Miami Intersection Accidents

Intersections are one of the most common locations for serious Miami car accidents. Drivers who fail to yield right-of-way or fail to obey traffic signals put Florida motorists at great risk of injury. Anyone injured in a Florida car accident may have an uphill battle against opposing testimony or insurance companies that routinely deny claims. In such cases, victims would be well-advised to speak with an experienced Miami personal injury attorney to discuss their legal options.

One of the most common causes of Florida intersection accidents is a failure to properly stop at a red light. Florida Statute 316.075 states: "Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown."

There are many potential causes of a Florida intersection accident. A few of the most common causes for intersection collisions are:

• Distracted Driver: Looking at a cell phone to make a phone call or send a text message means that you are not looking at the road. Distracted driving is a growing problem in Florida, and it leads to numerous accidents every day. Distracted drivers are especially likely to make a mistake at a street intersection.
• Fatigued Driving: Recent studies have shown that fatigued driving can be as dangerous as drunken driving.
• Poorly Designed Intersections: Some intersections are more dangerous than others. Some intersections have limited visibility issues or are poorly designed. In such cases, the governing body in charge of the design and upkeep of the intersection may be held accountable for the damages.
• Excessive Speeding: Florida Statute 316.183 makes it illegal to break the speed limit. Drivers who excessively speed have an increased risk of not being able to stop at an intersection.
• Drunk Driving: Florida Statute 316.193 makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 percent or more. Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have an increased chance of causing an intersection accident.
• Auto Part Defect: A faulty brake system or defective tire could lead to a serious intersection collision. In such cases, the manufacturer at fault for the defect may be held liable for the damages instead of the driver.

Victims of intersection accidents may file a personal injury claim to hold the at-fault party civilly liable for the damages. A successful claim will help a victim recover all losses directly resulting from the collision. Common losses that may be compensated include hospital bills, therapy fees, time away from work, physical pain, and mental anguish. An experienced attorney can help the victims of negligent drivers understand their rights and the amount of compensation that may be available to them.

The Miami personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Ruth E. Johnson fight for injured victims and their legal rights. We understand the substantial financial burden a serious auto accident can have on a family. We always offer free and comprehensive consultations to injured victims or their families. Call us today to find out how we can help.