One of the most common locations for Chattanooga motor-vehicle accidents is at an intersection. Intersections may have traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs, or no type of traffic device at all. Regardless of the structure of the intersection, many people fail to heed traffic lights and signs as well as fail to follow right-of-way laws. This is often the case for drivers who are distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Traffic signals and right-of-way laws are in place so that every motorist may travel safely, but, unfortunately, driver negligence and/or recklessness continues to cause intersection auto accidents in Tennessee.
NHTSA Intersection Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 1,074,000 intersection car accidents nationwide in 2009. Another 1,136,000 were intersection related. Of the over 1 million intersection crashes:
- 188,000 had no traffic control device
- 478,000 had a traffic signal
- 362,000 had a stop sign
- 46,000 had other or unknown traffic devices
- 659,000 caused property damage only
- 409,000 caused injury
- 5,526 caused death
Intersection Car Crash Statistics
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, there were 150,496 auto accidents in 2008. Of these, 39,956 were Tennessee intersection accidents and 14,337 were intersection-related accidents. Davidson County had the highest number of intersection accidents at 6,026, followed by Knox County, which had 4,718.
Causes of Intersection Injuries
Common causes of intersection crashes in Tennessee include a driver’s failure to obey traffic devices, failure to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorists as well as failure to make a complete stop. Speeding through traffic lights and stop signs also plays its part. When a driver causes a Tennessee intersection car crash because they violated state traffic laws, they are not only subject to state penalties, but also civil actions.
Intersection Auto Accident Injuries
A Tennessee intersection accident, especially one that involves a big rig or a speeding driver, has the potential to cause serious injury. Rollover car accidents are common occurrences in Tennessee intersections when the crash involves a vehicle attempting to make a left-hand turn and can be deadly, especially if the occupants are not wearing their seat belt. Common Tennessee intersection accident injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
Other internal trauma may also result. Any injury requires medical attention, and some may require long-term medical care involving doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medication, and rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy. These medical services are often necessary for an injured victim to fully recover, and, unfortunately, they also usually require a substantial financial commitment that the victim and their insurance may not be able to handle.
How a Chattanooga Intersection Accident Attorney Can Help
A driver who causes a Chattanooga traffic intersection accident because they break traffic laws, or operate their vehicle in a negligent or reckless manner, may be held liable for the losses of injured victims. At Massey & Associates, PC, our skilled Chattanooga car accident lawyers can help you and your family decide on whether filing a personal injury claim is the best course of legal action for your situation.
