Related Links: Dangers of Uncontrolled Intersections in Sarasota Stop Signs and Red Lights: Do They Really Make Intersections Safer? |
Drivers of automobiles typically rely on stop lights and signs to tell them when to stop and when to proceed through an intersection. While many intersection accidents still occur due to negligent drivers, drunk drivers, and distracted drivers, traffic control devices often help navigate drivers through intersections without crashing.
While uncontrolled intersections don’t have traffic control devices to guide drivers through intersections, drivers are supposed to follow the right-of-way rules. In Florida, the driver to the left is supposed to yield to the driver on the right when both cars approach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to yield or are confused when entering an uncontrolled intersection.
Confusion surrounding uncontrolled intersections has led to many traffic accidents that have caused serious and even fatal injuries. Some catastrophic injuries that have occurred at uncontrolled intersections include:
- Herniated discs
- Internal organ injuries
- Nerve damage
- Chest injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fatal injuries
Because of the nature of uncontrolled intersection accidents, most crashes result in T-bone collisions. When a T-bone or side-impact crash occurs, the driver in the vehicle that is hit by the front of the other car often suffers serious upper body injuries. This is because most vehicles have very little protection on the side and don’t have the side-impact resistance needed to keep drivers safe in a T-bone crash.
If you have been injured in an intersection accident in a residential neighborhood in Sarasota, chances are you may be a victim of an uncontrolled intersection accident. If you believe another driver failed to yield the right-of-way to you, you may have a claim for damages. To learn about your legal rights to pursuing a personal injury claim, request a free copy of our book, What You Need to Know After a Florida Auto, Truck, or Bike Accident.