The many reasons that motorists are struck at intersections

Crashes at intersections are quite common. In fact, according to the United States Department of Transportation, as many as 43 percent of all accidents may occur at them. Between crossing through them or turning right or left, there are many opportunities for motorists to crash into one another.

One reason motorists get T-boned at intersections is because they see approaching traffic much later than they should have. In some cases, they may miss an approaching motorist because another car is blocking their view of it. Other T-bone accidents occur because of poor visibility, especially if it’s early in the morning, late at night or if traffic is heavy.

Accidents that happen at intersections can also be blamed on poor road design. One study conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently showed that T-bone accidents can be reduced by as much as 32 percent if road designers simply add left turn lanes. If traffic lights were to be placed at some intersections instead of stop signs, then it’s possible that by doing so, crash rates would be reduced as well.

Other crashes are caused by motorists driving too fast for conditions. Weather can affect response times and poor lighting can impact visibility. A motorist may think that another driver is going slower than they actually are and move forward in making a turn. This is often when they get struck.

Distractions, whether from phones or as a driver talks with their passenger, can also take a motorist’s eyes and mind off the road. This can cause them to run a red light, drive faster than they should, strike a bicyclist or blow a stop sign.

While intersections are quite unsafe, interstates can be as well. A motorist may not adjust their speed as they get closer to a construction zone, crashing into others. Interstate entrance and exit ramps may be poorly placed causing motorists to merge into heavy or speeding traffic.

Fortunately, there’s compensation available for those harmed by hazardous roadway design. In learning more about your accident, a Tampa attorney can let you know what you may be entitled to receive.