. In New York, plaintiffs typically have three years from the date of the accident or injury to file a claim in civil court. Failing to file within this deadline could mean being permanently barred from seeking compensation altogether.
If you have been injured in an intersection accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation from that party. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our skilled Syracuse car accident attorneys can meticulously evaluate the facts of your case and determine the viability of your claim. Our team has many years of experience in handling intersection car accident claims and can help you resolve your case in an effective manner. We take on clients from New Hartford, Rochester, Oneida, Watertown, Cortland, and Oswego. For a free case evaluation, do not hesitate to call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online.
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