Tennessee Intersections Can Be Deadly for Motorists

One of the most common places for a Tennessee car accident to occur is at an intersection. All it takes is one person to fail to pay attention or ignore a roadway rule and – crash – vehicles collide, sometimes causing severe injury or even death.

Tennessee vehicle crash statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) help explain just how dangerous intersections can be. Here is the data for our state:

• There were a total of 1031 vehicle fatalities in 2010.
• There were 187 fatalities in intersection-related accidents in 2010, which was about 18% of all highway deaths.
• This number is up from 156 in 2009. But it is considerably lower than the 241 fatalities in 2006, when intersection accidents made up 23% of all vehicle crashes.
• About 50% of intersection accidents occur in cities; 30% in rural areas; however, rural crashes are more likely to be fatal due to higher rates of speed.

There are two basic types of intersection accidents:

Head-on impact: This occurs when two vehicles collide front to front, usually because one driver is in the wrong lane or crosses into oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions are considered the most dangerous and most likely fatal of all roadway accidents.

Side impact crash is also called a T-bone accident. This occurs when one vehicle crosses the path of an adjoining vehicle. Side impact accidents are the second most common cause of traffic fatalities, and occur when one car hits the side of another vehicle. Red light running is a typical cause of this type of accident. Also, when drivers enter the roadway from a driveway or parking lot or when a car backs into the road without looking, a side impact can happen.

There are many common reasons for intersection accidents, including:

• Lack of judgment: misjudged time for vehicles to clear intersections or misjudged speed and distance of oncoming vehicles.
• Failure to obey traffic signals and signs; red light running.
• Failure to use vehicle equipment including turn signals and mirrors.
• Failure to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles.
• Poor road conditions and/or debris in the roadway.
• Distractions.
• Turning from wrong lane.

Generally, the driver who did not exercise reasonable care or did not obey traffic signals or right of way laws will be found at fault in an intersection accident. If you have been injured in this type of collision, you might consider talking to a Memphis auto accident attorney about your legal options.

At Bailey & Greer, we offer a free consultation to anyone who is a victim of a serious intersection accident. Call us today toll-free at 901-680-9777 today to explore your options.