According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), approximately half of all traffic injuries and a quarter of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. occur as a result of intersection collisions. If you have suffered serious harm due to the negligence of another driver in an intersection accident on Long Island or in any of the five boroughs of New York City, now is the time to contact Kohan Law Group.
Our Manhasset attorneys have a strong track record when it comes to defending the rights of individuals who have been injured in car accidents and are well-prepared to defend yours. We know how life-altering collisions can be, and how costly — physically, emotionally, and financially. For this reason, we will evaluate your intersection collision case at no cost and charge you no attorneys’ fees until we win meaningful compensation for you and your family.
This content is designed to help you understand various types of intersections, the causes of intersection accidents, different kinds of intersection collisions, and the injuries suffered by motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. It will also cover the services our skilled legal team offers to provide you with a successful outcome and the damages we will fight to win.
Types of Intersections on New York Roads
One of the things that makes Long Island and New York City intersections complex and sometimes confusing is that there are many different types of intersections, crossed by a broad range of vehicles and individuals. Types of intersections here include those with:
- Crossing islands
- Recessed crossings
- Side paths
- Raised crossings
- All-way stops
- Roundabouts
- Left-turn arrows
- Passenger cross signs
- Crossing lights
Although many intersections are designed specifically to prevent accidents, there is always increased risk where cars, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians (including children, elderly persons, people pushing strollers, and individuals with walkers, canes or wheelchairs) are all crossing.
How Intersection Collisions Are Classified
Unfortunately, there are also a number of types of intersection collisions, including:
T-Bone Collisions
Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone collisions typically occur when one car is turning, and the other is going straight, resulting in one vehicle smashing into the side of the other at a right angle.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle stops for a stop sign or traffic light, but the one behind is moving too quickly and/or hasn’t left enough room between cars to stop in time, crashing into the car in front.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions usually occur when one vehicle crosses into the opposing traffic lane and hits an oncoming car. This can happen when the offending vehicle is trying to pass or otherwise maneuver illegally at an intersection, especially one where construction is in progress.
Causes of Intersection Collisions
Several negligence factors may contribute to intersection collisions:
Failure to Yield
This type of collision is particularly dangerous when the victim is a pedestrian or cyclist without the heavy metal of a car to protect them. Any driver who fails to yield when the law requires it can be held liable.
Speeding
Driving above the speed limit always reduces reaction time. An action like speeding through a red light can be catastrophic.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous since, in many ways, it is like driving blindfolded. Whether the distracted driver is texting, talking on the phone, eating a sandwich, or reaching for the glove compartment, it only takes seconds of distraction to result in an intersection collision.
Impaired Driving
Nowhere is it safe to drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. Entering an intersection with slowed reaction time and poor judgment is always a terrible idea.
Bad Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, ice, sun glare, strong winds, or fog often cause or contribute to intersection collisions. Not only can inclement weather make it difficult to see or to stop or control a vehicle, but traffic signals and signs may be obscured or malfunction due to the elements, leaving drivers at a loss.
Injuries Resulting from Intersection Collisions
Intersection collisions can result in severe injuries, including:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Head and traumatic brain injuries (TMIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage or loss
Make no mistake. If you have suffered a serious injury in an intersection collision caused by another party, whether that party was a driver, a government agency in charge of maintaining the roads, or a car manufacturer whose product was defective, you are legally entitled to damages. Kohan Law Group is determined to fight for your right to receive it, either during aggressive negotiations or during tactical litigation.
How Our Sharp Lawyers Prove Negligence or Recklessness
Once you become our client, we will work hard and long to prove your claim by:
- Listening carefully to your account of the accident
- Investigating the intersection at which the collision occurred
- Gathering evidence, witness testimony, and surveillance footage
- Examining police reports and medical records
- Consulting with medical and accident reconstruction experts
Each of these steps will provide us with the information we need to create a winning strategy, negotiate skillfully with opposing attorneys, and litigate forcefully if your case goes to court. Our consultation with experts is especially critical because they may well be able to testify convincingly on your behalf.
Damages We Will Fight to Recover
We will craft our case to address the nature and severity of your injury, fighting to bring you the resources you need for your particular accident-related expenses, including:
- Ongoing medical costs
- Lost income, present and future
- Property damage or loss
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Replacement services
- Wrongful death costs (final medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial and emotional support in case of wrongful death claim)
Even If You Bear Some Blame for the Accident, Kohan Law Group Can Help
Even if you were partially responsible for the intersection collision, for instance, if you were making an illegal turn when the other car went through a red light and hit you, we can still recover damages under New York’s comparative negligence law. Our attorneys will work diligently to minimize your share of fault and maximize your compensation. You should be aware, however, that if you are found to be 20 percent at fault, you will receive 80 percent of the amount awarded by the court.
Contact Our Talented Car Accident Attorneys Today
At Kohan Law Group, we are determined to advocate for your rights and secure a just outcome for you and your family. In addition to being professional and persuasive, our experienced lawyers are compassionate. Contact us to be treated with the kindness and respect you deserve and to have the best chance of receiving maximum damages.